The Trouble with Diversity

A scathing critique of America's obsession with diversity and its neglect of the widening economic divide

Americans widely celebrate the value of diversity, from corporate Diversity Top 50 lists to minority recruiting at universities. But in this provocative book, Walter Benn Michaels argues that our focus on "difference" masks our disregard for America's vast and growing economic inequality. Affirmative action in schools hasn't made them more accessible, just ensured that rich kids come in the right colors. Workplace diversity training hasn't raised salaries, but it has guaranteed that when jobs are outsourced, culture will be treated with respect.

With lacerating prose and exhilarating wit, Michaels takes on the many manifestations of our devotion to diversity, from companies apologizing for slavery to the codes of conduct in "humane corporations." The Trouble with Diversity shows that diversity has become a false vision of social justice that conveniently costs us nothing. This controversial book attacks both the right and left, urging us to start thinking about real justice and equality instead of diversity.