Beyond the Skin: Elevating Merit Over Pigmentation

In a world that has made extraordinary strides toward progress, it is deeply disheartening that we still frame achievements through the lens of skin color. While we celebrate milestones, we must also recognize that merit should never be overshadowed by racial qualifiers. It is not an act of prejudice to feel pride in the accomplishments of individuals from historically marginalized communities—it is a reflection of resilience. However, when race becomes the defining element of success, we risk diminishing the very achievements we seek to honor.

As Jesus stated, “Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Matthew 19:30). 

This powerful reminder calls for introspection. Why, in an era that claims to value diversity, do we still designate skin color as a marker of achievement? Some will attempt to explain this phenomenon with carefully chosen words, yet the stark reality remains: pigmentation continues to be a deciding factor in one’s opportunities and placement in society.

There is a pervasive contradiction in statements such as “I don’t see color.” The truth is, we all see color—those of us blessed with sight cannot help but perceive it. But the issue is not in the seeing; it is in the reacting. How one chooses to respond to race, rather than the mere acknowledgment of its existence, is the real measure of character.

Today, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is often wielded as a divisive tool rather than a unifying principle. Instead of creating equitable opportunities, it is sometimes used to displace individuals under the guise of progress. The fundamental flaw in this approach is that it replaces one form of exclusion with another. Real progress is achieved when qualifications, abilities, and merits—not race—determine an individual’s worthiness for a position, honor, or responsibility. However, let it be clear that DEI is not a radical tool meant to empower one group over another; rather, it is an essential framework to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, have a fair and equitable opportunity to succeed. Equity does not mean favoritism; it means addressing systemic barriers so that all people, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status, can compete on a level playing field. When implemented correctly, DEI fosters unity, allowing individuals to rise based on their true potential rather than being weighed down by historical injustices or modern biases.

In my previous article, “The High Cost of Poor Planning: Why Risk Management Must Guide Federal Workforce Reductions,” I discussed the false promises and real consequences of shortsighted decision-making. We face the same dilemma when we disqualify individuals based on factors unrelated to their competence. The recent removal of four-star Air Force General Charles Q. Brown as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is an unfortunate reflection of this growing divide. After four decades of distinguished service, his departure serves as a sobering reminder of how much further we have to go in ensuring that ability, not background, dictates professional standing.

In his farewell, Gen. Brown left us with these words: "As Chairman, I focused on Warfighting, Modernization, and Trust. The Joint Force's commitment to our security has never been more critical. I'm confident you will continue to stand resolute in defense of our Nation." His statement was one of duty, not division—an example of the professionalism that should define leadership.

The lesson here is clear: We must shift our focus away from superficial markers of identity and toward the substance of an individual’s contributions. True inclusion is not about highlighting differences; it is about embracing the strengths that make each person valuable. Until we break free from the narrow-minded and ignorant perspectives that continue to plague our government, corporate world, and institutions of learning, we will remain trapped in a cycle of division rather than progress.

The time has come to move beyond the artificial barriers of race and toward a society that values people for what they do, not how they look. Only then can we achieve the unity we so desperately need.