Kathmandu— Jason Arday, a 41-year-old academic, recently died following intense public scrutiny surrounding allegations about his scholarship and personal claims; however, observers argue that focusing solely on individual accountability obscures the larger societal forces at play. His death is not simply a personal tragedy but reveals deeper issues of systemic racism, institutional power structures, and a culture increasingly characterized by disposability and cruelty, particularly impacting scholars from marginalized backgrounds. The circumstances surrounding Arday’s ordeal raise questions about how institutions celebrate diversity while failing to protect those who challenge established norms, and how the media can exacerbate racialized attacks under the guise of accountability.

A Culture of Disposability

Arday's death must be understood within a broader context of escalating cruelty and disposability, both domestically and globally. The author points to increasing normalization of violence against marginalized groups, exemplified by events like the conflict in Gaza, alongside widening economic inequality and environmental degradation. This culture is fueled by what the author describes as “mobilizing passions of fascism”—the creation of enemies, celebration of cruelty, and disregard for vulnerability—creating a world where individuals can be easily discarded when they become inconvenient or controversial.

Racialized Scrutiny in Academia

For generations, Black and brown scholars have faced unique burdens within academia, including the pressure to represent an entire race, constantly prove their merit, and endure racially charged criticism. Arday’s case exemplifies this pattern; he was “eagerly elevated as a symbol” of institutional progress, then “ruthlessly scrutinized as an anomaly,” and ultimately “callously discarded as a liability.” This dynamic highlights how institutions can use diversity as symbolic capital while failing to provide the necessary support and protection for scholars from underrepresented groups. Nathan Cofnas, who publicized allegations against Arday, previously expressed views suggesting limited opportunities for Black professionals in meritocratic systems, further underscoring the racial dynamics at play.

The Illusion of Accountability

The author argues that focusing solely on accountability ignores the power structures that determine whose mistakes become public scandals and whose are forgiven. The contrast between Arday’s treatment and that of a white academic who also faced a plagiarism complaint—who retained his position despite similar misconduct—demonstrates how accountability can be unequally applied along racial lines. This unequal application transforms accountability into a tool reinforcing existing power imbalances, rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. Furthermore, the author contends that institutions often prioritize protecting their own reputations over supporting individuals who become liabilities.

Commodification of Suffering and Achievement

Contemporary culture has developed an appetite for narratives of overcoming adversity, turning personal stories into institutional prestige and commercial value. Arday’s biography was celebrated as a triumph over hardship, but this celebration also made him vulnerable when allegations surfaced. His visibility became a commodity, and his story served the university's public image until it threatened to damage that same image. This process exemplifies “inclusive exclusion,” where institutions appear diverse while maintaining underlying structures of power, leaving individuals exposed when their visibility becomes problematic.

Beyond Individual Responsibility

The author emphasizes that Arday’s death cannot be reduced to individual failings or a simple need for greater civility. Instead, it demands a critical examination of the systemic forces—including racism, market values, and the pursuit of spectacle—that contribute to vulnerability and disposability. The question is not merely whether accountability was applied, but why it took such a destructive form and what power structures shaped its consequences. True justice requires dismantling these structures and creating institutions that prioritize equity, protection, and genuine inclusion.

Arday’s death serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of performative diversity and the urgent need for systemic change within academia and beyond. It calls for a shift in focus from individual accountability to addressing the underlying power dynamics that perpetuate inequality and vulnerability.

(With inputs from CounterPunch)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.