Inspired by the wonderful thread by @ketomizu, I posted yesterday about the importance of hiring diverse voices in a writers room. The response to my post was largely "No. Hire the most qualified writer."
Intentional or not, that is a very problematic response. Here's why:
Intentional or not, that is a very problematic response. Here's why:
The insinuation contained in that response is that diverse writers aren't, in fact, the most qualified to begin with.
The insinuation is that white writers are getting pushed to the side for unqualified people of color.
The insinuation is that white writers are getting pushed to the side for unqualified people of color.
The insinuation is that all writers have had a completely equal chance of being invited to the table, and now this is "unfair" favoritism of people of color.
The insinuation is that stories told from a majority's point of view are always the correct/best version of the stories.
The insinuation is that stories told from a majority's point of view are always the correct/best version of the stories.
The insinuation is that a century-old industry that historically recognized and rewarded mostly white (and mostly male) writers shouldn't be changed.
THIS IS YOUR IMPLICIT BIAS AT WORK.
THIS IS YOUR IMPLICIT BIAS AT WORK.
There are writers of every color, gender, sexuality who are qualified. This is not about forgoing talent for diversity. This is about diversity leading to better product. This is about ACTIVELY changing a system that has, for too long, favored some voices over others. It's time.
