Let's Talk About Why It’s called 'Global Majority' Now
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ADIOS BAME!
Remember the awkward moment in class when your professor used outdated lingo and everyone shuffled uncomfortably in their seats? That is exactly what has happened with the phrase "BAME" (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic). It's like using Internet Explorer in an age of Chrome, it just doesn't cut it anymore.
If you've visited the campus recently, you may have seen a new term: "Global Majority." And, no, it's not simply another acronym to remember for your next in-class test. This change is important for those of us making an effort to figure out how to talk about race and ethnicity in 2024.
Let's break it down. BAME stands for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic. The term lumped together billions of people with different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences under one super vague label. Imagine if someone grouped together all your Netflix, Prime, TikTok, and Spotify preferences under "student entertainment preferences" - it just wouldn't tell the whole story, right?
"Global Majority" is the new term used across different spaces. People of colour account for around 80% of the global population. So, why do we refer to them as a ‘minority’? Let that sink in. Calling them a "minority" is like calling the campus WiFi "reliable”, it simply doesn't make sense.
Using BAME is like trying to describe your entire college experience as "studying." Sure, technically there's some studying involved, but what about the emotional breakdowns in the library at 3 AM? The horrible hangover after the epic party? Think about our own campus. Our classmates may be from all over the world, representing a wide range of cultures, languages, and backgrounds. Details matter, people!
Switching to "Global Majority" is like finally updating your phone's operating system. It just works better. It's more accurate, doesn't classify individuals based on who they aren't and accurately represents the society we live in. Plus, it is far more POWERFUL. It's the difference between being referred to as a "non-traditional student" and a "mature student" - same concept, totally different vibe.
For those of you heading into the workforce soon (yeah, sorry to bring that up), this stuff matters. Companies are altering the way they communicate about diversity and inclusion. If you're interviewing for internships or jobs, understanding this vocabulary shift shows that you're paying attention to key developments in professional spaces. It's like knowing the difference between CC and BCC in emails – small detail, big impact.
But here's the truth: changing words doesn't immediately address underlying inequalities. It's like putting a new name on your student ID, you're still the same person dealing with crushing deadlines and caffeine addiction. The change to "Global Majority" is only a small portion of the larger discussions we need to have about representation, equality, and justice.
So, what can you do? Start by being aware. When you're working on group projects, writing papers, or just hanging out with friends, think about the language you use. Challenge outdated terms when you hear them (politely! we're not trying to start Twitter wars here). And remember, this isn't about being "politically correct", it's about being accurate and respectful.
If you're still wondering is this really that important, consider how it makes you feel when someone mispronounces your name or makes assumptions about you based on their own preconceived notions. Our perceptions of others and ourselves are shaped by language. Using "Global Majority" is about recognising the reality of our world and the impact of words on it, not just about being trendy.
So next time someone asks you about this change, you can explain it like the educated, aware person you are. And, maybe you'll even get some extra brownie points in your next diversity and inclusion seminar.
Remember: language evolves faster than your required reading list. Staying current isn't just about following trends, it's about being part of important conversations that shape our world. And isn't that what University is all about?