#WriteInclusion Factsheets
Expanded glossary of terms
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Asian American
A term used to describe an American of Asian descent. It’s not an ideal term because it collapses countless identities and cultures into one label and often only refers to the East Asian American experience. For more on the complexity of this label, as well as the larger “Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI)” label, here is a helpful video.
A term used to describe an American of Asian descent. It’s not an ideal term because it collapses countless identities and cultures into one label and often only refers to the East Asian American experience. For more on the complexity of this label, as well as the larger “Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI)” label, here is a helpful video.
Asian Latinx
Two of America’s fastest-growing ethnic groups are Asian and Latino, and they aren’t mutually exclusive. For centuries, Asian immigrants have settled throughout Latin America. There are Korean communities in Mexico and Argentina; Chinatowns everywhere from Santo Domingo to Lima; and there’s a major Japanese population in Brazil. The immigrants’ descendants carry both Asian and Latin American identities. In the U.S., Asians and Latinos have lived side-by-side in heavily immigrant neighborhoods and have created lives together. See here for more details.
Two of America’s fastest-growing ethnic groups are Asian and Latino, and they aren’t mutually exclusive. For centuries, Asian immigrants have settled throughout Latin America. There are Korean communities in Mexico and Argentina; Chinatowns everywhere from Santo Domingo to Lima; and there’s a major Japanese population in Brazil. The immigrants’ descendants carry both Asian and Latin American identities. In the U.S., Asians and Latinos have lived side-by-side in heavily immigrant neighborhoods and have created lives together. See here for more details.
Baby Mama/Daddy
These terms have a context-specific meaning within Black culture, but when used by people who aren’t Black, especially in official capacities (like newscasters), the meaning changes. They undermine the serious- ness of real relationships and imply a lack of personal responsibility.
These terms have a context-specific meaning within Black culture, but when used by people who aren’t Black, especially in official capacities (like newscasters), the meaning changes. They undermine the seriousness of real relationships and imply a lack of personal responsibility.
Bindi
Comes from the Sanskrit word “bindu” for point or dot. Worn often in the shape of a dot on the forehead between the brows, it has a rich religious and cultural history and can be seen as a “third eye” warding off bad luck and forging a connection with God. Because of the many languages and dialects spoken throughout India, bindis are known by many names including kumkum, sindoor, teep, tikli, and bottu. Around 3000 BC, the rishi-muni (ancient seers of Hinduism) wrote the Vedas, describing the existence of seven main areas of concentrated energy called the chakras. Chakras run along the center of the body, and the sixth one (called the ajna chakra, the “brow chakra” or “third eye chakra”) occurs exactly where the bindi is placed.
Comes from the Sanskrit word “bindu” for point or dot. Worn often in the shape of a dot on the forehead between the brows, it has a rich religious and cultural history and can be seen as a “third eye” warding off bad luck and forging a connection with God. Because of the many languages and dialects spoken throughout India, bindis are known by many names including kumkum, sindoor, teep, tikli, and bottu. Around 3000 BC, the rishi-muni (ancient seers of Hinduism) wrote the Vedas, describing the existence of seven main areas of concentrated energy called the chakras. Chakras run along the center of the body, and the sixth one (called the ajna chakra, the “brow chakra” or “third eye chakra”) occurs exactly where the bindi is placed.
Code-Switching
The practice of alternating between two or more languages or varieties of language in conversation. For instance, Latinx Americans who speak a combination of Spanish, Indigenous/Native dialects, and English or Black Americans who speak African American Vernacular English (or Black English) and English. Code-switching is often used at home or among members of the same communities, and people don’t necessarily code-switch to someone who doesn’t speak their same language.
The practice of alternating between two or more languages or varieties of language in conversation. For instance, Latinx Americans who speak a combination of Spanish, Indigenous/Native dialects, and English or Black Americans who speak African American Vernacular English (or Black English) and English. Code-switching is often used at home or among members of the same communities, and people don’t necessarily code-switch to someone who doesn’t speak their same language.
Cultural Hybridity
The practice of someone maintaining customs and values of two or more different cultures that make up their identity. In engaging with their separate cultures, someone can create a new hybrid identity that seeks to balance these multiple parts of them. Cultural hybridity is an ongoing, active, and fluid process that is shaped by history and background.
The practice of someone maintaining customs and values of two or more different cultures that make up their identity. In engaging with their separate cultures, someone can create a new hybrid identity that seeks to balance these multiple parts of them. Cultural hybridity is an ongoing, active, and fluid process that is shaped by history and background.
Dalit
An entire population in India and Hindu regions of Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh considered inherently contaminated. Also known as “Untouchables,” Dalits are members of the lowest social group, born below the four primary Hindu castes. The word “Dalit” means “oppressed” or “broken” and is the name members of this group gave themselves in the 1930s. Dalits face discrimination and even violence from members of higher castes, or traditional social classes, particularly in terms of access to jobs, education, and marriage partners. For more.
