Diversity

Diversity is a popular buzz word. This year's senate has done a few things involving diversity. Every time a new seat opens up and a diverse candidate (i.e., minority, gender) applies. Race and gender are touted as reasons to appoint them. Fair enough; racial and gender diversity are forms of diversity, but the discussions are so shallow -- literally not going beyond a physical appreciation of diversity -- that it actually serves as a disservice to the concept of diversity. This is one reason why Michael (all the other candidates are guilty too, but it’s one of Michael’s issues) pays lip service to diversity.

Also, the issue of Diversity Week is an interesting case of more lip service. How does a week help us accomplish more diversity? I liken it to black history month. It’s nice that we all feel real good about celebrating black history, but then it becomes easy to not worry about it when March 1st rolls around. Diversity Week: we did our part; we had a week, right; a real good “feel good” exercise. More lip service.

I don’t have an answer for how to address diversity in a meaningful way, but I’m not running for VP. I hope all candidates start distinguishing between “feel good” and “do good.”