Representation Matters
It’s disappointing how often this needs to be said, but representation matters. Inclusivity isn’t fan service. Equality is not an empty word. Equity is not a trap.
If you disagree you’re more than welcome to stick around and have your ideas challenged. It’s a free newsletter after all. But you’re likely going to get increasingly uncomfortable.
Amashik was built to blur the lines of cultural differences, prejudices, and discrimination. While these things do exist in my fictional world they do not follow the “rules” of the 21st century West (where I’m from). The way that this world came to be shaped, geologically and culturally, is different than our own. Its history of hatred, bigotry, and vitriol is its own. I want you to bring your own conceptions of these human constructs to the table so they can be challenged here.
Bit of a Breakdown
I received the following comment on a post on Instagram earlier this week and I wanted to break it down for you all here. This type of thinking is really harmful because it’s hatred and intolerance masquerading as intelligent discourse. And no, I won’t share the name of the account here, but I am a firm believer in reaping what you sow- so if you’re curious, just go check my IG and you’ll find it. I left it up:
“Progress” 😂 I’ve never once watched a movie and thought wow, I wish those characters were my skin color and/or culture because I just can’t enjoy it without everything being about me. This is the stupidest time in history where everyone is so caught up in the inclusion of every race and culture, that the story takes 2nd place. Fiction is about escapism. If I wanted to explore accurately portrayed multiculturalism, I’ll watch documentaries.
-IG Follower
‘ “Progress” 😂 I’ve never once watched a movie and thought wow, I wish those characters were my skin color and/or culture because I just can’t enjoy it without everything being about me.’
Nor have I ever watched a movie and thought “wow, this would be better with a black lead.” Nor have I ever said, “man, I really love this show, but there aren’t enough black people in it, let me turn it off.”
Coincidentally, if this were the case I doubt I’d have ever watched enough epic fantasy to have fallen in love with the genre. Let alone decided to write an epic fantasy saga myself.
The idea that simply wanting to see better, and more accurate, representation is a bad thing or not progress is telling. The United States, in particular the part of it I’m from (the northeast) is full of people who don’t look, love, worship, vote, or think like I do. I’m exposed to more because of it. I think longer before I speak because of it. Flat out, I’m a better human being because of it.
Also, if I go beyond that and look at the real world at large it isn’t full of people who are just like me. How hard is it to imagine, especially in a completely fictional world, storylines and settings that include a diverse cast of characters? (Not that hard…) I digress.
‘This is the stupidest time in history where everyone is so caught up in the inclusion of every race and culture, that the story takes 2nd place.’
Huge claim being made here that this is the “stupidest time in history.” It’s impossible to back up so I won’t waste my time refuting it. Following up said claim is an equally large assumption: movies that are “bad” are “bad” because they have diverse casts. This is prejudicial at best, flat out bigotry at worst. Folks willing to make these claims are missing what it says about them.
This isn’t this first time I’ve read or heard this take on the internet. It says a lot more about the person saying it than it does the piece of fiction they are trying to critique. The assumption that “story took 2nd place” and wasn’t prioritized just because a story doesn’t resonate with you is more self centered than someone bringing up the fact that a more diverse cast may have suited a particular story or setting a bit better. To make matters worse, the assumption that “story took 2nd place” based on who was cast tells me that you can’t imagine a world where good stories can start with diverse casts in mind.
‘Fiction is about escapism. If I wanted to explore accurately portrayed multiculturalism, I’ll watch documentaries.’
Yes, I love escapism as much as the next. That’s why I’ve built an entire world to escape to. But who feels welcomed in a given world hinges in large part on whether or not they see themselves reflected in it.
This idea that one doesn’t want to explore X, therefore all fictional stories they come across mustn’t depict it is childish and doesn’t deserve more attention. I’ve never forced anyone to follow me, to read Ennead, nor will I ever. If you don’t like something, that is your prerogative. Just as it is mine to create my escapist fictional world with as much representation, inclusivity, equality, and equity as I fucking please.
Sorry Not Sorry
I’ll continue to be a champion for a more inclusive world. It’s the world I know. It’s the world I want for my family. My daughter.
If you don’t like that, no need to announce it on the way out the door.
JL
Nicely said, JL.
Well said!!