#Diversity Matters

[writingwithcolor]

It wouldn’t be historically accurate for my story to include BIPOC!

This is an argument often made about European-style fantasy media like Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, and Disney’s Frozen. Audiences, often white, assume that due to the majority-white setting, adding any visible number of BIPOC to the story would be unrealistic.

What these critics fail to realize is that BIPOC do in fact live, and have lived, in these settings, and records of BIPOC presence in places assumed to be majority-white have been buried, written out, or not taught due to white supremacist and/or colonial bias in the field of history. There are historical European settings that were far more diverse than is often portrayed. Consider:

The Moorish Empire exerted an extensive influence over life and culture in Southern Europe from Spain from 711 to 1492

The Ottomans were heavily involved in European affairs up until the treaty of Karlowitz in 1699, but still considered a part of Europe even through the 19th century

The sheer size of the Roman Empire ensured the continued movement of people from various backgrounds within the Mediterranean well until the end of the Byzantine Empire.

“Historical accuracy” should not be used as an excuse for media to be exclusively white in its casting. While there are places which are or were predominantly white, there will always be factors like global trade and immigration that bring multiculturalism to their doors.

And even if the presence of a certain demographic is unrealistic for a certain setting? Consider that we’ve accepted far worse inaccuracies in historical fiction in the name of artistic license. Consider that our understanding of human history is, and will always be, incomplete.

Further Reading:

Historically Diverse London, “Historical Accuracy,” and Creator Accountability

Making a Black Pride and Prejudice Resonate

---

This Q&A is an excerpt from our General FAQ for Newcomers, which can be found in our new Masterpost of rules and FAQs. If you're new to Writing With Color and/or want more writing resources, check it out!

-Writing With Color

[ju6staposition]

Okay but like the reason why Monster high was the fucking shit was because there were so many diverse characters on there. I’m so sick of hearing old ass people fight diversity, because like even the capitalist benefit. There was a character each of us could find ourselves in, they were from all different places of the world, with all different types of home lives. Not to mention they were all fashionable as fuck.

[tuxedosaurus]

After the blunder of attempts in season 3 I’m very happy Young Justice Phantoms solidified the show as the most diverse superhero cartoon.

It’s always been better than most on racial diversity, but that season upped it, got a good amount of queer characters in, and had two unrelated characters with nuanced relationships with Islam.

Making a reblog for the explicit queer couples because there’s a picture limit 😅

[b1ttersweetzomb1e]

Ive watched the Monster High live action and i have sooo many positive things to talk about it, but, in this specific post, i wanted to talk about Frankie's neurodivergent behaviour.

I wasn't expecting for it, not gonna lie. But i just watched this movie and i wanted to talk about it with my open heart. As a neurodivergent person myself, who was judged during all their life for it, i have no words enough to say how much i felt comfortable watching Frankie's neurodivergence, it was deeply relatable to me. It was heartwarming.

Ive always loved Frankie. I used to like Monster High a lot when i was a child, i was too young to understand the message behind tho. This universe was always about embracing yourself, just in the way you are, no matter how different you might be from the others. I was still into Monster High content as i grow older and then i finally understood it, but, now, it was different. I felt it. Deep into my soul. I felt embraced. I mean it. Frankie is, by far, my favorite character in this new version, theyve become my kinnie and comfort character, and, ik it might not be important for so many people, but im feeling so so happy about that to the point of really wanting to share this somewhere.

Diversity matters.

[wordsmithmusings265]

Hi Hello, lovelies!💖

It’s been a hot minute, but FaeKwidditchMusings would love to announce their next fest!

🍦🍨🍦Flavors of Summer: Nott-Your-Usual Flavors Fest🍦🍨🍦

More details to come! 

[allycat75]

Hey, I've got a new branding idea for that insipid website of yours, Boston Dumb Fuck!

After mulling over the winter wonderland of white, mostly male, photos posted for the self-congratulatory Washington DC tour, promoting that waste-of-time and possibly democracy debilitating website, A Starting Point (which is ironic, because, while a good idea, was dead in the water almost from the start), I was thinking maybe you guys could use a name punch-up.

I don't know if you have brought this futile project back from the dead to see if you can sell it (beware of covert conservative organizations who would love to take it off your hands so they could brainwash the youth of America; your information is so pointless now, it wouldn't be hard for someone to subtly turn their heads in any direction they desired), or if you want to distract us from the fact that the man who once confronted the grand wizard of the KKK, marched in Black Lives Matter rallies and claimed he was a feminist, is now "married" to an arrogant, antisemetic, racist fatshamer that he treats like shit. You aren't Captain America anymore, not that you ever were. But unlike your absurb website, you have to pick a side.

Or it could be a combination of both hemorrhaging cash and and the need for an image scrub, not to mention an ego stroking participation trophy after a long list of failures.

May I suggest possibly adding "Wack-jobs:", "Why?" or "WTF," (an acronym within an acronym is edgy) to the beginning, the new acronym being WASP. Afterall, that is all I saw from your visit and it is totally on brand.

In case it's been a while since you were called one, I have include part of the Wiki page below. Pay particular attention to the highlighted section at the bottom.

P.S.- I tried watching that promo video you created summarizing your DC experience, where you interview some of the young folks, and I nearly passed out from chocking on my own bile. Seriously, was that really a secret Easter egg for your upcoming cult movie, because that's what it looked like. You and Mark indoctrinating new recruits. So creepy!

[indigovigilance]

University of Utah School of Law Demographic Questionnaire

We did this, you guys. We did it.

