Black Twitter Reclaims Phrase 'DEI' As Critics Try To Make It A Racial Slur
By Jovonne Ledet
March 28, 2024
Black Twitter is reclaiming the phrase "DEI" from its critics.
The phrase "DEIs" was trending on X, formerly Twitter, this week as Black social media users generated a plethora of memes and jokes reclaiming the three letters for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The trend was created in response to the apparent racist overuse of "DEI" by right-wing critics. Many consider the overuse as a new way for critics to covertly say racial slurs, like the N-word.
"Shout out to all my DEIs!" one Black social media user wrote on X.
Another X user pointed out how Black people have historically found humor in terms and actions meant to break the community down.
"I love how Black folks take something that was meant to be offensive (calling Black folks "DEIs" 😒) and turn it into a joke. It dismantles the weapon (and turns it into something *we* can enjoy) and makes fools out of those who try to harm us with it," the user said. "Our humor is medicinal."
Black Twitter also used the trend to reclaim the phrase critical race theory, or CRT.
"It’s hard for a CRT out here," an X user quipped.
See more of the hilarious ways Black Twitter reclaimed DEI and CRT below.
DEI in Paris or whatever Jay-Z and Kanye sang pic.twitter.com/Fj81YId47L
— Mr. Sage & The Big Steppers (@sageofages) March 27, 2024
Good morning to all my DEIs around the world. Let’s go: pic.twitter.com/Bt6phVagPc
— Mr. Christopher (@iamalmostlegend) March 27, 2024
Now all my CRTs
— Foxy Thee DEI Auntie (@FoxyJazzabelle) March 27, 2024
And DEIs
And Dutiful Darkies
Get on the floor
GET ON THA FLO
LIKE YOU KNOW WHAT TA DEEEEWWWWWW pic.twitter.com/FlkeMYlfPL
Nothing but real DEIs only…bad DEIs only…rich DEIs only…👏🏾👏🏾🔥🤣😭
— 🟣Hip Hop Purist (@MissSoulVirgo) March 27, 2024
My DEIz pic.twitter.com/bVohnfeNuw
— Sike Turner (@With_2gs) March 27, 2024
We can’t take y’all DEIs no where! 🤣 pic.twitter.com/6Xz6x50Osn
— Booker G. Washington (@TendentiousG) March 27, 2024
Shout out to all my DEIs out here doing great things to make the world a better place! pic.twitter.com/3zKAtyGYPe
— TarverBeMyName! (@revbltarver) March 27, 2024
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.