An entire population in India and Hindu regions of Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh considered inherently contaminated. Also known as “Untouchables,” Dalits are members of the lowest social group, born below the four primary Hindu castes. The word “Dalit” means “oppressed” or “broken” and is the name members of this group gave themselves in the 1930s. Dalits face discrimination and even violence from members of higher castes, or traditional social classes, particularly in terms of access to jobs, education, and marriage partners. For more.
Desi
A person of South Asian descent. The term once referred to South Asians living abroad but now refers to any South Asian. It’s also used as a description – Desi food, Desi music, etc.
A person of South Asian descent. The term once referred to South Asians living abroad but now refers to any South Asian. It’s also used as a description – Desi food, Desi music, etc.
Dharma
The eternal and inherent nature of reality, regarded in Hinduism as a cosmic law underlying right behavior and social order. In Buddhism, the nature of reality is regarded as a universal truth taught by the Buddha. For more.
The eternal and inherent nature of reality, regarded in Hinduism as a cosmic law underlying right behavior and social order. In Buddhism, the nature of reality is regarded as a universal truth taught by the Buddha. For more.
Diaspora
A community of people from the same homeland who have been scattered or have migrated to other lands. While most often associated with the Jewish people expelled from the Kingdom of Israel in the 6th century BCE, the diaspora of many ethnic groups is found around the world today. 1) A diaspora is a group of people who have been forced from or chosen to leave their homeland to settle in other lands; 2) People of a diaspora typically preserve and celebrate the culture and traditions of their homeland; 3) Diaspora may be created by voluntary emigration or by force, as in the cases of wars, enslavement, or natural disasters. For more.
A community of people from the same homeland who have been scattered or have migrated to other lands. While most often associated with the Jewish people expelled from the Kingdom of Israel in the 6th century BCE, the diaspora of many ethnic groups is found around the world today.
1) A diaspora is a group of people who have been forced from or chosen to leave their homeland to settle in other lands;
2) People of a diaspora typically preserve and celebrate the culture and traditions of their homeland;
3) Diaspora may be created by voluntary emigration or by force, as in the cases of wars, enslavement, or natural disasters. For more.
Domestic Worker
Hired to perform household and caregiving duties in an employer’s private home or residence (e.g., housekeeper, nanny, gardener, au pair, chauffeur, in-home aide, babysitter). These professionals (majority women, mostly immigrants and BIPOC) do difficult, skilled work, often without basic labor rights and protections.
Hired to perform household and caregiving duties in an employer’s private home or residence (e.g., housekeeper, nanny, gardener, au pair, chauffeur, in-home aide, babysitter). These professionals (majority women, mostly immigrants and BIPOC) do difficult, skilled work, often without basic labor rights and protections.
Emotional Labor
The process of managing feelings and expressions in order to fulfill the emotional requirements of a job. More specifically, when workers have to regulate emotions to shape the minds of superiors, co-workers, and customers. Emotional labor more often falls on BIPOC people, especially women (e.g., swallowing down feelings about a racist or sexist comment so as not to make things awkward for another individual, having to fake positivity to placate a customer).
The process of managing feelings and expressions in order to fulfill the emotional requirements of a job. More specifically, when workers have to regulate emotions to shape the minds of superiors, co-workers, and customers. Emotional labor more often falls on BIPOC people, especially women (e.g., swallowing down feelings about a racist or sexist comment so as not to make things awkward for another individual, having to fake positivity to placate a customer).
Generational Trauma
The long-term psychological effects of trauma (both personal and communal) that can be passed down through generations of families and cultures. Beyond psychological, these generational effects are also familial, social, cultural, neurobiological, and possibly even genetic.
The long-term psychological effects of trauma (both personal and communal) that can be passed down through generations of families and cultures. Beyond psychological, these generational effects are also familial, social, cultural, neurobiological, and possibly even genetic.
Hijra
Officially recognized as a “third gender” in South Asia, Hijra are considered neither male nor female. Traditionally, they were considered divine demi-gods, but colonizers from Islamic and Christian countries have caused them to be marginalized and even criminalized. Note: When living in another country or visiting other states that don't have the same cultural genders, people with this identity may code-switch and call themselves trans women, trans men, or non-binary in order for their gender to be legible to others. There are also transgender men and women in South Asia who do not consider themselves Hijra. For more.
Officially recognized as a “third gender” in South Asia, Hijra are considered neither male nor female. Traditionally, they were considered divine demi-gods, but colonizers from Islamic and Christian countries have caused them to be marginalized and even criminalized. Note: When living in another country or visiting other states that don't have the same cultural genders, people with this identity may code-switch and call themselves trans women, trans men, or non-binary in order for their gender to be legible to others. There are also transgender men and women in South Asia who do not consider themselves Hijra. For more.
