faux-diversity

  • how those in homogenous cultures can still see some value in diversity so co-opt the language or general appearance of diversity without internalising the core tenants
  • in both culturally appropriative use of superficial aspects or aesthetics or practices of diverse cultures, but also in merely the concept of only very slight differences and uniquenesses
    • those White American Baby Names eg Jaeden Jaiyden Jeiyden
      • this also a result of specific religious groups enforcing certain sets of names?
  • ‘weird, but not TOO weird’
  • to stand out a little (but mostly fit in)
  • like a ‘diversity hire’ of someone with some small difference who nevertheless fits very neatly into your homogenous group
    • the one black friend to ‘diversify’ your Christmas24/Hallmark film
      • also saw someone describe this as a modern iteration of the ‘Mammy’ trope which is a great take
    • hard-marketing your one gay staff member who is incredibly straight-laced and Conservative when queerer people are unwelcome to apply
  • mirroring the closely-competitive brands, products and companies that are foundationally similar but slightly repackaged, to provide a feeling of newness and uniqueness without actually experimenting too far from the norm