Diversity is essential for a healthy society because it encourages the development of new perspectives, ideas, and solutions to problems.
When the pursuit of diversity becomes a goal in itself rather than a means to an end, it can lead to exclusion and division. In this essay, I will explore how the sacralization of diversity threatens true inclusion and why we need to be careful not to let ideological agendas take priority over practical solutions.
Diversity refers to the range of differences among people, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, disability, education level, economic status, and national origin. The goal of promoting diversity is to create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, regardless of their background or beliefs. This can foster empathy, creativity, and innovation while reducing prejudice and discrimination. Diverse societies are often more resilient and able to adapt to changing circumstances, which is important in today's rapidly evolving world.
If we view diversity as a sacred value that must be upheld above all else, we risk creating an exclusive culture where certain groups are favored over others.
Some companies may prioritize hiring individuals from underrepresented minorities simply because they fit a particular demographic rather than considering their qualifications or potential contributions. Similarly, universities may seek to increase the number of students from specific racial or socioeconomic backgrounds without considering whether those students are truly prepared for college-level work.
Ideologically driven diversity initiatives also tend to ignore other factors that contribute to inequality, such as classism or ableism. A company may celebrate its diverse workforce without addressing the fact that most employees earn low wages or have no job security. Likewise, a university may brag about its "diverse" student body while failing to provide adequate support services or accommodations for disabled students. This type of tokenism can further alienate marginalized communities by suggesting that they only matter when it benefits the dominant group.
True inclusion requires more than just lip service to diversity; it involves actively working to dismantle systems of oppression and create equitable opportunities for everyone. This means recognizing the complex intersections between race, gender, sexuality, ability, and other identities and creating policies and programs that account for them. It also means acknowledging that some groups are inherently privileged and need to give up power in order to make space for others.
Sacralization of diversity has the potential to turn true inclusion into ideology. While we should always strive for greater diversity, we must also ensure that our efforts are grounded in practical solutions rather than political agendas. Only by doing so will we be able to create truly inclusive societies where all individuals feel valued and empowered.
Does the sacralization of diversity risk turning inclusion into ideology?
Diversity is an essential part of any community as it helps create a sense of belonging for everyone who comes from different backgrounds. Sacralizing diversity may help in some ways but also has its downfalls that could lead to exclusion. When we talk about inclusivity, the idea is that all individuals should be treated with respect regardless of their differences such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc.