Former MSNBC host Joy Reid recently expressed a warning on a podcast, cautioning that the United States risks a decline akin to that of the Roman Empire if it fails to maintain and strengthen its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Drawing parallels between the ancient empire and the contemporary U.S., Reid suggested that a lack of diversity could be detrimental to the nation’s future.
“If you take that away and try to distill us just down to White folks, we’ll be like Europe, an aging, slowly dying former empire,” Reid stated, as reported by Fox News. Her comments come at a time when DEI programs in companies like Walmart and Target have experienced cutbacks, which Reid attributes to political shifts during the Trump administration. Reid's remarks have sparked a conversation on the corporate and political landscapes in relation to inclusion initiatives and the broader demographic shifts within the U.S.
Reid emphasized the changing demographics of the U.S., noting that the younger generation, specifically those under 20, are predominantly non-White. She highlighted that by 2045, it is projected that the United States will no longer have a White majority, transforming the country’s racial landscape significantly. Reid warned that businesses focusing primarily on White markets risk alienating a growing and increasingly diverse customer base.
The former TV host also compared the future of the U.S. to its Latin American neighbors, suggesting that the country will likely mirror the majority-brown populations of those regions. States such as Texas and California have already seen such demographic changes. Reid argued that racial and cultural diversity are essential to societal strength and corporate viability, cautioning that suppression of diversity could lead to societal collapse.
Throughout her career, Reid has been vocal about racial dynamics and demographics, often criticizing white voters for political outcomes. She has continued this theme in her latest comments, implying that racial shifts in the U.S. are critical to the nation's survival or decline. Reid's statements add to the ongoing national debate over the future of corporate diversity policies as companies navigate political pressures and changing demographics.
These discussions are part of a larger national conversation about race, identity, and the direction of the country. Reid, along with others who share her concerns, has voiced frustration over the corporate retreat from DEI initiatives. Her views reflect a concern that the U.S. must adapt to its evolving demographic makeup to maintain its strength and prosperity.
