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Glossary

Scapegoating

The action of blaming an individual or group for something when, in reality, there is no one person or group responsible for the problem. It targets another person or group because of their identity as responsible for specific problems in society. (46)

Segregationist

One who expresses racist ideas that a racial group is permanently inferior and can never be developed while supporting policies that isolate and divide away that racial group.

Segregationist Policies

Policies and practices that are geared toward isolating, dividing, enslaving, incarcerating, deporting, and killing people of races that are deemed inferior. (18)

Shows Centering BIPOC Performers

Shows with a predominantly BIPOC principal and/or ensemble cast.

Social Justice 

A concept of fair and just relations between the individual and society. This is measured by the explicit and tacit terms for the distribution of power, wealth, education, healthcare, and other opportunities for personal activity and social privileges. (88)

Stereotype

Characteristics imposed upon groups of people because of their race, nationality, gender, and/or sexual orientation. These characteristics tend to be oversimplifications of the groups involved and while they can seem positive at times, are still harmful. (56)

Stories Centering BIPOC Artists and Experiences

Works can be considered centered around BIPOC artists and experiences if they are:

Written about BIPOC folks.

Written to star BIPOC folks.

Written by BIPOC folks.

Containing music composed by BIPOC folks.

Performed by a predominantly BIPOC cast.

Placing BIPOC storylines at the forefront.

Written for BIPOC audiences.

These works can both be created generally to include all groups in the umbrella term of “BIPOC” and separately to acknowledge a specific group. This also applies for companies that name a specific group from the BIPOC community in the title of their company, as their works, artists, and audiences will inherently center the community referenced. (3)

Supporting Role

A type of principal role in which an actor appears and speaks in one or more scenes. While important to the storyline, the role is not a part of the central narrative. (11)

SuSTAINABILITY

"Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Specifically for the environment, this means all of earth's environmental systems are kept in balance while natural resources within them are consumed by humans at a rate where they are able to replenish themselves. (102)

Systemic Racism

Includes the policies and practices entrenched in established  institutions, which result in the exclusion or promotion of designated  groups. It differs from overt discrimination in that no individual intent is necessary.

Citations

3. We See You White American Theatre Demands

11. Acting Tips: Defining acting roles on your résumé

18. How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi

46. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Glossary of Terms

56. What Is a Stereotype?

88. Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion

102. What is sustainability?

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

The JJI Glossary defines terms that are necessary in discussing equity in the arts. This glossary is the result of countless hours of thoughtful research and innovation by our team.

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