#Diversity: Just a Trend or Here to Stay?

As a minority in America seeing the word “diversity” in any headline will grab my attention. As of late, I have been noticing an abundance of articles that have been promoting diversity. The majority are fashion related. Whether it’s a result of the political climate that America is in or otherwise, I can’t help but to feel that this is simply a trend.

The article that called my attention, once again, to diversity was found in The Cut. The title read, “Raf Simons on Diversifying Calvin Klein’s Ads.” I can’t count anymore the abundance of articles I’ve seen promoting diversity of all kinds. Size. Race. Gender. Age. It’s all positive, but is it lasting?

As history shows, being morally correct and accepting one another for their differences has been in phases rather than staying for the long hold. For example, the events that followed the 9/11 attacks. I was young, but I remember seeing the display of togetherness all over the television screen. There was love everywhere and rather than seeing each other for race, we saw one another as Americans, or at least as humans just the same.

It seems to be popular to only make one race, gender, or size popular at a time. Almost as if media outlets are basing what they promote on the social/political climate. This is why I fear that diversity right now is a trend.

Following the controversy with Trump making it difficult for immigrants from six predominantly Muslim nations to enter the United States, the promotion of Muslim diversity was everywhere. When police brutality was high amongst people of the black race, the promotion of black diversity was seen everywhere across the runway and more. When plus-size model Ashley Graham was criticized for her cover of Sports Illustrated, the promotion of plus-size women was plastered across every platform imaginable.

It feels good to see yourself represented as well as promoted in the eyes of others. For your religion, race, age, size, and gender not to matter makes individuals feel as if they are being seen for more than just what is on the outside. Yes, it feels good, but is it a temporary high? This lagging thought in the back of the minds of minorities is what makes them wary of the future, even if at the moment, all appears to be peaceful.