Last Updated on March 15, 2026

The concept of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), emerged in the 60s. Some believe that racial discrimination is derived from colonialism. Was it? What do you think about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)?

According to The Benefits of Social Categorization, the tendency to categorize others is often quite useful. In some cases, we (humans in general) categorize because doing so provides us with information about the characteristics of people who belong to certain social groups (Lee, Jussim, & McCauley, 1995). In other words, the process of subconsciously or consciously categorizing unfamiliar faces into particular groups helps humans to feel they belong somewhere.

Colonization

What is Colonialism? When settlers¹, are typically those who moved away from or fled their country of origin to have a better quality of life, practice political control over another country or territory and exploit the new land economically. These settlers often force the Natives to learn their language(s), behave like them², and disrespect or even destroy the cultures of the Indigenous peoples due to supremacism.

Colonizers believe their own customs, religions and cultures are better than others. They established their own rules and kept certain privileges to themselves.

Tribalism

(Cultural) tribalism, in a historical context, creates a sense of belonging, especially during times like the Dark Ages, wars, the Great Famine, global recessions, etc. One of the numerous ways to form a close group is through religion. For instance, in the time when humans were less reasonable, religions came in to give people hope and bring peace. However, tribalism often results in prejudice or unconscious bias towards other (unfamiliar) groups. Closed-mindedness, rigid thinking and inertia are what some of the typical attitudes or behaviours towards “change” and “something new”. Rule followers, for example, are those who have stopped questioning “whys”.

Tribalism and human migration

Were settlers wrong in trying to find a new home to settle in? Not at all. Historically, humans have been in search of homes that better fit their needs. However, it was a biased belief system towards those who arrived and established life before the settlers that was absolutely unethical and inhumane.

No culture is better than another; no religion is better than another; no human is better than another; If something or someone doesn’t make sense to you, just clarify! Open Communication is key to any healthy and successful relationship.

by Vivian Davis

Take a moment to reflect

Who do you usually make friends with? The people who look like you or behave/think/sound like you? If yes, then it might be because we (humans in general) are attracted to what is familiar to us (Ward, 2013).

DEI is/should be about bringing people closer together

Did racial discrimination come from colonialism? Although the answer may differ from person to person, it is important to note that tribal issues are not analogous to racial issues. The real issue humans are facing is a lack of communication.

Namely, to truly disseminate learnings about DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) lies in building trust and maintaining positive and healthy relationships through developing communication skills (and human skills). Through the right human skills training and development, people will learn to see from different perspectives and empathize with one another in a way that brings clarity and peace, and eventually create a better future for all.

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Endnote

Settlers¹: In modern terms, if someone chooses to move from one country to another or has to resettle elsewhere, they are considered immigrants or refugees if officially/legally accepted by another country/territory.

Behave like them²: The mere exposure effect may be able to explain this phenomenon. If one finds A familiar, it usually means one’s brain can figure out anything related to A in a timely manner or forthwith.

References

The Benefits of Social Categorization. (2016, January 15). Open Textbooks for Hong Kong. https://www.opentextbooks.org.hk/ditatopic/17662

Ward, D. (2013, February 10). The Familiarity Principle of Attraction. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/sense-and-sensitivity/201302/the-familiarity-principle-attraction