I’m black. I’m a YouTuber. I was literally floored by the utter lack of articles regarding race and YouTube. There are huge dissertations and books written about how representation matters, especially in the media, and somehow YouTube just hasn’t come under the same scrutiny. While I have my own opinions about it, I decided to interview some YouTubers I admire who have different roles on the platform, and I think this piece is the most in-depth anyone has ever looked at what we promote when we promote only one kind of YouTuber.
I want to bust the issue wide open.
One of my favorite quotes in the piece was from a friend who wished to remain anonymous due to the fact that her YouTube and work lives are separate. Her job is figuring out ways to make traditionally white spaces more inclusive. She said,
“Diversity isn’t just opening the doors to all people, it’s going out into historically underserved, oppressed, and disadvantaged communities and saying ‘This space is for you, too.’”
theluminouscosmos 