Eastercon and diversity

[nanila]

lapswood was kind enough to send me a few photos he took at Eastercon last month. I thought this one made a nice illustration of some points that were made about PoCs and the (lack of) diversity at science fiction conventions.

This is from the panel I was on. Myself, the gentleman next to me and the man on the opposite end from me are all working scientists. The other man is the moderator - I'm not sure whether or not he is a scientist.



When I look at this picture, the first thing that pops into my head is the Sesame Street song: "One of these things is not like the others/One of these things just doesn't belong."

Visually, the thing that doesn't belong is me. And that makes me sad. What does it make you think?

Comments

[clanwilliam]

What, because you look more poised and together than anyone else on the panel? You look like the one with authority there, if that's any help.

Although I do have to query your use of "gentleman" to describe Dave.

[nanila]

This may have been because I was the one not drinking beer. Also, I was probably the only panel member who actually was nervous, given that it was the first time I'd done such a thing and I was anxious to contribute well.

When is Dave not a gentleman? I have yet to witness this phenomenon.

[clanwilliam]

More a windup of Dave. And yes, he is a perfect gentleman. Don't tell him I said that!