When Diversity Disappears

I noticed something recently–conspicuous diversity becomes inconspicuous quickly. Here’s what I mean:

• When I watch MSNBC I’ll note (approvingly) that a panel is is comprised only of people of color.
• When I watch “At Midnight” I’ll often note (approvingly) that a panel is comprised of only women.
• When I watch science shows on Discovery or History Channel, I’ve noticed that the producers have obviously tried to scout out women scientists and scientists of color. (I think that’s awesome and has only improved these shows.)

But the thing is, I noticed these things for about 60 seconds. Then the mental note was gone and I found I was just watching a panel of people discuss the news, or talk about the solar system, or crack jokes.

When Janet Mock appeared “The Daily Show,” at first I recall thinking “Wow, a trans woman.” But two minutes into the interview, she ceased to be a trans woman and simply became a person. This is not to say I want to disappear that fact that she is trans. I just want to note that when women, people of color and LBGT people are given the same visibility and  voice that straight white men enjoy they cease to be symbols of diversity-they simply become people, the norm.

This phenomenon destroys the idea that straight white men are the default. And this is a gateway phenomenon. Because when women, POC and our LGBT brothers and sisters are allowed a place on the stage, it will only be a matter of time before they afforded the same authority and gravitas we tend to grant only the current default. It means that women, POC and LGBT people will be accepted as funny, as smart, as experts.

This is why people fight so ferociously against what they perceive as forced diversity. Because when diversity becomes the norm, it ceases to be notable. And when that happens it will mean a staggering loss of privilege for straight, white men.