A diffusive display, such as a polymer network liquid crystal display (PNLCD) and a visible wavelength light polarizer are combined to form a diffusive display device. The diffusive display device may provide black and white or color presentation with refresh rates suitable for playback of animation or full motion video using ambient or emitted light. By altering a state of the diffusive material, such as polymer network liquid crystals, between a scatter state and a clear state an image may be generated.