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

[nanila]

Also, I am not wearing glasses. </solemnface>

It's a shame I didn't have a shot of the audience to counterpoint this one, as it was much better balanced in terms of gender (though not race). Which would seem to indicate that "hard science" fiction writers and fans have achieved more parity than actual scientists in the UK. Although, as you say, this is a single instance and hence anecdata.

[qian]

And you have long hair! Unless one or all of the dudes have hidden ponytails I can't see.

[nanila]

Nope, no ponytails - I'm the only one with long hair.