*VIDEO* The mercommunity and it's approach to mers of color and cultures.

[Mermaid Momo]

Tbh I'm secodimg seaglass on this. It's tiresome saying the same things over and over and over again only to be met with people who don't want to listen because their feelings got hurt. There are tons of reference both here in this thread AND online (literally, google is free and available).

And instead of people taking advantage of all these resources they instead choose to whine about their feelings being hurt over some truth tea being spilled but can't spare a few moments to even read over what was written and i am not going to lie;it shows that the community is not open to critiques that would make it a better place for thise who want to enjoy it.

Yes i said i wanted to hear all thoughts in the video but I figured that most of those thoughts would be more than "I'm tired of people blaming white people" (also just fyi you might want to research WHY white people are the focus of nearly everything race related. Hint: it may have something to do with racial genocide and colonization and forced assimilation of everyone not white)

I think i'll stick to the mers of color specific groups from now on. (i'll still lurk here tho in case anyone needs a new butthole)

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[Mermaid Momo]

And one more reply: for whoever said that in theatre including ballet they pick the most talented over ballet; i suggest you watch the misty copeland documentary, and read some of the books mentioned in it about ballet and race and follow the page "brown girls do ballet". I'm sure that theatre has something akin to this but me being an ex dancer, ballet is all i really pay attention to

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[merwandering]

Seaglass, when I said- wow, interesting, they are using yellowface there in performance art regularly, it is to answer the question that I literally kept asking- is there anywhere that would make someone think that's ok?? And to say- well, someone in performing arts might have that idea because that's how performing arts works, values, for example, in opera, voice over any other aspect-
does that mean that the final answer is, welp, yellowface is ok after all? No, it means, that's part of the conversation. But I'm sorry if it came across in a way that was offensive.
And to just everyone in general, well, in a community, people do regard one another's feelings. And if you are trying to build community, it is something that matters.
And besides that, I think most of the people on this forum are genuinely good people, and it makes sense to find common ground because this is a fabric of people who are trying to exist together, and perhaps even be a network of allies.
I wear my bleeding heart on my sleeve, and it is broken in a million pieces for my daughter, and for every young woman in her position, and every man and every child because from where I am sitting I can see SO CLEARLY ALL THE TIME what is wrong. And it is horrible.
I have not gone back and forth about locks here, though it is what my hair naturally does AND it would be easier AND it is encouraged by the people in my life who matter to me who are black, because- this conversation, in America, is NOT. ABOUT. ME.
If it is going to make a difference, it can't be.
At the same time- if I were, it would be to say- my experience is different, and I don't want you to be offended when you see me, because I am not trying to take what is yours.
But since it DOES feel like that right now *where I live* (which is really different than other areas, so - seriously that makes a difference- we don't condemn hand gestures or nudity or so many other things in their cultural context by justifying judgement by American standards, and that perspective is just as narrow from a global perspective)
but because there is so. very. much. that HAS been taken, I am respecting that. There are a people who, in the south, in America, have been constantly pillaged and then left disregarded. So, in that vein, I am not going to say, 'wait, can I just have this one more thing?"
But I hope that overall feeling changes, because that's not what it should feel like, because there are a lot of reasons why, using locks as an example, it isn't true.
I see it. I experience it. I cry way too often tears for the lack of basic human value that, in America, no one seems to notice is diminished or altogether withheld all too often for people of color.
But- I also see this.
My family, meaning- grandparents, aunts uncles cousins parents are:
hispanic, Cherokee, black, caucasian (several different European origins) and Indian.
The cultural experiences I have been raised to have as a part of my core and my soul and who I am are diverse, and no I am not going to allow someone else's prejudices or assumptions take away from what is a valid part of who I am just because I am white.But I will try to be sensitive with the way that I embrace them.
And so I hope that especially with the fact that, Hallelujah, cultures are being shared and races are coming together, we can move to a perspective where we don't automatically look at someone with a symbol or hairstyle or dress that doesn't match their skin color and assume they are an ass.
And I recognize that for that to happen, there need to be a hundred other aspects of society in which people ARENT being an ass.
BUT I also believe that- in America (which btw is a tiny corner of the world, and this is an international forum, and it seems like at least some of the issue is coming from that) there is a HUGE problem, and there is a white power and entitlement and privilege that is so engrained everywhere that no, it is also not ok to just let things happen, because there are a million examples of what ARE gross misrepresentations and it is really offensive and not helping us move in a different direction.
So where does that leave us??
I have to advocate for change. I have to. I cannot sit down when it is time to stand for what is right.
Of course, where I direct that energy should be where I think it is effective, and where feels right.
But I also have to point out that it is possible to educate and come together, and also have different ideas.
It is complicated.
Sharing a different perspective is not part of the problem. Disagreeing is not part of the problem.
I'm so sad because IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO ME TO SUPPORT THE VOICES OF PEOPLE WHO, IN AMERICA, ARE BEING SILENCED.
I just don't understand why things need to get personally insulting, and harsh, and make people stop listening. I can name a lot of the most influential people in human rights movements in history that DID regard people's feelings. And they DID want active participation in conversations. Because their goal was to unite.
By all means, everyone deserves to have their voice. But why initiate a conversation if you don't care if anyone listens?
And from your perspective, if someone is part of what you see as the problem, isn't it their hearts you most want to speak to?
It just starts to feel like more darkness in a time desperately in need of light.
And Momo, I messaged you because I wanted to start a dialogue about dreads, and am just realizing I don't have the time to devote to doing that in a way that is productive, and I'm not sure that it CAN be done productively in this climate. Sometime I would love to tell you about some of the work I am doing in my everyday life, because it seems like it is actually working.
And I work my tail off. Because half of my family is black, but also because even if they were white I don't want to live in a world where people are STILL judged by the color of their skin.
This is emotional and personal and hard. But important, and I hate for it to end this way. Because I believe that we can come together and make a difference.
And I don't know a lot about the mermaid community.
But I know that for the sake of life in general, we have to.