[yourlocalgaymafia]

I hate when people complain that diversity in media is “forced” or that it’s unrealistic to have so many gay/trans characters, because have you ever actually stepped outside and interacted with someone???

I’m an agender, bisexual, aromantic who lives in an extremely homophobic country, and my close friend group happens to consist of two pansexuals (one of whom is also nonbinary), an aromantic, a bisexual guy, a trans girl and two token straight ally friends.

What’s more, some of my other friends happen to be a genderfluid bisexual, a gay guy and two lesbians.

Is diversity actually “forced” or do queer people simply exist, and are finally getting some of the representation that they’ve always deserved?

[themightychristoff]

If they decide to make another sequel to the Life is Strange franchise, I hope the protagonist is a queer/trans male (preferably Black/PoC), and the romance options are non-White characters.

We deserve more diverse romantic pairings than just Black/White or PoC/White.

[lumpyrock]

When I was a little girl we were given an assignment to come up with a new product or modify an old one. I chose Barbie because I felt they didn't have enough representation. There was a really tall Barbie, a Barbie with really dark skin, a bald Barbie, and a Barbie with a limb missing.

Guess what? All of those Barbies got made. I feel like I'm winning today.

[disneyprincessconcertfans]

Please read this fab NBC News article from 2017 about Diana Huey and her experience during her time playing the role of Ariel in a national touring production of "The Little Mermaid" in 2017. Despite the backlash she, as an Asian American and the production received, she persevered and made her dream a reality. She took a stand and truly used her voice to inspire others.

I hope we can ALL continue a dialogue allowing for more diversity in the theatre world.

[buckevantommy]

characters i need:

autistic space cowboy

asexual fantasy world bamf

genderfluid romance protagonist

trans steampunk inventor

body diverse cyberpunk

acne scars and acne on literally anyone not playing a stereotypical geeky teen

malformations, amputations, and physical disabilities that aren't major plot points they just are

queer characters whose queerness isn't the point of their character

neurodivergent main characters whose neurodivergence isn't the focus of their character

[amaliazeichnerin]

11.12. 2023 Len aka Neurowitch hat mit Noah Stoffers und Saskia Dreßler über Sensitivity Reading bei kleinem Budget gesprochen und ich finde den entsprechenden Blogbeitrag sehr empfehlenswert:

Falls ihr euch fragt, was Sensitivity Reading ist, das wird z.B. hier beantwortet:

Auf dieser Webseite findet ihr auch Sensitivity Reader für zahlreiche Themen.

[blackwidowgeekgirl1234]

Black and Brown Teachers Matter! 📝🖍️🍎

👩🏿‍🏫👨🏾‍🏫🧑🏿‍🏫

👩🏾‍🏫👩🏽‍🏫👨🏽‍🏫

[troythecatfish]

[virtualteammanagement]

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: Navigating the Journey of Positive Change

Celebrating Differences: The Inspiring World of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Welcome to a realm where uniqueness is celebrated, and inclusivity is championed. Prepare to be captivated by the enriching world of "Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives," where efforts to create a more equitable and harmonious society come to life through dialogue, action, and unity.

Empowering Transformation: The Significance of Diversity and Inclusion Immerse yourself in a journey that's redefining our understanding of equality and belonging. "Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives" aren't just programs; they're vital steps towards dismantling biases, promoting representation, and fostering environments where every individual's voice is heard and valued.

Building Bridges of Understanding: The Power of Inclusive Engagement Witness the power of inclusive engagement in creating positive change. "Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives" empower us to bridge cultural divides, challenge stereotypes, and foster environments where all perspectives thrive. These initiatives spark conversations that propel societies towards unity and acceptance.

Cultivating Equality: The Essence of Creating Inclusive Spaces Experience the impact of creating spaces where everyone feels valued. "Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives" encompass efforts to address gender inequality, racial discrimination, LGBTQ+ rights, and more. Each initiative embodies the commitment to building a society that celebrates the richness of human diversity.

From Workplace Equality to Social Justice: Navigating Inclusion Activism Discover the spectrum of activism catalyzed by diversity and inclusion initiatives. "Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives" span from workplace policies that promote equal opportunities to social justice campaigns that challenge systemic biases. These efforts not only promote understanding but also pave the way for a brighter future.

Fostering Respect and Empathy: The Art of Participating in Inclusion Initiatives Unlock the art of participating in diversity and inclusion initiatives with respect and empathy. "Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives" allow you to join hands with advocates as they promote awareness, education, and positive change. Exploring these initiatives ignites your commitment to a more inclusive world.

Your Role in Inclusive Progress: Supporting Equality Initiatives Imagine being a part of the movement towards equality and inclusivity. By supporting "Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives," you're investing in efforts that pave the way for a society that respects and uplifts every individual. Your contribution fuels the initiatives that have the potential to transform lives.

Elevate Your Inclusivity Insight: The Impact of Inclusion Education Transform your understanding of diversity through education. Engage with "Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives" to deepen your grasp of the challenges and triumphs that shape our world. Armed with knowledge, you can become an advocate for respectful conversations and the pursuit of social harmony.

Be an Advocate for Unity: Embrace Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives By embracing "Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives," you become an advocate for unity. Whether you're a diversity enthusiast, an advocate for equality, or simply committed to making a positive impact, your involvement contributes to a collective effort that shapes a more inclusive future.

Champion Inclusive Change: Explore Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Today Are you ready to champion the cause of inclusivity? Immerse yourself in the captivating world of "Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives," where every conversation is a step towards empathy, every initiative sparks action, and every effort shapes a world where everyone belongs.

Support Inclusion Initiatives

"Visit our website for a chance to win exciting giveaways and prizes related to Workout."