Throughout my life, my favorite movies showed me how superheroes save the world, influential leaders come to power, and how quarterbacks carry their team to a championship; In my favorite rom-coms, I anxiously awaited the moment when the guy finally got the girl, all the while wondering why it was rarely the other way around. I didn’t realize the subtle impact those stories had on me until I noticed the power that inclusivity in film had on my self-confidence.
Inclusivity, of all kinds, is essential to good storytelling. It’s vital to the success of any good work that the audience be reflected, in some way, in the story playing out before them. Maybe I’ll never be Spider-Woman, but I still need, and want, to see female superheroes show me that I can be brave, powerful, and make a difference in the world.
Female-led films are often overlooked by Hollywood, but recent releases, like Hustlers, Lady Bird, and Wonder Woman were all helmed by female directors, involved female screenwriters, and featured female leads. The influx of female voices in media has a profound impact on young women working as, or aspiring to be, writers, actors, directors, as well as women in general. It proves there’s a place for them to follow their dreams. The success of these types of films proves that audiences crave new perspectives — all three movies were met with commercial success and critical acclaim. They crushed it at the box office and received plenty of awards show buzz. It’ s so important to include female voices — and voices of people of color, disabled folks, members of the LGBTQ community, and other marginalized groups — in film, in order to enlighten audiences to new perspectives.
While Hollywood is slowly, but surely, making progress in the inclusivity department, there’s still a lot of work to be done. “Crazy Rich Asians” a romantic comedy featuring an all-Asian cast and a female lead, made more money than any romantic comedy released in the 2000s. The film’s lead, Constance Wu, was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress. The chance to see an identifiable lead — black and female superheroes, asian-american rom coms, and more — are all examples of chances for audiences to relate back to the screen, to find companionship, further understanding, or just enjoy a new story.
A childhood filled with watching characters they identify with gracing the big screen provides a tangible message to young viewers — your dream, your goals, who you want to be — it isn’t impossible. Inclusivity offers young people the chance for more role models. It also reminds the audience of the value of every member of their community, and, in turn, reminds the community why inclusivity is so important. So Hollywood, if you’re listening — you have the chance to influence lives. For now, audiences, support the media you love and support their efforts toward further inclusivity.