[SeaGlass Siren]

I dropped you a PM

but in short it wasn't directed at you. You've been nothing but kind and thoughtful during the discussion.

[Mermaid Danielle]

Don't stress yourself out, It honestly isn't even worth it, I'm not even sure why I keep trying tbh. Enjoy your trip away from all the mer-drama!

Please keep trying, Mermaid Momo: Some of us are learning and really appreciate the links and discussions going on here.

Thank you to everyone participating in this. Personally, I am learning a lot, and the topics discussed and information here is helping direct me towards my own research on the subject.

Best wishes!

[AniaR]

merwandering you've honestly been fine through this whole thing. I have learned lots from you!

Momo, thank you so much for everything. I LISTEN. Your tumblr is literally where I learned a lot of this stuff. I seriously listen and consider this stuff.

I look at my own mermaid bubble here in canada and I ask myself all the time, how can we be more inclusive? I have an all white team. I didn't plan it that way. I did employ someone who was non-white but due to some serious issues they had to be dismissed. However, she did experience racism from a MULTICULTRUAL FESTIVAL (all run by white people) none-the-less when she worked for us. It was one of the most livid moments in my entire career. I actually had Sean send them an email telling them off because I was so angry I was shaking.

I try to look a how mermaiding can empower all people, and that means marginalized groups. I think I do a good job representing those with chronic illness/disability in myself, but I recently read an article and it has me wondering how I can empower others with physical disabilities in my mermaid school.

With mers of colour I haven't been able to employ anyone yet. I've put out casting calls a number of times after consulting with some of my pro friends in the community who are non white helping me. Naja raised a good point that in her experience as a mer of colour trying to get other mers of color itnto mermaiding, hair can sometimes be an issue. For now, we just tour to a lot of cultural areas and try to show support with our mermaid team. it really sucks though when I get asked "do you have a black mermaid? My little girl wants to see a mermaid like her" and I have to say no.

I was so close to hiring an awesome black lifeguard but she didn't fit in any of my tails, and I didnt have the $$ for a custom one (nor did she) She's still on my backup list though for the second I can make anything happen.

