What mindset is illustrated by the refusal to hire non-American acts for a theatre despite popular acclaim?

The mindset illustrated by the refusal to hire non-American acts for a theatre, despite their popularity, aligns with the concept of prejudice. Prejudice often manifests as a bias or preconceived opinion against a particular group, in this case, acts from outside the United States. This refusal signifies an underlying belief that American acts are superior, disregarding the merit of the talents from other cultures or countries.

Such a mindset can stem from nationalistic sentiments, where favoritism is shown towards one's own countrymen while dismissing the potential contributions and value of those from different backgrounds. This perspective limits diversity and excludes potentially enriching performances simply due to the performers' nationality, rather than evaluating their talent based on objective criteria such as skill, creativity, or audience appeal.

By not considering the performance quality and acclaim of non-American acts, the decision reflects a narrow viewpoint that prioritizes national identity over artistic merit.