Performative Diversity:

Appearing inclusive by making surface level diverse casting decisions without meaningful support (ex. Black best friend).

Example: In teen dramas and coming of age stories, a Black character will often exist to support the white protagonist, without having their own well rounded storyline.

Sources and Further Reading:

Leonie, Hannah. “How to Recognize Performative Diversity.” sheCareer, 3 Nov. 2021, www.shecareerblog.com/how-to-recognize-performative-diversity/.

Kalita, S. Mitra. “Looking Back on Three Years of Performative Diversity Efforts.” Charter in Partnership with Time, Time, 27 June 2023, time.com/charter/6290473/undoing-workplace-diversity-gains/.

Taylor, Edanne Rowe. “Diversity Is Finally Here, but Why Does It Feel so Performative? .” Edited by Jordinna Joaquin, Rock & Art, 28 July 2023, www.rockandart.org/diversity-is-here-why-it-feel-so-performative/.

Kowaleski, Emilyn. “Reimagining a Diverse and Inclusive Theatrical Space .” Media Diversity Institute, 26 Oct. 2020, www.media-diversity.org/reimagining-a-diverse-and-inclusive-theatrical-space/.