The main way I try to address it right now is through my multicultural workshop that we do for dry events. it focuses on mermaid myths across the world and shows art depictions of the mermaids. We tell stories and the kids help act them out and get involved, and at least in the stories and artwork they see themselves represented.


Not everyone is willing to speak up on touchy subjects on mernetwork. I can tell you from personal experience you can often feel very alone. but in reality a lot of people are relying on you to speak up for them. Either because they're scared, or don't know how. You are empowering people, regardless of how many white folks don't get it.

My dad used to be really racist toward aboriginals in Canada. it had everything to do with their rights for hunting and fishing, he didn't think it was fair. Then by a stroke of pure fate we were invited to a powwow and included in a drumming circle, and encouraged to participate. it totally changed my father. it stripped away all his hate and ignorance. they gave him a tshirt with their tribe band on it. And he wore it so much people asked me if he was native (my dad works outside so his skin is often way darker). Now he is a huge advocate. And it took him til his 40s to "get" it.

You words do change people. I promise. Sometimes it just feels like you're repating it over and over again. but you rock.

I actually had a great video from Feburary with me as a mermaid participating in a drum circle, but I didn't realize when it was being filmed that the child on my lap kept poking my boobs. LOL. So i didn't put it online, but I had a few snapshots.



I learn a lot from my friend Naja too who runs najestic entertainment. To me, she is a true embodiment of Yameyah. I call her that. LOL she is hopefully coming to mermania.

For anyone who doesn't know, we will also be having a panel presented by mers of colour about these issues at mermania!

[Mermaid Momo]

Merwandering you are perfectly fine and such an amazing person to have in this thread my post was more in regards to those who refuse to even think about how they may be hurting mers pf color and instead want to make the focus about how hurt they are that white people were called out specifically.

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[MermaidBonnie]

Finally saw this. Sea glass Im talking about performances happening right now. Aida, a North African Queen being played by white women. Turandot a Chinese princess being played by a white woman. Madame Butterfly being played by...you guessed it, white women. There are other examples but this is the performance world. Denyce Graves made a perfect Tosca (she's African American but the character is supposed to be white Italian) and Grace Bumbry who is one of my faves played Carmen. When auditioning for a role the company chooses who they want. I just assume this is what happens in all performance categories.

[AniaR]

the whole point of this thread, is challenging that status quo, and empowering mers of colour. It doesn't mean they're being passed over for lack of ability. This is the same in the film industry, and the same controversy came up at the oscars. It's a well researched issue. You can't just tell an entire race they aren't being chosen because they aren't the best qualified, or lecture them on going for auditions. People ARE turned down for their race, and this specific instance, Circ didn't bother trying black performers who could also fit the role. And while it's not Hannah's fault, maybe now that she's been educated on the matter she can make wiser decisions.

[AniaR]

This entire thread is literally about how white washing isn't OK and we all have a role to play in stopping in. Just because it did happen/does happen doesn't make it OK

[MermaidBonnie]

Is there an audition video that shows a mermaid of color that can out perform Hannah Fraser? I haven't seen any mermaid out perform her yet. Id be impressed with anyone regardless of race who could.

[Mermaid Whisper]

*sigh* there are many, MANY mers of color that could outdo her, but us white people are too busy pretending like they don't exist Hannah's not top notch OR a goddess, she's just famous. There are so many people out there that do incredible things and never get noticed for it because of the color of their skin. It's time to stop that, don't you think?

I'd rather see one mer role model for every type of person than a hundred for one type, you know? Diversity is what makes the world more interesting and beautiful.

Not trying to come off as rude, but your notion that Hannah is the one and only is wrong.


