President Biden’s recent choice for Air Force Brigadier General has stirred conversations, not for his service record, but rather for his pointed criticism of his white colleagues. Col. Ben Jonsson, a white officer, has been vocal about the role of white colonels in the military when it comes to addressing racial injustice. In a 2020 article, following the tragic death of George Floyd, Jonsson had strong words for his peers.
Addressing his white counterparts, Jonsson wrote, “As white colonels, you and I are the biggest barriers to change if we do not personally address racial injustice in our Air Force.” He also noted the defensiveness exhibited by white individuals when racial topics arise, suggesting that many are “largely blind to institutional racism.”
But his critique didn’t stop there. Jonsson accused some white colonels of sidestepping discussions on racial disparities in the service, highlighting issues like disproportionate punishment of black airmen. Notably, he recommended Robin DiAngelo’s book “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism.” While some applaud his initiative, others question if labeling an entire group based on race is a step backward rather than forward in the quest for unity.
Currently, Jonsson’s promotion faces a delay due to a procedural hold by Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville. Interestingly, the hold isn’t linked directly to Jonsson’s comments, but rather to broader issues related to Pentagon funding decisions.
Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently defended the military against claims of being overly politicized. He cited the recent cancellation of a drag queen show on an Air Force base as evidence of maintaining balance.
But as the debate over Jonsson’s comments simmers, it’s worth noting some global perspectives. Recent data from a 2023 King’s College London survey indicates that the United States ranks among the least prejudiced nations globally. Only a mere 3% of Americans wouldn’t want a neighbor of a different race, a figure that is significantly lower than that of countries like Iran and China.
So, the key question emerges: As the military grapples with issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, are we straying too far from its primary mission or moving towards a more unified force? Only time will tell.
