Diversity

Over the past few weeks, and indeed years, we've talked a lot about diversity. Diversity works, and diversity is important in a world that is increasingly interconnected, and especially in a country that is still bearing the scars of discrimination and racial injustice. However, there are productive ways to talk about diversity, and ways that merely perpetuate existing problems. I don't think there are right or wrong ways, but there are certainly more, or less effective methods, at least in my eyes.


Diversity is the celebration of different identities; the embrace of identities different from your own, and a mutual respect for people who have a different worldview than you do. Diversity is how we celebrate the many races, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations and other identities shared by those around the world. When done right, the celebration of cultures is the foundation of a free society, but when done wrong, it perpetuates stereotypes, reinforces prejudices, and often makes assumptions when that is exactly what we are trying to eliminate. 


Diversity should be an open channel of frank and honest conversation between peoples of different identities, where they can respect each other through their differences, and learn to celebrate each other's identities. It should be a mutual effort, where ideas and beliefs are shared, and groups work together to achieve a mutual understanding. However, diversity has become something led by those in the majority who feel guilty for who they are. They try to disprove stereotypes, but if you try to do it without involving minorities, all you do sometimes is perpetuate them. As an Asian-American, here's what I have to say: there really is no need to feel guilty. Sometimes, diversity sessions involve some serious stereotyping, and in order to make a point, stereotypes are reinforced, and members of the majority culture are made to feel guilty for being who they are. We're really not angry at people for who they are - it's what they do with their identity that can cause discrimination. If you respect those who are different from you, it doesn't matter  if your grandfather's grandfather was a member of the KKK. It doesn't affect who you are. Sometimes, it's precisely this guilt that makes conversations about diversity so much harder; White males make other White males feel bad, causing them to be insecure about their identities, and in order to address racial and cultural differences, stereotypes are brought up, but are never addressed correctly. The unfortunate result, therefore, is that stereotypes are reinforced, but never explained. Conversations about diversity cannot happen because of guilt; they lead to an exaggeration of differences and misrepresentation of what the other culture is actually like. This often leads to assumptions being made about others' assumptions; because of this insecurity, people assume the worst of people when they make certain comments, and the immediate reaction is that someone is a racist. If diversity is about eliminating assumptions, we have to assume the best in people. Diversity sessions, therefore, cannot be about making assumptions about others' racial and gender stereotypes; it's not about making people feel bad, but opening channels of communication that had otherwise not existed. When we talk about diversity, we should do it to appreciate our differences, and learn about others, but not to emphasize them. 


One thing people forget sometimes, is that Americans from different backgrounds still share one common identity - the identity of an American. Whether you're Asian-American, White, African-American or Latino American, you still share the love for your country. During diversity sessions, however, the commonalities are often neglected, and differences are emphasized. We learn about how we are all different, and phrases like "we respect each other despite our differences" and "we treasure how we are all so different" are thrown out there. However, one phrase I never hear is "we may be different in many ways, but we do want to celebrate what we have in common." Celebrating diversity is great, and necessary, but if that's all we talk about, minorities are constantly reminded that they are not the same, and the implication of that is that they are not "American." 


Diversity is something we should celebrate in this country, and after a long history of hate and discrimination, it's about time we talked about it. But we must ensure that we talk about it in a way that is productive and sensitive. If we are to truly understand our differences, let's be truly open and honest; diversity sessions can't just be PC anymore - because people just say what others want to hear - but they should be about clarifying questions, misunderstandings, and honest conversations based on respect and humility. As a minority, I don't need to be constantly reminded that I'm different, but that my friends of different races and identities still share things in common. We don't need people to feel guilty, and if you're White, you should be proud of your heritage and your identity, instead of having to hide your culture because it's not Asian or Latin American. We want to learn about your heritage as a German American, Italian American, or whatever. Let's continue where we left off, and remember that diversity is a conversation that involves everyone, and celebrating everyone for everything they are.