The university at which I work is having graduation ceremonies today. I write “ceremonies” because, like an increasing number of institutions, the campus community is scheduling a number of secondary graduations to honor specific groups on campus. This is a trend that has me asking the question “why?”.
Now, of course, I understand the “why?” is because certain groups have long felt marginalized and alienated. They want to be celebrated. It is graduation, after all.
I have no problem with the celebration of diversity. Well, that is not wholly true. I have a problem when we further divide ourselves in the name of “diversity”. We segregate in the name of diversity rather than integrate.
Diversity has become nothing more than an increasing number of labels based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual-orientation, religion, etc. We deny the even greater diversity that exists among individuals. We can never become a truly integrated community if we perpetuate the labels that separate us.
Diversity must be celebrated at the collective table. We must actively come together—especially when it is uncomfortable and have honest conversation about our uniqueness.
It is only a celebration of diversity when the party is diverse. Otherwise, it is self-perpetuated segregation.
I had a colleague once (probably more one) make the statement that “we have to be the voice for the marginalized.” I couldn’t disagree more. In my humble opinion, we need to give a voice to the marginalized. Rather than buying into the trend of divisive diversity, we need to celebrate together!
Carpe momento!