What is “good” diversity?

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By Fareeha Molvi

(This post was originally published to Instagram on January 26, 2022)

At this point, Hollywood knows that it has a diversity issue. But not all shows incorporate diversity with the same prowess. Recently, we discussed how And Just Like That felt like “check-the-box” diversity, where inclusion feels forced and BIPOC characters are seen as accessories to the central story.

Then there are shows where diversity is woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story. Where the show would be missing something if not for its characters of color. This is something that Mindy Kaling’s The Sex Lives of College Girls on HBO does very well. 

Personally, I like when the introduction of BIPOC characters is organic to the story (i.e. meeting on a college campus). In #SLOCG, these four different girls become friends as a result of a plausible circumstance: random roommate assignment. Like real life, they’re not magically friends right away, rather they grow into their friendships with each other.

Sometimes, non-white characters are a mash-up of stereotypes which results in cringey representation. Other times, it feels like they stuck a melanated actor into a role that could have been played by anyone. It’s a delicate dance between acknowledging differences and being trope-y. Bela pretending to be pre-med to her parents could have easily veered stereotypical but didn’t because we see many other facets of her story.

Often, having only one BIPOC character results in a stilted, model minority who is required to “teach” the white characters. It’s because the show is trying to address every single diversity issue within this one non-white role. When you have multiple BIPOC characters, each has space to shine AND show their flaws, which makes them more relatable and real. I liked that #SLOCG doesn’t have one lead. Instead we see Whitney and Bela in their fullness, just as we do Leighton and Kimberly.

What makes a character feel authentic to you?