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Korenizatsiya: Stalin's Soviet DEI Program

Dec 26, 2024
Explore the surprising origins of modern Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, tracing them back to Stalin's Soviet policies. Discover how the Korenizatsiya program aimed to promote ethnic identity while enforcing a socialist agenda, often leading to increased strife. Dive into the historical impact of these strategies on both the Soviet Union and contemporary society in the U.S. and China. Uncover the complexities of identity politics and reflect on the lasting implications of these ideologies.
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INSIGHT

DEI's Divisive Nature

  • 'Great Russian chauvinism' equates to concepts like 'white supremacy culture' or 'heteronormativity'.
  • DEI is a Soviet program implemented in the West, causing similar divisive outcomes.
INSIGHT

Korenizatsiya as Affirmative Action

  • Korenitatsia, meaning "rootsification," served as the Soviet Union's affirmative action program.
  • It aimed to manipulate national identities within the larger empire.
ANECDOTE

Modern Applications of Korenizatsiya

  • Korenizatsiya is being used to influence indigenous populations in places like Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada.
  • This tactic aims to turn these populations against their respective nations.
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