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I don’t think this is true. As in, I can’t recall anyone arguing that Obama “Knew” something Bush or McCain or Romney didn’t. Or even that the white guys don’t “know” what to do.
Far more common to assert that everyone “knows” what to do, but chooses not to do it. Sometimes because of a competing class interest. Sometimes due to personal preference. Perhaps even thanks to the opposition of an implacable deep state. All of these are more common than the argument that an African-American president “knows” the secret, but won’t share it.
Isn't the who point of diversity is to get representation into places of power? That a cis white man could never understand the type of adversity ...
This point has been hammered home for over a decade, you don't think that was part of it?
Depends on who you ask.
Modern DEI is usually justified by claiming a competitive advantage. From McKinsey,
Nothing about adversity there--this is a consulting company, not a charity. They aren't claiming to uplift the poor and huddled masses. Nor are they openly attacking the majority as incapable. Instead, DEI is presented as an unalloyed good which hedges against various failure modes, like stagnation, or getting canceled. Er,
Is this a carefully marketed approach? Of course. That's their job description.
Is it also the motte to a racial-justice bailey? Are McKinsey execs using it as cover to achieve racial justice? I don't think the incentives line up. They're more interested in branding as a diverse/inclusive/responsible corporation. That makes representation an advertisement rather than an instrument.
I think that's the dominant mode for DEI advocates. The representation isn't supposed to solve inequity, it's supposed to say "Look how cool and diverse we are! No one can say we're racist! It will totally pay for itself, and also, you can get in on this brand when you hire us!"
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