I'm definitely drawn to stories about outsiders. Feeling like that myself as a gay black man, I often seek to give a voice to those in the world who don't have one.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals, especially as experienced by the speaker as a gay black man.
Roger Ross Williams reflects on his personal connection to the experience of feeling like an outsider due to his identity. He emphasizes his commitment to storytelling that highlights the struggles and voices of marginalized communities, advocating for those who might otherwise remain unheard in society. This perspective underscores the significance of representation and the power of narrative in fostering empathy and understanding among diverse groups.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about the importance of diversity in storytelling.
While the documentary community is way ahead of Hollywood, it is still nowhere near where it needs to be. Filmmakers of color rarely get hired by the powerful production companies, and they are not getting supported enough by broadcasters and funders to tell their own stories.
When I was in high school, I felt totally alienated from the world, but I loved movies. They were my escape, but coming from a disadvantaged community, I never knew that filmmaking was an option for me. A program like School of Doc would have been a game-changer.
The mark of a good marriage is partnership and continuing to feel inspired by your spouse. I had that with Tao. But the end is not necessarily the tragedy. Staying in a relationship that is no longer working is the tragedy. Living unhappily - that's the tragedy.
My yardstick is how somebody treats me.
It never hurts to think too highly of a person; often they become ennobled and act better because of it.
I shall remember the look in Margot's eyes all my life.
I'm an orphan. But the public has adopted me, and that has been my only family. The biggest family in the world is my fans.
Frenemies are worse than enemies, and it's not just in the workplace.
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