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Our #DiversityDictionary word of the week is widely used in the UK: #BAME, which stands for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic. Sometimes known as BME. It's a functional term we see in the UK, from media stories, govt reports, company recruitment & diversity initiatives. (1/5)
Most recently, we've seen it in the news with headlines such as 'BAME groups hit harder by Covid-19 than white people' [Source: Guardian]. Yet research has shown that not many people can't actually say what the acronym stands for [Source: Civil Service]. (2/5)
While it serves to describe those who are 'not white' in the UK, it is a problematic term on a number of counts.
Firstly, as an overly simplistic umbrella term, it reduces the nuance & diversity of experience of communities & individuals who might fall into this category. (3/5)
Firstly, as an overly simplistic umbrella term, it reduces the nuance & diversity of experience of communities & individuals who might fall into this category. (3/5)
Secondly, what exactly does 'minority ethnic' mean? Does it encompass, for example, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller of Irish Heritage groups who are among some of our most marginalised and disadvantaged communities in the UK? (4/5)
Different marginalised communities can't be lumped into one catch-all term like this - it erases our own unique histories and inequality issues we face day-to-day.
What do you think about the term BAME? Reply below and let us know (5/5)
What do you think about the term BAME? Reply below and let us know (5/5)