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[MermaidBonnie]

Hey Whisper, it's just my opinion that Hannah is the top mermaid performer. Id love to see others who could take a mermaid performance to a world of amazing above her. I love watching mermaids do fantastic stunts! It helps me push my own boundaries. I have been a performer since I was 6 as a pianist. If I got a dollar for everytime I heard a performer say "I didn't get the gig bc of this" whether it's race, looks, weight, etc I would be rich. Does racism happen? Of course. Am I totally uneducated on it? No. I went to Tennessee State University which is a historically black college for my Masters and took graduate courses in Multicultural studies. I got a real taste of being the minority there as I was not even welcome to join a sorority bc of my race. I had issues with one professor who never gave me grades and tried to fail me bc I was a white (blonde at the time) girl. I had so much documentation but got no help. So I got a good taste of racism and it helped open my eyes. when I lived in Austria I was refused service bc I looked too dark at a restaurant. I was sent away from an audition before I even sang bc the director wanted a singer who looked like Claudia Schiffer. Anyways I want people to be successful. I even give away black mermaid dolls at my events to encourage more little girls to become mermaids. If there were women of color who could outperform Hannah then yes that was probably a racist move on the company's part.

[MermaidBonnie]

Also just to make it clear, I'm not a huge Hannah fan. I respect her work and have to admit she's really good at what she does and is a pioneer for all of us.

[MermaidBonnie]

Whisper, please share videos of these mers you speak of. Sorry I keep posting responses teying to care for baby

[AniaR]

why does anyone have to prove to you that a black person is qualified to play a BLACK GODDESS??? You act like they must of brushed over black people because they didnt fit the role, when literally black people werent even considered for the role of a BLACK goddess. You are being the sterotype. The white woman coming into the narrative from coloured people, trying to suggest what is and isn't racism. You didn't experience racism being white. You may have experienced some sort of prejudice. You are aprt of the problem. Go ahead, make passive aggressive comments like I'm a bully for telling you. All the black and asian mers are telling you, but you aren't listening. For someone so anti drama your sure stir it up! Maybe you should ACTUALLY WATCH THE VIDEOS put in this thread and start listening to your mer brothers and sisters trying to get you to understand.

http://www.dailydot.com/via/reverse-...-doesnt-exist/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/...b07addcb45da97

https://www.theodysseyonline.com/whi...erience-racism

http://everydayfeminism.com/2014/07/...e-people-race/

http://www.evangelicalsforsocialacti...le-getting-it/

http://matadornetwork.com/pulse/18-t...ussing-racism/

I know you'll disregard all of this, for the plain fact that I'm the one posting it, but maybe others will find this helpful.

[Mermaid Wesley]

the whole point of this thread, is challenging that status quo, and empowering mers of colour. It doesn't mean they're being passed over for lack of ability. This is the same in the film industry, and the same controversy came up at the oscars. It's a well researched issue. You can't just tell an entire race they aren't being chosen because they aren't the best qualified, or lecture them on going for auditions. People ARE turned down for their race, and this specific instance, Circ didn't bother trying black performers who could also fit the role. And while it's not Hannah's fault, maybe now that she's been educated on the matter she can make wiser decisions.

Very well spoken.

[Mermaid Whisper]

Raina, thank you for being a good role model for white mers. We need to accept our privilege as light-skinned folk and use it to help those who don't get all the chances we do.

The fact of the matter is that ONLY black people should have been considered for the role, just as we do for specific characters on television. Hannah should have never even come up in the discussion, because she is British, blonde, and, ah--WHITE.

I urge you to listen to all of the voices that have come up in this topic instead of just picking out the ones that strike your fancy.

I'll say it again. Hannah is not the end all, be all of the mermaid world. Spindrift, Coradion, the Singapore Mermaid, and so many more have what it takes to be the best at what they do, but we're not letting them. Take your hands off their wings and let them be free.


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[malinghi]

Just a reminder for everyone to be cool. No rule violations here, I just wanted to chime in cause it looks like the discussion's getting heated.

If anyone here finds themselves getting too upset, I recommend taking a break and getting some tea. And if you think anyone crosses a line feel free to let me or the Mods know, although please remember that "disagreeing with you" isn't a rule violation.

[Mermaid Whisper]

Thank you for that, Malinghi! Though I must say, I'm more of a coffee girl

I do love all you guys and I respect your opinions. I've just seen so much injustice in my time on Earth and my heart aches every day for each person I cannot save. I'm a sap and a bleeding heart, and I just want everyone to be happy.


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