Much of the discussion around diversity is how it has not produced the desired results. I believe that a significant part of the reason why “diversity” does not work is the underlying language .
Race – This is an artificial convention created to justify slavery. Still today, society uses “race” as a means to divide humankind discriminating against “those” whose characteristics either describe what they want to be a part of or want to avoid. We even make use of the word when people with different ancestral origins marry, by calling it “interracial”. The fact is that according to science and genetics, there is only one race – the human race. The concept of “race” needs to be abolished.
Tolerance – To tolerate is to “put up with” and that’s not a healthy attitude. It’s healthier to embrace the differences, not simply tolerate them. The negative connotation of tolerance completely undermines the goal of diversity. People need to recognize that the differences make life richer so if we embrace the differences instead of putting up with them, we begin to achieve the goal of “inclusion”. Tolerance is best replaced by “embrace.”
“People of Color” – Every person is a person of color. Segregating people based on their skin color is harmful. By claiming that people who have darker skin are “people of color” only perpetuates racism. Another problem with this phrase is that the colors referred to are wholly incorrect – I’ve never seen a “white” or a “black” person. Our skin colors are far more complex than that. This phrase does nothing but perpetuate racism.
The Census – In the USA, the Census Bureau asks people to select a “race” and it requires us to pick one, which is getting more difficult given that, today, people are more of a melting pot. It segregates us into artificial classifications. The Census Bureau only needs to stop creating "buckets" for people.
I suggest that everyone involved in “diversity and inclusion” (DEI) evolve the language. Begin by dropping “diversity” and adopting “Inclusivity” – it has a more positive connotation, include all, which always has been the desired goal of “diversity”. Inclusivity is key. 