ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the subject of difference. The first section demonstrates how the lack of diversity in mainstream media and the prevalence of stereotypes in pop culture contribute to the dehumanization of marginalized groups, and it explores the potential for alternative media to challenge these damaging representations. It draws upon concepts from scholars such as Chinua Achebe, Simone de Beauvoir, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Stuart Hall, Laura Mulvey, and Judith Butler. And it references examples from pop culture, including Dylan Marron's YouTube channel “Every Single Word” and his podcast “Conversations with People Who Hate Me.” The second section uses this framework for understanding difference and promoting diversity in an analysis of comedy: specifically, the television series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the podcast 2 Dope Queens, Sarah Cooper's satirical TikTok videos, and Hannah Gadsby's stand-up specials. The third section introduces an activity called Conversations About Difference, in which participants create a podcast that addresses challenges related to difference and emphasizes diversity, equity, and belonging. The activity encourages participants to practice engaging in civic discourse as part of their creative production and to reflect on the potential for art to help us recognize and celebrate both our differences and what we share in common.
