To my nearest and dearest out there in cyber space, I bid you a warm good evening on this cool west coast night! Though it has been much too long since my fingers have graced the keyboard, know that I think of you always, and I say that as I swiftly mount my soapbox to discuss the word that of late is on the lips of Hollywood: diversity. As I am fully aware that I am fashionably late to this party (the diversity/#oscarsowhite controversy began quickly after the 2016 Oscar nominations were announced in January and moviephiles everywhere realized there were no minorities nominated in any category), it is better late than never to make a cameo because diversity seems to be a consistent challenge to the progressive and creative world of LaLaLand.

The fact that minorities are often overlooked by the illustrious Academy and are marginalized on the silver and small screen is not news, but with this year’s nominations the subject was forcibly pushed to the forefront, causing people to pay attention and realize there is indeed a problem, prompting heated discussion, Oscar night boycotts, and a 3 hour+ verbal skewering from Oscar host Chris Rock. Our world is made up of a divergent, compelling mix of individuals. From varying colors, genders, sexual orientations, and religions, our planet is diverse and is beautiful in it diversity, and our actors, directors, screenwriters, and all other artists should reflect our unique world. It is an artistic travesty that it doesn’t and the bitter reality is that minority groups are represented in small numbers, if at all, and if they are it is often with a lamentable stereotype attached.

Now while the Academy aims to make strides to make the group more diverse and inclusive, they are only a piece of the diversity puzzle. The artists who create the entertainment we enjoy should cast with the color blind imagination of a child and tell stories of different people and backgrounds that everyone can identify with. Also, those on the outskirts of Hollywood Land should be given more opportunity; more opportunity to be raconteurs, creators, directors, and writers, so that the stories we see on TV and film can mirror our diverseness.

Those who aim to change the world know not to expect and see change overnight, and Hollywood has a steep hill to climb to reach total inclusiveness. But in the infamous words of confectionary genius Willy Wonka, “We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of dreams.” The power to enact change and have art and entertainment that reflects our diverse world is in our hands. So Hollywood, your mission, should you choose to accept it…