What BAME represents
n Race, Identity and Defining the Term BAME: Miranda Wayland, diversity manager, BBC; and Sunder Katwala, director, British Future
A THIRD of people are not aware of the term BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic – the acronym that is used to describe anyone who is not white British), a poll has revealed.
The results were confirmed by British Future director Sunder Katwala, who added that only 40 per cent of respondents felt confident knowing exactly what the acronym means.
Although the BBC’s Miranda Wayland said there was “safety” in using the term, she stressed the powerful nature of language. “(Language) can divide or unite,” she said, adding: “The acronym has a profound detriment to some when we’re putting so many groups together.”
Wayland’s role in the BBC is to champion diversity in the creative community and work with key industry stakeholders to deliver the broadcaster’s onscreen diversity ambitions. Reflecting on the lack of visibility of under-represented groups in the industry, she said: “We often don’t give ethnic minority groups the chance to fail as they have to work twice as hard. But when we do fail, that’s when we really learn. Under-represented groups therefore struggle to be seen and heard.”
She also referred to recent BBC shows I May Destroy You and A Suitable Boy, fronted by black and Asian casts, respectively, which had been well received by critics and audiences alike.
“We told stories from the black and Asian perspectives, but they were still enjoyed by so many other ethnic groups,” she noted.