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I'm not here to cancel anyone. In fact, maybe it's just me, but the post I made is more than "cancel culture" to me. It's so much more than that. We can hold content creators accountable for racism and antiblackness in healthy ways. This is a thread on #IStandWithNoelle
The creators of She-Ra are marginalized people. We know that LGBT+ creators are held to unrealistically high standards. That is a microaggression in and of itself. I can't tell you the number of times I've seen lesbians targeted SPECIFCALLY. As a bi gal, that is UNACCEPTABLE.
At the same time, I see the hurt and pain that Black people feel specifically in fandoms. All day long I've had to block racists and white LGBT+ fans who think that my voice doesn't matter. That a show they watch is more important than the pain of actual real Black people.
I think that what social media lacks is nuance. I think my post resonated with people because I specifically did not advocate for "canceling" Rae or Noelle. Or She-Ra. I'm just here to tell you why Black folks were upset about an implicitly racist inside joke among white people.
Noelle's track record isn't perfect, but they made a show that gives LGBT+ people, especially WLW, hope that they matter in the world. That they are seen. That's so important. We can acknowledge that and still remember that there are those of us who still aren't seen or heard.
Give others grace, but hold them accountable. Listen to Black voices. Listen to LGBT+ voices. Be intersectional. Assume good faith and intentions. Let people have a healthy and respectful dialogue. Be open to constructive criticism. Don't assume you have all the answers. Listen.
I guarantee we would all be a lot happier and kinder to each other if we actually stopped for a minute to reflect, consider perspectives other than our own, and realize we all have more to learn. Growth is wonderful and magical.
