“Representation matters” isn’t just a cute phrase to hashtag on social media or wear on cute t-shirts. According to Psychology Today, representation across the board can increase confidence as well as promote ethnic and cultural pride. Media in general has a strong influence over how we see people of other races, cultures, genders and sexual orientation. Diversity in the writing room helps to combat negative stereotypes and provides an authentic feel. For these reasons, inclusion in media is IMPERATIVE. . Amanda Idoko is a writer on the animated series “Central Park.” On Tueday, September 18, 2018 she tweeted the following:
Being in a diverse room means not carrying the exhausting weight of being the only. It means working in a space that looks the way the world does. I’m proud of the way my room looks. Are you? If so, let’s see it 🙂 #ShowUsYourRoom #ShowUsYourRoomChallenge #RepresentationMatters pic.twitter.com/FMAhjisHwy
— Amanda Idoko (@amidoko) September 18, 2018
I’m not sure if Amanda knew her tweet would take off the way it did but she definitely started a movement that was a pleasure to watch unfold. Before we knew it, writers from many of our favorite shows were eagerly tweeting photos with the hashtag #showusyourroomchallenge. It was beautiful to see the faces behind the TV shows that we’ve come to know and love. Hopefully, these type of initiatives become more common throughout all social media outlets.
Lena Waithe gave us a peek of the writing room for “The Chi”
Thanks for accepting the challenge @LenaWaithe! #ShowUsYourRoom #ShowUsYourRoomChallenge #TheChi pic.twitter.com/Kk0s9RqFsy
— showusyourroom (@showusyourroom) September 18, 2018
The writers of “Empire” joined the fun.
Empire writers reporting for duty. Who's next? #ShowUsYourRoom #ShowUsYourRoomChallenge #RepresentationMatters pic.twitter.com/gTapL0T4n8
— Empire Writers (@EmpireWriters) September 18, 2018
The writers of “Insecure” are on hiatus, but they still found time to show up and show out!
Being in a diverse room means not carrying the exhausting weight of being the only. It means working in a space that looks the way the world does. I’m proud of the way my room looks. Are you? If so, let’s see it 🙂 #ShowUsYourRoom #ShowUsYourRoomChallenge #insecurehbo pic.twitter.com/ViVuJ3Nx3v
— Amy Aniobi (@janiobi) September 18, 2018
The writers of “Queen Sugar” on OWN accepted the challange!
For @QueenSugarOWN, @ava & @QSWriters diversity & inclusion in the room is what we’ve been about since day 1. #RepresentationMatters BTS as much in front! We proudly accept the #ShowUsYourRoomChallenge! Here’s our Season 3 Writer Room! #showusyourroom ???????? pic.twitter.com/pVaf8bXY45
— Anthony Sparks (@SparksAnthony) September 18, 2018
We couldn’t forget the writers behind “Power“. Of Course they were here for this.
Our room on @Power_STARZ! #showusyourroom #powerstarz #powertv #showusyourroomchallenge pic.twitter.com/Cj1RpQk8YC
— Gary Lennon (@GaryPLennon) September 18, 2018
Thank you Amanda. This was both necessary and INSPIRING! Head over to twitter and use the hashtag #showusyourroom #showusyourroomchallenge to see if your favorite show was up for the challenge.
