Why a Black Mermaid Matters: Representation and Inclusion Explaine

 The introduction of a Black mermaid in popular media sparked passionate discussions, ranging from excitement to confusion or even outrage. At its core, this debate isn’t just about a fictional character but about the broader concept of representation and why it matters. Let’s break it down in a simple way, using relatable metaphors and clear explanations to explore why inclusion is important—and why it’s good for everyone.

The Garden of Humanity: A Metaphor for Inclusion

Imagine the world as a garden, filled with flowers of all colors, shapes, and sizes. Each flower contributes its unique beauty to the garden, and together, they create a vibrant, diverse masterpiece. But what if only a few types of flowers were nurtured and showcased, while the rest were ignored or overshadowed?

The garden would lose much of its beauty. That’s what happens when certain groups of people are excluded or underrepresented in media, stories, and culture. Including a Black mermaid is like nurturing a flower that hasn’t always been given the spotlight—it enriches the entire garden and helps everyone appreciate its full potential.

Why Representation Matters

  1. Seeing Yourself in the Story:
    When children see characters who look like them in heroic, magical, or aspirational roles, it sends a powerful message: You belong. For decades, many Black children didn’t see themselves reflected in fairy tales or fantasy worlds. A Black mermaid tells them that they, too, are part of these stories, which can build confidence, inspire dreams, and foster a sense of belonging.

  2. Broadening Horizons:
    Representation isn’t just about the people being represented; it benefits everyone. Seeing characters from different backgrounds helps audiences broaden their perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding. When children grow up exposed to diverse stories, they’re more likely to embrace diversity in the real world.

  3. Challenging the Default:
    For a long time, many stories defaulted to white characters, even when there was no specific reason for it. Including a Black mermaid challenges this norm, reminding us that fantasy worlds don’t have to mirror historical biases—they can reflect the inclusive world we aspire to build.

Why Is There Resistance?

Some people express discomfort with a Black mermaid, often citing reasons like “It’s not historically accurate” or “It’s just pandering.” Let’s address these concerns:

  1. “It’s Not Historically Accurate”
    Mermaids are fictional creatures—they’ve never been bound by historical accuracy. In a world where fish talk and magic exists, a character’s skin color is just another creative choice, not a historical constraint.

  2. “It’s Just Pandering”
    Including diverse characters isn’t about pandering; it’s about reflecting the richness of the world we live in. If a Black mermaid brings joy, inspiration, and representation to children who’ve rarely seen themselves in such roles, then it’s a meaningful and positive choice.

  3. Fear of Losing Something Familiar
    For some, a Black mermaid feels unfamiliar, and change can be uncomfortable. But inclusion isn’t about taking something away—it’s about adding to the story, expanding its reach, and making it resonate with more people.

Why Diversity Strengthens Stories

Diverse representation doesn’t weaken stories—it makes them stronger. Here’s why:

  • New Perspectives: Stories gain depth when they reflect a variety of cultures, experiences, and identities.
  • Inspiring Creativity: Breaking away from the same old tropes opens the door to fresh ideas and unique narratives.
  • Shared Joy: When more people see themselves in stories, it creates a shared sense of connection and joy.

Inclusion Benefits Everyone

Just like a garden flourishes when all its flowers thrive, society grows stronger when everyone feels seen and valued. A Black mermaid isn’t just a character; she’s a symbol of possibility, inclusion, and progress. By embracing diverse stories, we’re teaching future generations to see beauty in every shade and celebrate the full spectrum of humanity.

A Final Thought

In the end, the question isn’t “Why a Black mermaid?” but “Why not?” Fantasy is a space where the impossible becomes possible—why not use it to show children of all backgrounds that they belong in every world, real or imagined?

Let’s keep expanding the garden, nurturing its diversity, and celebrating the beauty that inclusion brings.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Black Utopia -Just A Thought

Image
Imagine a country where you could walk out your front door, and to the shops, and walk back with not a doubt. Not a single person looks at you, except  in a friendly greeting, Where your culture is celebrated and appreciated, not stolen or looted and rebranded.A place where your children could play, grow up into adulthood with no worry of any bullets hitting them in the back. A place that is ours, and a place we can get rid of that ominous cloud of oppression. Where if we had a nation we would rule with fairness, and equality, because we unlike others understand that that is not the best way to build a truly successful nation. Imagine if we could actually build a Wakanda, where the resources we find are ours to barter and trade.When the rules of society are simple but fair. We can make a decision based on how.. by lifting up one.. We lift us all. If I am a teacher, I can teach, if I am a builder I can build, if I am a chef I can cook, and cook for many. If you can do h...
Read more

Keeping The Past In The Past?

During the time I have spent reading and learning about black history. I have often heard people tell me to leave the past in the past. During my teens I had a hard time doing this, as everything I was reading, watching was from a person, and I found it difficult to maintain a logical perspective. However on reflection I have learnt to embrace my past, and celebrate the achievements of those who sacrificed so I may have my freedom, my civil liberties and more. I don't believe we need to leave our past in the past, but I do believe we need to be able to be realistic, and know that the people, who perpetrated these crimes, have long since gone. We would not have won our freedom alone, and we cannot blame a nation of people because of what their ancestors did. I encourage you to read and learn about black history, so that you have knowledge, and might find inspiration for dark and difficult times in your life. Sometimes seeing others struggle helps us focus on how we can surviv...
Read more

Racism is not as bad here...hmmm??

Image
      "Racism isn't as bad here as it is over there." This statement, on the surface, suggests that racism in certain countries is either minimal or non-existent compared to others, like the U.S. But this statement itself acknowledges that racism is present. The reality is that racism manifests in different forms, and its subtleties often go unnoticed in certain societies. People may fail to connect the dots, and the result is confusion, even outrage, when Black individuals in these countries call out the systems and rules we have had to demand be put in place. Helping to explain the differences: Both Becky and Tanya may face poverty, live in the same neighborhoods, and attend the same schools, but their experiences diverge drastically due to race. Becky, while experiencing her own struggles, is never subjected to the constant scrutiny that Tanya endures. Becky is free to exist without her skin color marking her as a potential threat. Meanwhile, Tanya is faced w...
Read more