There's a belonging problem in Hollywood. Who dictates who belongs? The very body who dictates that looks all one way.
Ava DuvernayRead
Diversity is not one in the room. Diversity is not two in the room. Diversity is not three in the room. True diversity is half the room.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True diversity involves representation that reflects the population, not just tokenism.
Ava Duvernay's quote highlights the importance of achieving a level of diversity that is proportional to the demographics of a community or society. Rather than merely having a few individuals from different backgrounds present, true diversity means ensuring that all voices and perspectives are represented, thereby enriching the environment and fostering genuine inclusion.
Themes
DiversityInclusionRepresentationCommunityVoices
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on workplace equality, this quote can be used to emphasize the need for broader representation.
More from Ava Duvernay
All quotes βI just don't think there's a lot of support for the woman's voice in cinema, and it becomes really difficult to raise that money and start again every time.
Ava DuvernayRead
I didn't go to film school. I got my education on the set as a niche publicist in the film industry.
Ava DuvernayRead
I think for female filmmakers a big issue is making their second and third films.
Ava DuvernayRead
When we say there's a dearth of women directors, it's not that there's a lack of women who direct: it's a lack of opportunities and access for women to direct and be supported in that.
Ava DuvernayRead
I intend to be making films until I'm an old lady. So, if God willing I get there, I need to create a paradigm for myself where I can make it regardless of whether or not they still like what I'm making.
Ava DuvernayRead
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Here in the United States our Muslim citizens are making many contributions in business, science and law, medicine and education, and in other fields...[they are]upholding our nation's ideals of liberty and justice in a world at peace.
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Here's the thing, we talk about diversity in the media as if it's some weird artificial construct that we're putting onto these narratives. But it isn't. Our world is not homogenous. It is not all straight or white or able-bodied, or if it is, maybe you should make some new friends. That is not what our world looks like.
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I know and I've always felt for Canada that we recognize that diversity is a great source of strength.
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