What Does Real Diversity Look Like?

Diversity is more than skin deep.

Diversity is defined as the practice or quality of including or involving people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders or sexual orientations. This is diversity in theory, but what does this look like in practice? If we closely analyze groups that appear diverse on the outside, we quickly realize that this sense of diversity is often limited to physical appearances related to gender or racial identity. In order to make progress towards a more inclusive world, we must revise our understanding of what diversity really is.

Diversity is Acknowledgment.

Acknowledgment of our differences and understanding of correlated dynamics. Taking into account which of these differences contribute to social power and economic status within a group or organization is critical to evaluating the true diversity of that group. For example, if you have a group of 10 employees, with 8 out 10 of them from different ethnic backgrounds, would you consider this group diverse? Probably. Now, what if I revealed to you that each of these 10 employees also graduated from the same ivy league university? This group now may more likely be considered homogeneous, in terms of social-economics status, thinking, or educational background. In this case, diversity would be an acknowledgment of educational background and status as a determining factor in power dynamics. In order to promote diversity and inclusion policies, we must acknowledge the diversity or lack thereof based on a factor that contributes to the power dynamic with that setting.

Diversity is Respect

Respect for voices that have been historically suppressed or systematically ignored is essential to the existence of diversity. This idea that “we accept diverse people, as long as they think like us and agree with what we say” is a toxic understanding of diversity, which only serves to further perpetuate the exclusion of truly diverse individuals. To practice real diversity ratings, you must evaluate the following question: Are diverse individuals and their voices treated equitably?

Diversity is Inclusion.

Inclusion and representation are ultimate goals of diversity. In many spaces, the concept of inclusion is limited to the physical presence of a person who identifies as a member of a marginalized group. True inclusion is a continuous and constantly evolving effort that shifts power dynamics & works to eliminate negative stigmas associated with our differences. This requires a commitment to periodic evaluation of diversity and anti-racism initiatives.