At a time when the world seems to be fragmenting under the effects of multiple crises—ranging from the degradation of natural resources to the collapse of values that have sustained the most just and equal societies, such as solidarity, justice, and respect for others—we are confronted with the urgent need for reflection on the direction we are taking. The advancement of the concept of diversity and inclusion in all its forms is more than just a trend; it is a fundamental issue for humanity to restore and preserve the essential social bonds. However, a dangerous and regressive vision has emerged, challenging these principles and seeking to impose a simplistic model that ignores the historical complexities that shaped the structural inequalities still present in our societies. This vision is symbolized by the acronym MEI – Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence – which, while presented as a concept of progress, actually threatens to dismantle decades of achievements in the areas of social justice, diversity, and inclusion.
The tireless fight against racism, which seeks to repair the profound inequalities generated by nearly 400 years of slavery in Brazil and the Americas, is one of the most challenging battles humanity still faces. It is not only an issue concerning the descendants of enslaved Africans but also the societies that have suffered the consequences of this exploitation in all its dimensions. The impact of the transatlantic slave trade and slavery did not only cause humanitarian brutality but also created a legacy of inequality that has persisted for centuries, shaping the social, economic, and political structures of several nations, including our own. Black communities in Brazil and elsewhere continue to face the effects of this historical oppression, which is also reflected in African countries still struggling to recover from the consequences of this colonizing violence.
This historical legacy is not only manifested in social and economic inequalities but also in the cultural and psychological scars left by the brutality of slavery. Gender inequalities, which intersect with racism, are equally devastating. Therefore, when we encounter proposals that seek to minimize or ignore these issues, such as MEI, we are actually facing an attempt to erase the historical memory of a past that still affects us in a painful and profound way. The MEI acronym, created by Alexandr Wang, CEO of Scale AI, emerges as a response to a growing diversity and inclusion movement, but instead of promoting progress, it presents itself as a disguised regression.
MEI, which proposes that success is solely the result of “merit, excellence, and intelligence,” spreads a simplistic and limited view of the factors that determine an individual’s success. This perspective ignores the complex networks of power, privilege, and oppression that have shaped the paths of millions of people throughout the centuries. The idea that everyone has the same opportunities and that individual effort alone is enough to achieve success is a fallacy that disregards the historical and systemic obstacles still affecting women, Black people, Indigenous people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other marginalized groups. The concept of merit advocated by Wang assumes an equality of conditions that has never truly existed. By ignoring structural racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination that permeate our institutions, this vision is, in fact, perpetuating inequality.
By positioning itself as an alternative to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, MEI reinforces the idea that affirmative action policies, quotas, and other compensatory strategies are unnecessary, and that an individual’s success depends solely on their own effort. However, this narrative not only ignores the reality of many people, but also perpetuates an individualistic and competitive view, overlooking the need for solidarity and collective effort to correct the injustices of the past. The meritocracy proposed by MEI perpetuates a vicious cycle in which the most privileged are the ones who benefit the most, as they occupy positions that offer greater access to resources, education, and opportunities. And, as numerous studies and historical data show, these inequalities begin in childhood and persist throughout life, making it harder for people to access equal living conditions.
On the other hand, DEI policies, which seek to create a more inclusive and equitable society, are not a utopia, but a practical response to the real inequalities that exist in the world. These initiatives recognize that, in order to achieve social justice, it is necessary to address structural inequalities and ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities. Ignoring these realities, as MEI proposes, is to perpetuate the same injustices that have harmed entire communities for generations.
Scale AI, Wang’s company, although at the forefront of technological innovations in the field of artificial intelligence, seems to fail to recognize that the lack of diversity in its development processes can result in AI systems that reproduce the inequalities present in society. The choices made by artificial intelligence algorithms, when not carefully monitored and adjusted, can reinforce racial, gender, and other forms of discrimination. This business model, focused on profit and efficiency, is a way of perpetuating a system that favors the already privileged, to the detriment of those who struggle to overcome decades of social exclusion.
Wang claims that MEI promotes objectivity, but this notion is illusory. Objectivity cannot be achieved in its purest form when selection processes do not take into account the structural barriers faced by many individuals. Subjectivity, which is present in all human decision-making processes, should not be ignored, but rather recognized and addressed in a transparent and critical way. The MEI concept ignores this reality and promotes a false objectivity, ultimately disregarding the nuances and complexities involved in the struggle for equality.
The MEI proposal represents a significant regression in the achievements made over the past years. By denying the existence of structural inequalities, it erases the historical struggles against racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression. Instead of moving toward a more just society, MEI seeks to preserve the status quo, a status quo that, over decades, has proven to be deeply unequal and exclusionary. The fight for a more just and equal society demands more than a simple recognition of merit; it requires a deep understanding of the power structures that need to be dismantled so that everyone can have the same opportunities to achieve success.
The only way to ensure a fairer and more balanced future is to adopt an inclusive and equitable approach that acknowledges and combats historical and structural inequalities. Companies, public institutions, and third-sector organizations must continue to develop and implement policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and they must work to ensure that these policies are not only a reflection of good intentions but a constant and transformative practice.
At a critical moment for humanity, when the values of solidarity and justice seem to be at risk, there is no other way forward but to strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion. If we lose sight of these essential values, we risk leaving behind the foundations of a more human and just society. True civilization will be measured by the ability to integrate differences and ensure that everyone can effectively exercise their rights and reach their full potential.
