TLDR, So yeah, just a counterpoint to something I read on my feed today:
It’s shortsighted to disregard how important it is to see someone with whom you identify with doing something you aspire to do.
Examples don’t help everybody. Some people can’t learn from example. Everybody’s way is different.
Just saw a post on my feed from a white dude who photographs naked women talm’bout, “I didn’t need to see someone like me do something before I thought i could do it….if you think this, you have been beaten before you got started.” –But you’ll never know for sure, my guy, cause you’ve never had a need, breh. You’re surrounded by images of cats like you doing what you do and they been doing it for-EVER! and getting patted on the head for it regardless of how mediocre they are.
Now, I don’t think you need to see someone like you doing things you want to do; I didn’t, but it helps nearly EVERYBODY, and some people DO need examples. For those of us that don’t, having the network of people who know the way can help avoid a ton of pitfalls. For those of us that do need that example/inspiration, just because you needed help doesn’t take away from the value or potential of what you do or can do. Just like the heartiest grapes don’t always make the best wine, some creatives with great potential may need nurturing…
–and still, some just don’t have what it takes. lol. It just can be a very difficult path. but that’s another discussion altogether.
I didn’t grow up with anyone who does what I do. I only had one family member who even read comics, and I was never really allowed to touch them. I managed to get where I am with luck and moxy… mostly luck. The hard work is a given. And when you add it all up, I probably spent a good 8 years completely lost and trying to figure out some very basic things (still am) examples would’ve helped.
Me and @leseanthomas were rapping about this the other day. Cats in our field weren’t very visible. For whatever reasons they mostly kept their heads down. That’s why Dwayne McDuffie was such a big deal. He put himself out there. I never read his comics, but his interviews, his presence, meant a lot to me.
It’s shortsighted to disregard how important it is to see someone with whom you identify doing something you aspire to do and it’s especially shortsighted coming from someone who has the most visibility in society posting on a platform chock full of people who look like him doing what he does.
