There was a recent report by NPR involving comments made by Pete Hegseth that has sparked concern and conversation across the country. According to the report, he referred to the phrase “diversity is our strength” as one of the “dumbest” in military history. He also suggested that minorities have been promoted in ways that resemble affirmative action, rather than merit.
Statements like these do more than create headlines—they raise deeper questions about how people of color are viewed in this country, especially in positions of leadership.
Let’s be clear about something. America would not be what it is today without the contributions of minorities. From building this country, to defending it, to advancing it in business, education, and innovation—those contributions are real, documented, and undeniable.
So when comments are made that seem to question the legitimacy of those contributions, it doesn’t just sound like opinion—it feels like dismissal.
Before these statements, there were also reports of leadership changes involving high-ranking officials, including the removal of individuals who represented progress—such as women and minorities in top positions. While leadership changes happen in every administration, the pattern and timing of these decisions can raise concerns about motive and direction.
It leads many people to ask a simple but powerful question:
What have people of color done to continue to be treated this way?
The truth is, this question isn’t new. It has been asked in different forms throughout American history.
People of color have fought in wars for freedoms they didn’t fully have.
They have worked, built, and contributed to systems that didn’t always treat them fairly.
They have pursued education, careers, and leadership roles—often having to work twice as hard to be seen as equal.
And yet, there are still moments where their qualifications are questioned, their achievements minimized, and their presence debated.
This isn’t about asking for special treatment.
It’s about asking for fair treatment.
There is a difference.
Some argue that diversity efforts take away from merit. Others argue that those efforts are necessary to correct long-standing imbalances. But what should never be lost in that debate is respect—for the individuals who have earned their positions through hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.
In the military, unity is critical. No one debates that. But unity should not come at the cost of ignoring the value that different backgrounds and experiences bring to the table.
Diversity and unity are not opposites.
They can—and should—exist together.
As citizens, we may not control every decision made by those in leadership, but we do have the ability to question, to think, and to demand accountability.
Because at the end of the day, this issue is bigger than one person or one statement.
It’s about how a nation sees its people.
It’s about whether progress is truly being made—or quietly reversed.
And it’s about making sure that future generations don’t have to keep asking the same question:
“What have we done to deserve this?”
Marvin Dixon/Founder
vmgreview.com, Verifacts Investigations, and Frontline Investigator Training Academy.
VMG Review 