Cover Page

Introduction

Goals and Principles

Institutional Self Study

Institutional Goals and Strategies

Tools for Surveying Diversity

Case Studies

Glossary

Appendix A: Community Resources

Appendix B: Hiring Practices

Appendix C: Bibliography

Acknowledgements

Home

INTRODUCTION

Margaret Mead

Many people are uncertain about which terms are appropriate and feel uncomfortable about seeking additional information. This glossary is offered as a baseline from which all of us can consider some very complex issues. Many individuals in both the museum and academic communities have assisted in and encouraged the process of putting this glossary together. Many academics expressed thanks and relief that someone is finally putting this information in an accessible public format.

There are many ways to divide and label the population of the world. Historically, controlling groups have held the authority to label or name groups. In recent history, ethnic and cultural groups have demanded the power to name themselves. This change in terminology has caused confusion or havoc for some and resentment for others. In this document, we try to show some of this evolution and why it occurred. But our primary purpose is to document what cultural and ethnic groups prefer to be called at this point.

It is important to understand that there are few simple answers. The usage of many of these terms has changed over time, and they will probably continue to evolve. Many of the terms are considered controversial by at least some. It is important to remember that there are differences of opinion and distinct preferences within cultural and ethnic groups. No group is homogeneous. Within families there may be differences, often, but not always, based on generational lines. Even individuals' opinions may change over time. For example, a young person may call himself or herself "Hispanic," as did his or her family. Over time, this individual might evolve to prefer "Mexican American" and eventually "Chicano." On the other hand, it might be exactly the opposite, or the individual's preference may never change.

This document is intended to give you an educated baseline from which to start. It is up to each person to know the groups and individuals in their own community and to communicate directly with them about their preferences. Remember that the basic premise is not to impose a definition on a community that you serve, but to ask that community directly.

Here are a few suggested guidelines:

Although we have strived to be universal, this glossary was prepared with the membership of the Texas Association of Museums in mind. Therefore, some terms may have been given more specific treatment because of their regional significance.

African American	Culture	Multicultural/Multiethnic
American	Culture Specific	Native American
Anglo American	Ethnicity	Negro - See Black
Arab - See Middle Easterners	European American	Oriental - See Asian American
Asian American	Hispanic	Pacific Islander
Black	Indian	People of Color
Caucasian - See White	Indigenous	Prejudice
Chicano/Chicana	Latino/Latina	Race
Colored - See Black	Mexican American	Racism
Cross Cultural	Middle Easterners	Tejano/Tejana
Cultural Diversity	Minority	White