Carmen

English Rhetoric and Communication Design MA. An avid reader, developing author, and lifelong explorer who loves bringing interdisciplinary rhetorics into dialogue.

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Latest Articles

Writing

Riddles in Rhetoric: Learning from Bilbo and Gollum about Linguistic Segregation

Thus Gollum invites Bilbo Baggins to the iconic game of riddles in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. A fan favourite for...

Carmen Jun 22, 2020

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film

Diversity

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Diversity for Diversity’s Sake?

In this age of “-isms” (feminism, racism, ableism, ageism, etc.) there are many critiques—and rightly so. However, while we may see more diversity, are our media (TV, movies, books, games, etc.) actually more diverse in their appreciation of these groups? For example, does merely fulfilling the Bechdel test actually make a movie feminist? Or, does having non-white actors in minor roles, or acting “White,” add racial diversity? Is the miraculous ability to heal disabled characters truly inclusive? These are only a few questions that you could touch upon. There are a lot of different facets of this argument, but I am curious about what diversity means, and when media can be considered “successfully diverse”? I've tagged this as "film," but it is widely applicable across media.

I think this topic would need to focus more on the production of these works and the works' underlying messages. I think something that can be a good point of inspiration is Jay Z's "Moonlight" music video. In the video, a guy is filming an all-black cast remake of the TV show "Friends." When he asks his friend what he thinks, his friend thinks it's terrible despite the guy's assumptions that an all-black cast would subvert expectations and ideologies. I think it'd be important to find some notable examples throughout decades of what would be considered diverse and not diverse. In Terminator 2, what makes Sarah Conner an icon of feminism for some? Is it because she's shown to be tough as nails while also being a protective mother? Does Charles Xavier having superpowers diminish his status as a symbol for perseverance in a society that would often look down or pity a paraplegic? Just some examples, but that's how I feel the argument should be narrowed down to. To tackle one -ism instead of all of them. – Daniel Ibarra 4 years ago
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Latest Comments

May 6, 2020 carmenxbd I enjoyed your article. A single facet in a much larger censorship discussion, restricting ideas is definitely a slippery slope. While the intent may be well-intentioned, ideas have a particular habit of inevitably offending someone, but that hardly means we ought to ban everything. I liked your range of examples and was particularly interested in your discussion of “13 Reasons Why.” It is so true, as some other comments have also agreed, it’s not fair to ban something simply because it is “uncomfortable” or in case of a reaction.	Why Books Shouldn't Be Banned
May 6, 2020 carmenxbd A very interesting article, and quite apt given our self-isolation/at-home shift. I enjoyed your use of quotes to highlight the different perspectives, but some context to who you quoted, or where you drew the quotes from, in the article (not just works cited) might’ve been cool context. I think it’s a really good point that’s brought up about private libraries and also, especially, about pirating material given the numerous hoops and financial demands of these competing streaming services.	The Age of Streaming Services: Then, Now, and Beyond
May 4, 2020 carmenxbd Wonderful insight into these highly intricate creative processes. I enjoyed your infusion of history with the process as an explanation of the symbolism and diversity of Indian folk art.	Indian Folk-art: An Expression of Cultural Diversity