NAACP Refutes Dr. Phil's Claim That America Was Built "On Hard ...
Dr. Phil‘s recent appearance at a Donald Trump campaign rally hasn’t gone over so well, as the TV host garnered backlash for his declaration that America was built on “hard work” while downplaying efforts to foster equality.
On Sunday (Oct. 27), Dr. Phil was one of several speakers at the rally, which took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City and drew thousands of Trump supporters hoping for the former United States President’s reelection in November.
During his time onstage, Dr. Phil referenced his company, Merit Street Media, stating that the name was inspired by his belief that success and advancement is predicated on the perceived “values” that have seemingly defined the country’s rise to power.
However, in the process, Dr. Phil threw shade on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, also known as DEI, as lacking value, a seemingly veiled shot at the minorities whom DEI is meant to benefit and empower.
“We didn’t choose the name for that by random… this country was built on hard work, added value and talent,” he said. “Not on equal outcome, not on DEI, this country was built on hard work.”
Dr. Phil’s sentiments were blasted by various figures and organizations, including the NAACP, which responded to him with a tweet highlighting the role that all minorities have played in the formation of America.
“This country was absolutely built on hard work Dr. Phil… on the backs of Black, Brown, and lmmigrants from all across this WORLD!” the NAACP wrote in a post on X. “Many of which who were forced to do so,” the post continued, referencing slavery’s role in the building of America. “Let us know when you’re ready to tell the WHOLE story.”
Former White House aide Keith Boykin also expressed his ire with Dr. Phil’s statement, lamenting the exploitation that occurred at the hands of many of the nation’s founding fathers and business magnates alike. According to Boykin, America’s prosperity is largely the product of “unpaid Black people who were exploited by rich white guys who took the credit.”
Boykin also took a shot at Trump, as well as Dr. Phil himself, referencing the role Oprah Winfrey played in his own rise as a prominent television host during the late ’90s and early ’00s.
“Meanwhile, Trump inherited $400 million from his KKK daddy and Dr. Phil became famous because a Black woman gave him a platform,” the former Clinton administraion member wrote.
See footage of Dr. Phil’s speech at Donald Trump’s campaign rally below.
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