Matt Walsh Journeys Through the DEI Industry in “Am I Racist?" | 9.15.24
6Digest
Matt Walsh's new comedy film "Am I Racist?" delves into the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and its influence on American culture. The film follows Walsh's personal journey as he explores the anti-racist movement and interacts with prominent figures in the DEI field. Walsh highlights the transactional nature of the DEI industry, exposing the financial incentives for individuals who position themselves as anti-racist experts and the desperation of those seeking to prove their non-racist status. He describes the "Race to Dinner" phenomenon, where white women pay for "anti-racist" consultations, and his experience attending one of these dinners. The film features a controversial scene with Robin DiAngelo, author of "White Fragility," who participates in an anti-racist exercise. Walsh discusses DiAngelo's criticism of the film as a "Borat-style mockumentary" and defends its authenticity as a documentary. He also describes his experience posing as a DEI expert on local news channels, highlighting the lack of background checks and the ease with which he was able to promote his seminar. Walsh discusses the influence of DEI in American culture and the role of Vice President Kamala Harris in promoting the DEI agenda. He concludes by expressing optimism about the film's potential to resonate with audiences and its impact on the cultural conversation.
Outlines
The DEI Industry and "Am I Racist?"
This episode introduces Matt Walsh's new comedy film "Am I Racist?", which explores the DEI industry and its impact on American culture. The film features Walsh's personal journey towards anti-racism and his interactions with prominent figures in the DEI field.
The Transactional Nature of DEI
Matt Walsh discusses the inspiration behind the film, its comedic approach, and the transactional nature of the DEI industry. He highlights the financial incentives for individuals who position themselves as anti-racist experts and the desperation of those seeking to prove their non-racist status.
"Race to Dinner" and Robin DiAngelo
Walsh describes the "Race to Dinner" phenomenon, where white women pay Sarah Rao and Regina Jackson to call them racist. He discusses his experience attending one of these dinners and the role of Robin DiAngelo, author of "White Fragility," in the DEI industry.
DEI's Influence on American Culture
Walsh describes his experience posing as a DEI expert on local news channels, highlighting the lack of background checks and the ease with which he was able to promote his seminar. He discusses the influence of DEI in American culture and the role of Vice President Kamala Harris in promoting the DEI agenda.
Keywords
DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
DEI refers to a set of principles and practices aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable society. It encompasses efforts to address systemic inequalities and promote representation of marginalized groups.
Anti-racism
Anti-racism is an active effort to dismantle racism and its effects. It involves challenging racist ideologies, systems, and practices, and promoting equality and justice for all.
Systemic Racism
Systemic racism refers to the embedded and pervasive nature of racism within institutions, policies, and practices, leading to ongoing disparities and disadvantages for marginalized groups.
White Fragility
White fragility is a term coined by Robin DiAngelo to describe the discomfort and defensiveness that white people experience when confronted with issues of race and racism.
Mockumentary
A mockumentary is a film or television program that uses documentary-style techniques to present a fictional or satirical story. It often employs humor and exaggeration to highlight social issues or expose hypocrisy.
Racial Utopia
A racial utopia is an idealized vision of a society free from racism and racial inequality. It represents a goal towards which anti-racist efforts strive.
Q&A
What inspired Matt Walsh to make the film "Am I Racist?"
Walsh was inspired by the success of his previous film "What is a Woman?" and the growing cultural controversy surrounding race and the anti-racist industry, particularly DEI.
How does the film "Am I Racist?" expose the transactional nature of the DEI industry?
The film highlights the financial incentives for individuals who position themselves as anti-racist experts and the desperation of those seeking to prove their non-racist status, revealing a lucrative business built on addressing perceived racial guilt.
What is Robin DiAngelo's response to the film "Am I Racist?"
DiAngelo criticizes the film as a "Borat-style mockumentary" that humiliates and discredits anti-racist educators and activists. She claims to have donated the $15,000 she was paid for her appearance to a legal defense fund.
How does Matt Walsh respond to Robin DiAngelo's criticism of the film?
Walsh defends the film's authenticity as a documentary, arguing that it explores a real issue and features real people. He acknowledges using similar strategies to Sasha Baron Cohen but argues that his film is focused on punching up at academics and DEI experts, not average Americans.
Does Matt Walsh see any signs of a shift in the DEI momentum in America?
Walsh believes that the DEI industry is a narrow lane and that ignoring its proponents can lead to a more balanced approach to race relations. He cites the lack of awareness of DEI concepts among average Americans as evidence of a potential shift.
Show Notes
Diversity Equity and Inclusion has become a prominent force in American culture, becoming a standard implementation in everything from government, all the way to private companies. In this episode, we sit down with Matt Walsh to discuss how he seeks to expose the costly DEI industry in his new film “Am I Racist?”
Table of contents
United States
Missing from the interview was any discussion of the controversy such as in Sacramento, California, where theaters are stopping the film from being shown due to protest.