Meritocracy. It’s the fairy tale we tell ourselves to sleep at night—a comforting little lie that the best rise to the top through hard work and talent. But here’s the reality: the game is rigged, and WEI (White, Entitled, and Inept) is the playbook for far too many so-called “leaders.”
Coined by Lurie Daniel Favors, WEI is more than just a catchy acronym; it’s a way of naming the mediocrity that thrives when entitlement replaces excellence. The latest examples? The Trump administration’s rumored cabinet picks, featuring a parade of unqualified nominees who remind us just how thin the veneer of meritocracy really is.
Take Matt Gaetz, for instance. Floated as a nominee for Attorney General, his record includes minimal legislative achievements, an unfinished ethics investigation, and—let’s be honest—not a shred of experience to manage the Justice Department. That nomination didn’t stick, but the fact that it was even floated shows just how low the bar can go.
WEI in Action
Let’s break it down:
- Kimberly Guilfoyle as Ambassador to Greece. No foreign policy experience, just a résumé that includes Fox News and dating Donald Trump Jr.
- Tilman Fertitta as Ambassador to Italy. His qualifications? Owning the Houston Rockets and a chain of restaurants.
- Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education. Her expertise? Wrestling—not with policy, but with fake gladiators in scripted entertainment.
This isn’t about qualifications; it’s about privilege. The same people who scream about “lowering the bar” when it comes to DEI hires are happy to bury the bar entirely when it comes to WEI.
The Myth of Meritocracy
Meritocracy assumes a level playing field—a fantasy that conveniently ignores centuries of systemic exclusion. For decades, Black and non-white Americans were locked out of opportunities, not because they lacked merit, but because the rules were designed to keep them out.
Affirmative action and DEI initiatives weren’t handouts; they were necessary hacks to a system that refused to let us compete. But the loudest critics of these programs are often the biggest beneficiaries of WEI, hiding their mediocrity behind a facade of “earned” success.
Beyond the WEI/DEI Divide
Here’s where we need to push the conversation further. It’s not just about calling out the absurdity of WEI; it’s about acknowledging how it actively harms everyone—yes, even white people. When unqualified leaders are handed the reins of power, we all pay the price.
For example, appointing unqualified ambassadors and cabinet members doesn’t just look bad—it undermines our global credibility. It creates policies that harm communities, stymie progress, and perpetuate inequality. Mediocrity isn’t just a personal failing; it’s a societal risk.
The Math of It All
Lurie Daniel Favors nails it with her equation:
- Diversity Math: Black professionals must be twice as good to get half as far.
- WEI Math: Mediocrity + Entitlement = Unlimited Opportunities.
But here’s an additional layer: Diversity Math doesn’t just expose WEI—it also explains why DEI policies are necessary. Without them, the system reverts to its default setting: rewarding entitlement over excellence.
What Comes Next?
1. Call It Out
When you see WEI in action—whether it’s a coworker promoted for doing less or an unqualified cabinet pick—say something. Silence only enables the cycle.
2. Advocate for True Merit
Support DEI initiatives, not as a concession, but as a necessity to level the playing field. Challenge the narrative that diversity means “less qualified.”
3. Build Beyond the Myths
We need to stop relying on systems designed to uphold mediocrity. That means pushing for reforms that prioritize competence, accountability, and fairness.
Breaking Free from the WEI Trap
WEI isn’t just a quirk of the Trump administration—it’s a symptom of a deeper sickness in how we define and reward leadership. It’s not enough to point out the absurdity; we need to demand a system where merit actually matters.
Want to see Lurie Daniel Favors unpack this concept with humor and sharp insights? Watch her video here:
And let’s keep this conversation going. What are your thoughts on WEI, DEI, and the myth of meritocracy? Let’s talk below.
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