Why Diversity Doesn’t Exactly Matter Yet
Something being redefined isn’t always good.
Diversity has become a word that echoes through every school district, college admissions office, workplace and television studio. “We need to have more representation, we need some diversity.” With an increase of workplaces hiring new minority staff and an influx of non-white students admitted into Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs), Diversity has taken on a new definition. It has ultimately served to increase opportunities for minorities. While the noticeable increase of different identities is a very admirable (and obviously needed) decision, it doesn’t accurately represent what Diversity ACTUALLY is. Essentially because, Diversity isn’t actually anything meaningful, at least not yet…
Now, if we use the Merriam-Webster definition of Diversity, “the condition of having or being composed of differing elements” then yes, Diversity IS a component of our society. However, the unpretentious nature of the word “diversity,” has proven it to take a much more subjective approach. For example, a workplace choosing to hire their first African American employee since opening its company to create a “diverse” workforce. Diverse for the employer only being adding one Person Of Color.
“Diversity” has become a sort of valuable term for entities to use for personal or capital gain. On the other hand, it has become a word used to fight for the underrepresented. On either side, folks lack the understanding that Diversity cannot be reduced to one simple definition. It isn’t simply adding a Black Person to an all white cast, or giving a group of girls a “Gay Best Friend”. Rather, it is an emphasized acceptance of “the complex, cumulative way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination overlap especially in the experiences of marginalized individuals or groups”, otherwise known as Intersectionality. It’s taking all aspects of life, and adding them to a group or multiple groups identified with “norms” and “regulations.”
Diversity isn’t a new word, and it isn’t a rare one either. It has shown to be consistent and paramount for most, if not all groups in society. For example, there is a ranking of the 5 most common locations in the US where the word Diversity has been searched for on Google since 2004. Out of the 5 states (shown in the chart above), 4 have a predominantly white population. With New York being #17 and California #30 for locations on the list pictured above, “diversity” has proven to become a token word for those who need to fill some sort of void. For example, a social media star attempting to reach a greater audience by “collabing” with someone who is identified as a minority. Which is just one of many examples of the ambitious, but dwindling view on how we represent representation. So, I’ve said all of this to prove what point? That Diversity shouldn’t exist?
Well… no, but also yes.
Diversity will exist because objectively, Diversity just means being composed of different elements. The fundamentals of it though in terms of society, have lost its meaning. Fundamentals such as, displaying multiples forms of identities regardless of scale size & further emphasizing that minorities of all groups and identities represent a much larger part of society.
So, what word should be used to represent such an important step in our acceptance and journey for all labels and identities?
Inclusion.
Yes, this simple word that lies in the 2nd definition of Diversity holds a greater and more accurate approach on the actions taken currently towards more representation. Now, this article might seem pointless considering Diversity & Inclusion are usually grouped together like 2 peas in a pod, but the latter always holds more purpose. Inclusion is much more specific, targeted, and carries more weight. Society thinks “diversity” is a way for a group to have greater means, but Inclusion is what makes the means worth striving for. Inclusion being defined as “the act or practice of including and accommodating people who have historically been excluded,” provides a more accurate understanding of why we work towards displaying a wider range of identities.
Groups wanting to add more POC or varying sexualities and gender identities will only accurately depict specific members of specific communities. Yes, it will give “Outliers” a platform to show that they can be respected and appreciated in a community that isn’t their own, and that is something we need to continue seeing. But, when did adding one identifier from the array of identities that lives in intersectionality, become Diversity? The lack of inclusion will always mean there will be a lack of Diversity, or none at all. Constant inclusion and progression of Personalities, Races, Ethnicity, Gender and Sexuality Identities, Socio-economic Status, Religion, and more, is what makes Diversity valuable. It makes it prominent and impactful, it gives it meaning. Inclusion should be what we approach first, before we even tackle the significance of Diversity.
I say all of this to say, Diversity is important and should still be remembered and strived for. However, Diversity is bigger than what we define as the progress we’ve made as groups and individuals. Diversity is the objective, the ultimate, not the stepping stone. Until we are all conscious enough to realistically represent more inclusion of people in groups of a majority, Diversity won’t matter. Not Yet.
