I looked out into the audience, saw dozens of faces I knew well - LGBTQ folks, mostly - all avid comics readers and superhero fans and DC supporters, and it just hit me: Why was this so impossible? Why in the world can we not do a better job of representation of not just humanity, but also our own loyal audience?
Interpretation
This quote highlights the need for better representation of diverse communities in media, particularly in comics.
Gail Simone's quote emphasizes the disconnect between the diverse audiences who engage with superhero comics and the portrayal of those identities within the stories. She questions why there is a difficulty in representing the multiplicity of human experiences, especially for the LGBTQ community, in a genre that should celebrate all forms of humanity and the supporters of such narratives.
In practice
In a panel discussion about comic books, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of inclusivity in storytelling.
The only way we are going to get diversity is if the demographics of the decision-makers change... The odd-token bone thrown is not going to do it. Don't pat yourself on the back because you made that black drama; that's not diversity. It's got to be baked into the foundation of where the ideas flow from.
To get real diversity of thought, you need to find the people who genuinely hold different views and invite them into the conversation.
I know and I've always felt for Canada that we recognize that diversity is a great source of strength.
You have to have more people who don't look like you in the writers room. I try to have some people who don't look like me in my writers room. I think it's important to have a group of voices, of people who can dissent.
Our workforce and our entire economy are strongest when we embrace diversity to its fullest, and that means opening doors of opportunity to everyone and recognizing that the American Dream excludes no one.
Here in the United States our Muslim citizens are making many contributions in business, science and law, medicine and education, and in other fields...[they are]upholding our nation's ideals of liberty and justice in a world at peace.
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