Essay: The Future of Diversity in NH

BY JAMES MCKIM

You have probably heard by now that the recent census indicates New Hampshire is growing and becoming a more diverse state. In a recent interview with NPR, UNH demographer Ken Johnson indicated that New Hampshire is becoming more diverse, but not anywhere near as diverse as the rest of the country. In 2010, we were 94% non-Hispanic white; now, we are 88% non-Hispanic white, making us the fourth-whitest state, behind Vermont, Maine and West Virginia.

The figures also show New Hampshire remains one of the oldest states, ranking behind Vermont and Maine (and Washington D.C.) for its percentage of residents age 18 and over. The 18+ population increased 9% to 81% of the total. Why is this census data important? 1) The census population count guides major decisions about federal spending that comes to New Hampshire (currently estimated at $6.5 billion annually) and political power for the next 10 years.

2) It provides insight into the people with whom we will have to interact in our communities.

What does this mean for the future of our state? First, let’s be clear on what “diversity” is.

The term “diversity” is used by many in different ways to mean different things. Some people use the term to refer to inclusion of Black people. Some people use the term to refer to inclusion of people from different races and ethnicities. Some people use the term to refer to inclusion of women.

In my experience, it is best to define “diversity” using the “diversity wheel” (shown in the illustration). The wheel was originally created in 1991 by Marilyn Loden at Johns Hopkins University. It was updated in 2009 by Gardenswartz and Rowe. The basic notion is that we all have internal, external and organizational characteristics that make up our personalities. These characteristics are what make us “diverse” individuals. Thus, “diversity” is about including people with those different characteristics.

Using this definition, the census data fails us to show the true diversity in our state. It does not tell us about the change in people with disabilities, sexual orientation, religion, education, thinking styles or many of the characteristics that make up our personalities.

But since race/ethnicity and gender are on the top of everyone’s minds, we can use the census data to prepare ourselves for the near future with respect to the population with those characteristics. Thus, we should ask ourselves several key questions:

• What does this data mean for individuals?

• What does this data mean for government?

• What does this data mean for organizations/ businesses?

• What does this data mean for our economy?

For individuals, it means that, particularly in the southern part of the state, we each will encounter more people of color during our daily lives. For those socialized as white, that may take some getting used to. It may cause feelings of angst, shame, guilt or confusion about how to interact. For people of color, that may be a welcome change — finally seeing people who look like them.

For government, it means that those crafting laws will have to pay more attention to the needs and desires of non-white males. Bills proposing greater transparency and accountability in law enforcement, such as HB 471, HB 530 and SB 96 — all recently signed by the governor — will become more frequent and important.

For organizations and businesses, it means the potential for conflict where employees are not accustomed to different perspectives or ways of thinking. It also means an opportunity to have the diversity of staff who can bring the different perspectives that research has proven are more likely to drive innovation and competitive advantage.

For our economy, it means the potential for new markets for businesses to pursue and citizens to win over. More revenue, more jobs, more ability for employment and self-sufficiency. A wider variety of products and services for everyone to consume enriching our lives.

To sum it up, this trend of diversification presents existential questions for the Granite State. Who are we as a state? What will we become? Will those socialized as white who control the levers of power succumb to the fear, guilt and shame of becoming a more diverse state and increase the same rancor, segregation and decline in way of life experienced by states with a more diverse population? Or will we embrace diversity in a way that will lead to richer, fuller lives for all? I trust we will opt for the latter as my belief is that embracing diversity will lead us to that more perfect union espoused by our Founding Fathers in the preamble of the Constitution of the United States.