The document criticizes common definitions of diversity that focus on visible attributes like race and sex. It argues that true agents of diversity don't call attention to their own differences, but include people who differ in many dimensions, like thought, culture, education, and experience. The best way to promote diversity is through personal example, not through mandates or fliers. Diversity is about bringing together people who are genuinely different in both visible and invisible ways.

1. Binaebi Akah » Project 5a I590 Spring 2010
Digital Imagery as Agency of or Documentary about Diversity

2. Go ahead. Tell me about
diversity. I am all ears.
I am exhausted from ten years of being
chosen as a poster child for diversity by
professors, advisors, and organizations.
I did not choose to be this color or sex; that
is the fault of genetics. I am disappointed
by the lack of imagination in the definition
of this loaded word, diversity.
Tr u e a g e n t s o f d i v e r s i t y d o n ’ t n e e d t o c a l l
attention to their presence. They include
others who differ in thought, culture,
education, means of expression, age,
experience, religion, etc, knowing that by
doing so, they create a stronger team.
Being different is good enough.
Wa n t t o b e a n a g e n t o f d i v e r s i t y ? D o b y
example. No one pays attention to fliers.
Info East Lobby Wo m e n ’s B a t h r o o m Info East Entrance
Binaebi Akah » Project 5a I590 Spring 2010
Digital Imagery as Agency of or Documentary about Diversity

3. Attributions
Primary Secondary
Binaebi Akah “Sibling Design Session”
“Diversity” as we know it is a joke. Give me people who are Photo taken by Binaebi Akah
genuinely different in ways invisible to the eye, rather than Columbus, OH on March 20, 2010
mandating the presence of traditionally marginalized groups.
“Diversity Fliers”
Lynn Dombrowski Photos taken by Binaebi Akah
Diversity of thought is just as important as race and sex. Bloomington, IN on March 24, 2010
Chad Camara
The sum of the whole is greater than its parts. It’s not enough
to throw people together; how those people learn to work
together is where the magic happens.
Binaebi Akah » Project 5a I590 Spring 2010
Digital Imagery as Agency of or Documentary about Diversity