Why Diversity Deserves a Break This Holiday Season
Turning divisiveness into delight: A holiday take on diversity.
Diversity Holiday Definition Make-over
Diversity has become a dirty word. At least in my circles, it’s now synonymous with the perverse bigotry of Social Justice ideology. While I think that’s accurate, this is so sad! A perfectly good word has been struck down in its prime and tarnished with a sinister new connotation.
This can not stand, at least not for the holidays. Even our words deserve a break. So just like Oprah used to bring on middle-aged housewives, and dress them up in fancy new clothes, with a fresh lick of face paint and a new hairstyle, this Christmas we’ll give diversity a new definition.
Riffing off a little Buddhism, what if we thought of diversity as–the interconnected uniqueness of all beings? For all you non-Buddhists out there, think of it like this: you go outside and take a deep breath. As you draw in the air, think of how that air connects you to every living thing on the planet.
When you stop coughing, think of that as diversity. Isn’t that better? Walt Whitman was on point with this line from Song of Myself, “I am large, I contain multitudes!”
To expound on the idea, think on how this refutes the divisive nature of wokism by emphasizing:
Labels Are Not the Self: We are all more than our fixed characteristics. And those fixed characteristics don’t have a moral valence. That’s a lie some folks just love telling. Stop it.
Beyond Duality: Oppressors and oppressed, privileged and marginalized, we are more than these fixed interpretive lenses.
Freedom from Clinging: When we let fixed mindsets go, when we cultivate equanimity, we can appreciate our slice of this world's diversity without clinging, envy, or aversion.
There you go. You’re a Jedi now.
It should go without saying that diversity will be back in its old stained tracksuit and worn-out trainers by the second week in January, but maybe we will be able to remember this shining moment, and how fit and lively “diversity” used to look, back in its youth.
Celebrate with a Mad Lib Holiday Diversity Statement!
Since many of you will be hosting family for the holiday, I have gone to the effort of making your holiday run all the smoother, by doing the hard work of putting together your family Christmas diversity Statement! I left some parts out for you to personalize with the fam, and with this advance warning, you’ll be able to get this done early, ensuring that everyone is on the same page with how you’ll celebrate your holiday practices this year. Do let me know how things go.
Title: "A Holiday Diversity Statement That Sleighs!"
Dear [PLURAL NOUN],
As we gather this [ADJECTIVE] holiday season, we want to take a moment to honor the [NOUN] of diversity that makes our [PLACE] so [ADJECTIVE]. At [ORGANIZATION NAME], we are committed to [VERB ENDING IN -ING] an inclusive and [ADJECTIVE] environment where everyone—from [MYTHICAL CREATURES] to [PLURAL ANIMAL]—feels valued and [EMOTION].
We recognize that not everyone celebrates [HOLIDAY], and that’s okay! Whether you’re lighting a [OBJECT], spinning a [TOY], or simply [VERB ENDING IN -ING] your favorite [PLURAL FOOD], we’re here to support your [ADJECTIVE] traditions.
To ensure we honor all holiday practices, our team has implemented [RIDICULOUS POLICY], such as requiring everyone to wear [PLURAL CLOTHING ITEM] made of [MATERIAL] during our [ADJECTIVE] holiday party. Additionally, our Christmas tree has been replaced with a [OBJECT] to symbolize [CONCEPT THAT MAKES NO SENSE].
Remember, the holidays are a time for [PLURAL VERB] and [PLURAL NOUN], but most importantly, they’re a time to [VERB] together in [NOUN]. Let’s make this season as [ADJECTIVE] as a [SILLY HOLIDAY IMAGE]!
From all of us at [ORGANIZATION NAME], we wish you a [ADJECTIVE] [HOLIDAY GREETING] filled with [PLURAL NOUN] and free of [SOMETHING PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT].
Sincerely,[NAME OF RIDICULOUSLY TITLED HOLIDAY COMMITTEE]
Now gather your friends and fill in the blanks—because nothing says “inclusive holiday spirit” like a diversity statement that’s as ridiculous as fruitcake! 🎄🎁
I filled my out using only swear words. It came out great!
Enjoy this little amusement as you gather with friends and family. Only 12 days to go. Cheers!
Housekeeping
I am going to take a break from 23 Dec 2024 and I’ll be back (just like the Terminator) on 3 Jan 2025. I won’t be idle though. I’ll be working on getting the Accreditation Reform Ball Rolling and the Tennessee FAIR Chapter website. While Accreditation Reform will be a nationwide effort, it starts here in TN. If you are in Tennessee, please reach out to the FAIR Chapter, we can use the help.
If you are elsewhere in the country, there are Chapters across the country and in Canada.
I will also be in and out over on X/twitter. Be sure to say hi!
On the Bookshelf
I am also going to take my holiday to read my books instead of dry formal documents for a change. Yes, I really do mean it.
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About
Diogenes in Exile began after I returned to grad school to pursue a Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s degree at the University of Tennessee. What I encountered, however, was a program deeply entrenched in Critical Theories ideology. During my time there, I experienced significant resistance, particularly for my Buddhist practice, which was labeled as invalidating to other identities. After careful reflection, I chose to leave the program, believing the curriculum being taught would ultimately harm clients and lead to unethical practices in the field.
Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to investigating, writing, and speaking out about the troubling direction of psychology, higher education, and other institutions that seem to have lost their way. When I’m not working on these issues, you’ll find me in the garden, creating art, walking my dog, or guiding my kids toward adulthood.
You can also find my work at Minding the Campus