* @jeanieeelopez - Tumblr Blog

I feel like not enough people understand equity versus equality when it comes to representation (or anything else, honestly, but im sticking to representation for now).

I'm gonna use the new little mermaid movie as my primary example here because it seems like that's what people have been up in arms over these days. One of the arguments I'm seeing is, "If you made Tiana or Moana white, you guys would be mad." You mean Tiana, whose background is rooted in being a Black woman in 1920s Louisiana? You mean Moana, whose entire story is based on her being Polynesian? You're comparing them being made white to a character whose only story-specific trait is that she has a fishtail being Black? Really?

But aside from that, this argument also comes up with different fanart interpretations. I see it on platforms like TikTok, mainly when a Black creator shares their fanart where they made certain white characters Black or mixed. The comments are filled with more of the same. "But if it was the other way around, there would be a problem."

People don't understand that for many, many years, white people were the default in shows, books, and other media. The other day, I was talking to a friend about how the media I consumed as a child made me assume that everyone I met online was white until proven otherwise. People of color have needed to create their own representation through fan content because where else would we get it? Being the "default," white people have an advantage. There are seven white Disney princesses (depending on who you ask). There is one Black Disney princess in the form of Tiana. If you make Ariel Black, NOTHING changes; there are still seven white Disney princesses because the original Ariel the Mermaid is still there. She does not go away. But if you make the live adaptation character Black, it adds to Black representation.

At the end of the day, if you say that it isn't actually equality because Black can't be made white but white characters can be made Black, you'd be correct. It's not equality; it's equity. There has to be equity because giving everyone the same treatment when one group has a higher advantage isn't equality anyway.

stuckinapril

sometimes u just gotta do things because 12 y/o you would think you’re literally the coolest for doing those things

#this is literally what started my obsession with oracle cards and crystals #shout-out to 12 year old me who knew we would become a witch one day

pinene

sorry but I am not subscribing to our society's disgusting obsession with youth. when I turn 30 I'm going to be really happy and throw a party and be elated at how much I will have grown by then, the same way I did when I turned 10 and celebrated finally being 'double digits'. When I turn 40 I will be ecstatic. There are good and bad things about every age but there is no way my 20s are going to be the best years of my life because I am still barely getting to know myself. By 30 I hope to be very well-acquainted

frankiecorleone

do it for her (your thirteen year old self)

riricitaa

angelsaxis

This site is weird for demanding content but never using any of the multiple methods available to say thank you and actually show you want it.

angelsaxis

People will stop making art and edits and funny videos and all that if y'all don't even give the slightest indication that you want to see it. Reblog shit for the love of god. It's the only valid primary engagement. Add tags or don't. Reblog it multiple times if you want! Bonus points if you DM/send an ask to a creator saying how much you love their shit. But that won't mean anything if you don't reblog it.

angelsaxis

This btw is why I block blank blogs that don't give any indication they're a dead main w/ an active side.

vt-scribbles

People will stop making things if you don't show you want to see said things. 'Liking' Does Nothing.

*full offense

Tahitian Woman in Traditional Headdress

#vahine Tahiti #manea

myboyrozanovv

I hate you preserving beauty at the cost of enjoyment.

I saw a video of a woman with extremely thick hair doing a thinning method at home. One comment said "my hairdresser heart weeps" because apparently her method may lead to frizz and impact a unified hair look. The woman had so much hair it was giving her headaches.

Its the same as people telling me when I had long hair never to cut it because its so impressive. Its people telling natural redheads never to dye their hair because its such a rare pretty colour.

Its transmasc people being told they were so pretty as a girl and are wasting that.

Its girls being told they are wasting their figure/physical attributes because they are not displaying them constantly and wearing comfortable baggy clothes.

It's people telling you to never go in the sun, not smile and not to use a straw because it will give you wrinkles. Its being told not to eat certain foods because they are bad for your skin, or to do eat other foods because they are good for your skin regardless of whether you enjoy either of those foods. It's being expected to put hours into your skin care and prioritise it over activities you enjoy so you have younger looking skin when you are old.

It's being expected to wear clothes that are uncomfortable because they make you look thinner/more like an hourglass. Not to move in certain ways because it will be unflattering.

It's telling people not to prioritise themselves and their interests in their decisions but instead to prioritise their skin/hair/figure/etc.

I did not agree to preserve whatever natural features i was born with like a one man historical society for myself just because i happened to be made of those genes. I have every right to use and enjoy my body in ways other people don't think fitting and that don't preserve features that currently fit societal beauty standards. I do not agree to hold aesthetic pursuit over comfort and health and happiness.

I know one thing. When i am old i will certainly regret every single day i ate a papaya for breakfast (i hate papaya) instead of a pancake and didn't go into the sun. I will not regret having wrinkles, i just hope they are from laughing.