I don't talk about this stuff much publicly b/c I'm the product of a time/place where wearing your otherness on your sleeve = a negative net effect in gaining opportunities. But this Affirmative Action ruling has me so heated. 1/
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As one who's been denied even the opportunity for opportunities b/c of my name, it's hard to see yet another thing that helps level the playing field for "others" stripped away. I used to have 2 go 2 places I'd submitted job apps to intro myself so they'd know I spoke English. 2/
It's something I contend w/ in the Comics Industry. I have one of, if not the *most* Arabic/muslim name in mainstream comics. In a post 9/11 US, it's not lost on me that publishers/stores have to think abt stocking a book w/Arabic on it & how that affects their bottom line 3/
I have to put out the best work I possibly can @ all times to show that I'm here based on merit, & to ensure that merit makes more noise than my Arabic name. I draw, write, paint, design logos, hit deadlines, am congenial & considerate, prompt in replying, I'm great w/ fans... 4/
I've been nom'd for Eisner's for both writing & drawing. All of that is more than the proverbial recipe for success in this industry (2/3 of Good+Fast+Nice to work with), & it still doesn't afford me the same opportunities as others. Sure, some of that is luck + timing. But... 5/
When you're doing everything right & you see ppl born into more privileged circumstances than you being offered opportunities that you’re not (some even after multiple fuck-ups), you look around, see a lack of ppl like you among your peers, and a pattern emerges. 6/
the kind of intense speculation about my work I received because of being Palestinian from publishing pros early in my career really almost made me quit right then and there. we still face so many disheartening experiences
If the extra work we "others" have to do to even try to reach equal footing, were commensurate w/ the rewards for that extra work; if it were all merit based, we'd be ahead. But it’s not. So we work harder to try to outpace the limitations placed on us. 7/
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