The Dilemmas In Diversity

languagelearning

21 Apr

“My hope for the future is that humanity can reach of a point where the seats at the tables start to be offered to everybody.”

"Fashion should be about diversity, about representing the world as it is" - Olivier Rousteing, Balmain Creative Director

I thought I'd start this one with a quote that epitomises my views on the subject pertaining to the industry I work in but it also relates to those I have about life in general..I still sometimes struggle to comprehend why in this day and age, living in such a diverse society, why such inclusion hasn't naturally transcended into all areas of fashion, media and life. Yes, there are black people and POC (people of colour) with visible roles, but the levels in which they're seen or heard of always seems to be disproportionate to that of our Caucasian counterparts - especially in decision making positions. Even behind the scenes of major organisations, very rarely do you see POC as the majority rather than the minority.

That's where the issue of tokenism can come in..the presence or presentation of one or two ‘melaninated’ faces every once in a while allowing brands to dispel any questions or concerns about racism and/or unfair discrimination.
The same could be said for disabled people and/or members of the LGBTQ+ community. Why is it not a law that EVERYWHERE has disability access? Why are there hair salons that can't (or won't) work with afro Caribbean hair unless it's relaxed and straight because the stylist has little or no experience with an afro hair type? Why would it be considered an extraordinary achievement or something special to have a trans man or woman presenting a prime time news broadcast if that's what they aspired and were qualified to do?

All these questions have an answer that highlights the issue of representation (or lack thereof). How can the next generation aspire to do and be great unless they see people who look like them being successful in those necessary steps to prosperity? My hope for the future is that humanity can reach of a point where the seats at the tables start to be offered to everybody, so much so there is no longer a need to build additional tables just to lay a path and provide platforms for those who feel ignored when in fact we can all put our tables together highlighting, incorporating and celebrating cultural differences along the way.