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Let’s Talk Diversity
February is Black History Month! It’s a time to remember Black individuals/groups of the past and also connect with current Black women and men who are making strides in their fields, oftentimes while championing the rights of marginalized communities. With this month, there is also continued talks about inclusion and diversity in government, education, and various companies and fields of work. But what does diversity mean? What is its definition according to dictionaries and what does it mean to “diversify”?
Variety — That’s It?
The dictionary definition of diversity simply means variety — the incorporation of different elements or people from various backgrounds. There is nothing wrong with this definition per se; however, when talking about the issue of diversification, the definition (like the definition of racism in dictionaries) is not as focused as it could or should be.
Diversity, in regards to people, should be focused on the inclusion — with proper compensation — of individuals from marginalized groups.
Representation Without Compensation
This is not only widespread, but detrimental to marginalized groups of people as well as businesses, organizations and corporations. For white people, as individuals or groups, their idea of diversifying is to request or demand the time of a marginalized…