Hindu / Hinduism / Hindi
A Hindu is a subscriber to Hinduism, which is one of the world’s oldest religions originating in India and comprising religious, cultural, and philosophical concepts such as Karma, Dharma, and reincarnation. Hinduism is the world’s 3rd-largest organized religion after Islam and Christianity, and India’s most practiced religion. Hinduism’s fundamental teaching, or Vedanta, is that a human being's basic nature isn’t confined to the body or mind. Beyond both is the spirit or the spark of God within the soul. For more. Hindi is the language spoken by 45% of India.
A Hindu is a subscriber to Hinduism, which is one of the world’s oldest religions originating in India and comprising religious, cultural, and philosophical concepts such as Karma, Dharma, and reincarnation. Hinduism is the world’s 3rd-largest organized religion after Islam and Christianity, and India’s most practiced religion. Hinduism’s fundamental teaching, or Vedanta, is that a human being's basic nature isn’t confined to the body or mind. Beyond both is the spirit or the spark of God within the soul. For more. Hindi is the language spoken by 45% of India.
Identity
An intrinsic, embodied part of who someone is (e.g., race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability), not to be confused with the various experiences, ideologies, and preferences they identify with (e.g., careers, politics, hobbies). Identity shapes our everyday life, psychology, culture, relationships, behavior, and shared history. Identity is deeply personal and language used to describe it is ever-evolving. We must be open to new language as understanding shifts; it’s vital to use the terms, names, and pronouns others use for themselves. Note: Avoid the phrasing “identify as” (e.g. “she is a woman” instead of “she identifies as a woman”; “they are non-binary” vs “they identify as non-binary”).
An intrinsic, embodied part of who someone is (e.g., race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability), not to be confused with the various experiences, ideologies, and preferences they identify with (e.g., careers, politics, hobbies). Identity shapes our everyday life, psychology, culture, relationships, behavior, and shared history. Identity is deeply personal and language used to describe it is ever-evolving. We must be open to new language as understanding shifts; it’s vital to use the terms, names, and pronouns others use for themselves. Note: Avoid the phrasing “identify as” (e.g. “she is a woman” instead of “she identifies as a woman”; “they are non-binary” vs “they identify as non-binary”).
Immigrants
Those who move to take permanent residence in a new country.
Those who move to take permanent residence in a new country.
Jainism
An ancient non-theistic religion from India that has no gods and teaches salvation through reincarnation and non-injury to living creatures. The three guiding principles, the “three jewels,” are 1) right belief, 2) right knowledge, and 3) right conduct. The supreme principle of living is nonviolence (ahimsa). Jainism has no priests. Its professional religious people are monks and nuns who lead strict and ascetic laives. Most Jains live in India, and according to India’s 2001 Census there are around 4.2 million living there, although census figures may provide lower than the true number of followers as many Jains identify themselves as Hindu.
An ancient non-theistic religion from India that has no gods and teaches salvation through reincarnation and non-injury to living creatures. The three guiding principles, the “three jewels,” are 1) right belief, 2) right knowledge, and 3) right conduct. The supreme principle of living is nonviolence (ahimsa). Jainism has no priests. Its professional religious people are monks and nuns who lead strict and ascetic laives. Most Jains live in India, and according to India’s 2001 Census there are around 4.2 million living there, although census figures may provide lower than the true number of followers as many Jains identify themselves as Hindu.
Karma
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences. Good intent and good deeds contribute to good karma and happier rebirths, while bad intent and bad deeds contribute to bad karma and bad rebirths.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences. Good intent and good deeds contribute to good karma and happier rebirths, while bad intent and bad deeds contribute to bad karma and bad rebirths.
Metis
An officially recognized “third gender” in Nepal with a long history in the Himalayan region. Metis are predominantly feminine-presenting people who were assigned male at birth. Even though their legal recognition on government documents is based solely on self-determination (setting a global precedent), metis people continue to face significant marginalization in Nepal. Note: When living in another country or visiting other states that don't have the same cultural genders, people with this identity may code-switch and call themselves trans women or non-binary in order for their gender to be legible to others. For more on metis identity, here is a personal account.
An officially recognized “third gender” in Nepal with a long history in the Himalayan region. Metis are predominantly feminine-presenting people who were assigned male at birth. Even though their legal recognition on government documents is based solely on self-determination (setting a global precedent), metis people continue to face significant marginalization in Nepal. Note: When living in another country or visiting other states that don't have the same cultural genders, people with this identity may code-switch and call themselves trans women or non-binary in order for their gender to be legible to others. For more on metis identity, here is a personal account.