ArtFilm / TVRace
#emmyslesswhite, but not more inclusive
Activist April Reign, who was responsible for creating the #OscarsSoWhite campaign wasn’t impressed with Monday’s Emmys or the ceremony’s show of “diversity.” Because while this year saw a few historic nominations—including Sandra Oh, whose victory would have made her the first Asian-American woman to win an Emmy in a leading category—there was still a dearth of actual diversity among the elite attendees. Despite the event’s self-congratulatory tone, especially on ousting some of Hollywood’s most dangerous abusers, the incremental measures taken to include the industry’s creative people of color just aren’t good enough.
“If you can count on one hand the number of people from a particular marginalized community that was on @TheEmmys stage last night, and still have fingers left over? You’re not doing enough. Especially w/ the shows on TV today,” Reign Tweeted. She explained that having black folks at your event isn’t enough, and that the solutions won’t be simple. It’s more than just about inviting folks, but about inclusion—especially, but not limited to, making sure attending the Emmys is affordable and accessible to the black and brown folks invited to it.
I saw it described this way recently and really love it:
Diversity is inviting everyone to the party.
Equity is making sure tickets are of a manageable price to everyone invited.
Inclusion is asking folks to dance.So… yeah. @TheEmmys were “diverse.” But go further. #Emmys pic.twitter.com/3KyDVsD8io
— April (@ReignOfApril) September 18, 2018
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