Buzzword-free writing about diversity in the Entertainment Industry?

February 13, 2024 9:31 PM

I'm going to be leading an informal discussion on diversity in the entertainment field. But I want to avoid DEI buzzwords. What articles/commentary have you seen that use fresh language to talk about this topic?

I prefer fresh language because it helps get past preconceived partisan views on diversity. Many of the terms are now politicized or stereotypical. I'd like to encourage talk about the issue from almost a beginner's mindview. Looking for metaphors and images that would stimulate discussion.

posted by storybored to Society & Culture (3 answers total)

I have repeatedly used the concept of "welcoming" (as in "what makes you feel welcome in a space") in talking about this in Libraryland. It has potential to be derailed by people dragging in things that have nothing to do with DEI/identity, but there are ways to nudge the conversation in a good starting direction. I suppose an entertainment industry analogy might be something like "What makes you feel welcome when you walk into the lobby of a production company? How would you feel if you didn't see a single person of your race represented on the posters and stills on the wall?" (I have not walked into the lobby of a production company, so I don't know if that's reasonable, but that sort of thing.) I took a quick look around, and here's one sample public letter that stresses a welcoming environment.

Another approach, which the BIPOC caucus of an org I'm part of has taken lately, is to discuss how to integrate the org. The use of Civil Rights Era language is like a brisk slap across the face to the white progressives in the org who have been complacent and/or didn't see any problems so didn't think there were any. I have attended the BIPOC caucus meetings as an ally, and the leadership has in fairly plain, if polite, terms discussed the some of the long term problems and effects of DEI problems on the org as a whole. I don't know if they came up with this approach on their own, but here's one source that includes explicit framing using integration. (In my personal opinion, this approach seems like it could present problems for the situation you discuss, but... something to think about.)

Good luck.
posted by cupcakeninja at 5:43 AM on February 14, 2024 [2 favorites]

In the context of education and children's literature, I've seen the concept of "mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors" - to talk about the ways in which art might show you yourself or show you someone else. I think this can be an interesting jumping-off point for talking about broader art and who gets to see themselves in it.
posted by earth by april at 6:43 AM on February 14, 2024 [2 favorites]

Be matter-of-fact about including disability (some use IDEA with A for Accessibility) 3/4 of people with disabilities have qualifying health conditions that are not immediately detected, and are managed/masked unseen and without acknowledgement. There is no requirement to be “out”, being welcome and creating belonging within the community you are addressing is the aim.
posted by childofTethys at 7:12 AM on February 14, 2024 [3 favorites]