The Challenge of Diversity
Posted on November 14th, 2009
The Guerrilla Girls on Tour site, which I discovered by accident through another blogger’s site, justifiably complains about the exclusive nature of some book awards and lists of “bests”; in this case, the one offered by Publishers’ Weekly was deemed offensive because it excluded books by women and people of color.
I understand the complaint. And–in a sense–I guess I agree with those making the complaint.
Nevertheless, I wonder about the remedy. Must lists of “bests” and book awards be inclusive so that diverse populations are represented? If diversity is the goal, is there a formula that ought to be applied so that everyone is represented according to some ordained proportions? If diversity is achieved, then what happens to the premise that the list or the award represents the best?
Perhaps all of this says something about the futility, subjectivity, and difficulty of such lists and awards. If those who are excluded are offended, perhaps lists and awards ought to be abolished. Thus, no one’s feelings are hurt, and that seems to be the goal of those who feel excluded. Comments?
Tags: Blogger, Book Awards, Diversity, Feelings, Futility, Guerrilla Girls, Lists Of Bests, Nature, People Of Color, Populations, Premise, Proportions, Publishers Weekly, Remedy, Subjectivity
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