#datdiscourse

[jhenne-bean]

Diversity and Fandom 102: How You Can Make a Difference

Sunday, July 24 · 10:00am – 11:00amRoom 24ABC

In the wake of campaigns like Racebending.com’s protests and the rise of safe spaces like Racialicious.com, fans, consumers and creators from underrepresented groups have more outlets for speaking up. This panel explores how those voices can be added to conversations with geeky business interests and fan communities.

Actor Dante Basco (Avatar: The Last Airbender), showrunner/writer Javier Grillo-Marxuach(The Middleman), author Malinda Lo (Huntress), Arturo Garcia (Racialicious.com), Phil Yu(AngryAsianMan.com) and USC Professor Henry Jenkins (CivicPaths Project) promise a lively discussion, moderated by Racebending.com!.

They're currently collecting questions for the panelists; even if you can't make it to Comic Con, you can still participate by leaving your questions here!  

Also, c'mon, Dante Basco will be there.

[jhenne-bean]

8'D

[jhenne-bean]

Thoughts on Willow Smith as Annie?

Honestly, I have reservations about the idea.

There's an interesting conversation on Racebending.com (always interesting, over there!) most people are thrilled, but I really am sitting in my chair of curmudgeon vibes this time. 

Willow is talented enough to play the role for sure, but ultimately I would much rather see her as the star of an original property. Overbrook Entertainment has the funds and the influence to make independent screenplays happen; I'd welcome less remakes in their lineup. 

Really, why bother with this property?

Ultimately though, I'd rather have new icons for my lil' sis to identify with than "See! We can be Annie too!" I just don't see the appeal of redefining this particular character, if that makes sense.

Thoughts ya'll?

[jhenne-bean]

"Why is it felt that the more diluted our traditionally African features become the more aesthetically acceptable we are considered? It was said in the 1960s and the sentiment seems to be forgotten, "Black is Beautiful." Wow, nearly 50 years later and is that now only meant for a specific shade?"

Tameka J. Foster, She's Pretty for a Dark-Skinned Girl