Diversity: The Invention of a Concept - featuring Peter Wood
Recorded on March 26, 2003
Professor
Wood's scholarly study of the evolution of the concept of
"diversity" has resulted in an erudite, even-handed and fascinating
critique of the diversity cliché. This brilliant study
is especially valuable now because the idea of diversity permeates
almost every discussion of race in America. The promotion of
diversity is often the sole justification provided for racial
preferences in student admissions and faculty hiring, government
contracting, employment and business decisions, and many other
areas of public life. In the current Supreme Court cases
challenging the University of Michigan's racial preference
policies, the University rests its entire case on the argument that
the promotion of "diversity" on campus is a "compelling"
governmental interest. Just in time for the Supreme Court's oral
argument in the Michigan racial preference cases, Wood's book
explores the myth of diversity that purports to promote variety and
multiplicity, a diversity he supports. Employing his skill as a
professional anthropologist, Wood concludes that the word has
become a cult icon supporting a set of prescribed numerical
outcomes at odds with real equality and liberty.
Abigail and
Stephan Thernstrom have devoted much of their distinguished careers
to studying race and ethnicity in America. Among their many
works, they are the co-authors of the acclaimed America in
Black and White, and a forthcoming book, No Excuses:
Closing the Racial Gap in Learning.