Why representation matters | Jesse Beason | TEDxMtHoodSalon

[@snaketooth0943]

As an autistic person I too feel under-represented, especially in fiction, but I acknowledge that things are getting better there.

[@MT-zw1ti]

Why do you feel the need to be represented?

[@ScififanP]

Hey, I'm writing a science fiction series with an autistic protagonist! I'm autistic too! Representation matters. People can deny it up and down but it's true. If you ask me, when people say it doesn't matter it's because they themselves probably never felt under-represented, so they don't know what it's like. Yes we can relate to non autistic characters, but it's still important that we can see people like ourselves in fiction. You're not alone friend. Things really are getting better. We can create our own stories and be proud in making a difference in the world. 💖

[@teaartist6455]

Honestly, 99% of people that would even ask "Oh, but why does it matter?" are those that can easily find representation at any bookstore and movie. If you'd grown up never seeing someone like you in the media, you wouldn't even have to ask that question. Never seeing yourself in books is incredibly isolating, it makes you feel ignored, like somebody like you isn't worth writing about. Now, maybe not on it's own, but in combination with a society that constantly ignores and belittles you, talks over you, sees your very real access needs as preferences they can waltz over anytime it's ever so slightly more convenient for them until you're afraid to speak up about anything, it's just yet another thing that tells you that you're not a real person, that you shouldn't exist.

[@teaartist6455]

I'm writing a webcomic with an autistic protagonist, if you want to I can link it here.

[@seanblack1320]

I'm autistic too. I enjoy representation when it happens, but if the accountant is the last movie lead by an autistic character i wouldnt care. Especially since the push for representation encourages tokenism, something no one benefits from.

[@cmhall3636]

LOVE this! Go, Commissioner Beason!

[@violetrose415]

If you want representation, be it. Don't ask for it only, be it and do it.

[@MayaTheBeeeeee]

But that would mean you need to create all of that space on your own while space doesn't want to be made. That's a lot of work for a person to do.

[@andypham1451]

@@MayaTheBeeeeee Which is why you will need to keep on working for it until you're satsified. Not waiting for someone to do it for you or seeking validation towards others. And if you're pleased with the outcome, you can get what you earned. The world doesn't owe you anything. If you want to be represented in some way, then that's really all you can do. Write, draw, study, practice etc. While at the same time, find out what makes you: you as a person.

[@serenitysanchez1453]

Andy Pham You sound so ✨confident✨you shouldn’t be 🥰💖🧚‍♀️

[@kingarthur12100]

Real role models matter. Not actors.

[@blakex1928]

Yes, you need that from home! role models should be parents, the attack on the family unit of mother father and child is pretty successful, unfortunately. People think the school system is the answer but that's a relatively new idea in human history parents have traditionally passed down knowledge but this has changed with most parents (single mothers here in the west) soo drained and tired from work they just put the kids in front of a screen to be indoctrinated by social media and leave the government school system to teach things of value...a very sad state of affairs

[@rshxrma]

however, actors are real as well -- human -- our brain sees it that way.

[@freeze4728]

We need a representation of people with disabilities in military and navy.

[@dragunov815]

Hm.

[@aliboo1012]

We have the same last name 😂