Beyond Diversity: Unmasking Assimilation in Academia
"Is 'Diversity' Just a Facade? Examining How Academics of Color Navigate White Institutions"
The push for diversity in universities is often celebrated, but what happens when 'diversity' becomes a mask for assimilation? Many academics of color find themselves navigating predominantly white institutions where the pressure to conform can overshadow genuine inclusion. This isn't just about representation; it's about the subtle and overt ways that whiteness shapes academic culture and expectations.
Sadhvi Dar's research, drawing on Black liberation and anti-racist literature, unpacks this complex dynamic. By examining the experiences of Black and Brown academics, Dar reveals how the pursuit of assimilation can silence voices and perpetuate systemic inequalities. The work invites a critical look at the gap between diversity initiatives and the lived realities of academics of color.
Inspired by Ben Jonson's 17th-century masque, 'The Masque of Blackness,' Dar reimagines the performance of identity within the academic world. This exploration delves into the historical context of Black bodies in Western institutions and offers a counter-narrative to those who experience exclusion and racism, even as others appear to be celebrated for their diversity.
Navigating the Labyrinth: What Pressures Do Academics of Color Face?
Academics of color often face a double bind: they are expected to represent diversity while simultaneously conforming to white academic norms. This can manifest in several ways:
- Tokenization: Being asked to speak on behalf of an entire racial group.
- Citation Bias: Facing challenges in having their work recognized or cited.
- Microaggressions: Enduring subtle but persistent acts of racism that undermine their sense of belonging.
- Exclusion: Feeling isolated from networks and opportunities available to their white colleagues.
Beyond Performance: Building a Truly Inclusive Academy
Moving beyond performative diversity requires a commitment to dismantling the structures of whiteness that perpetuate inequality. This involves recognizing the historical context of racial exclusion, challenging citation biases, and actively supporting the voices and perspectives of academics of color. It also means creating spaces where difference is not just tolerated but celebrated, and where all members of the academic community can thrive without having to sacrifice their identities.