A new study by the University of Minnesota’s sociology department say that though Americans are optimistic about the word “diversity,” it is often used as a blanket to cover their true feelings about the “R” word — race. The respondent’s biggest fear, according to the study, is that America is transforming into a multicultural nation overnight. The researchers say American diversity talk is sort of a ‘happy talk,’” an upbeat language that is now part of everyday conversation.
“The topic of race lies outside of the realm of polite conversation,” says Joyce Bell, a graduate student who co-authored the study with associate sociology professor Dr. Doug Hartmann. “Everyone, regardless of their race, political affiliation and even rhetorical ability, had real trouble talking about the inequities and injustices that typically accompany diversity in the United States.”
The study is based on a telephone survey of more than 2,000 adults between the ages of 20 and 75 living in households in Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles and Minneapolis/St. Paul, from areas selected as diverse settings; neighborhood organizations, interfaith religious initiatives and cultural festivals.
According to the report, respondents generally agreed that diversity is positive. However, a large portion of interviewees fumbled for words when asked in-depth questions about diversity. Among the general questions asked were “What does diversity mean to you?” and “What is positive about diversity?”
Hartmann said several of the responses seem to indicate that respondents don’t necessarily understand what the word “diversity” means.
