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'We can't be silent' – how fashion is speaking up about Covid racism
Asian American designers are using their clothes as statements against the xenophobic coronavirus backlash. In the UK, racially motivated crimes have increased by a staggering 21%, and the US has had a similar increase in racial attacks against Asian Americans. Phillip Lim and Prabal Gurung are among the names fighting against this discrimination through their fashion lines, with their proceeds going to the All Americans Movement, a US campaign to support minority communities hit hardest by Covid-19. Prabal Gurung has made political statements through his fashion lines before; in a runway show models donned tops that read ‘The future is female’ and ‘I am an immigrant’. He is passionate about the diversity of America and believes that: “When different minority groups stand up and stand together, there is an astounding level of support that can change the tides for a more equitable and peaceful future.” To read more about his efforts in combatting corona-related racism Click Here
Entrepreneur to create range of diverse dolls after autistic daughter spots a gap in the market
Olivia Thompson and seven-year-old daughter, Amira, are co-creators of a new range of diverse children’s dolls. Both mother and daughter noticed the lack of diversity while doll shopping and Olivia was struck that this was still an issue today. There was a huge gap in the market still for Caribbean, African, Hispanic, Indian, Chinese representation in these figures, which the mum and daughter duo aimed to fill. Olivia aspires to include dolls with disabilities in her range, highlighting the inauthenticity of just ‘Barbie in a wheelchair’. “I want dolls with prosthetic limbs, stoma bags, hearing aids, and other things that these children can identify with”, she says.
Disability Advocates Petition Facebook, Bitmoji for Inclusive Avatars
Disability activists are campaigning for Facebook and Bitmoji to add disability-inclusive features. A bitmoji is an avatar version of yourself which you can personalise according to your likeness — to an extent. Many have pointed out that elements are missing that may play an important part in one’s identity; there is no wheelchair, hearing aids, service dogs, prosthetic limbs, feeding tubes, or other such add-ons. Digital representation is important and has the potential to effect change in real world accessibility. Support the Change petition by clicking the picture below.
Muslim woman becomes first hijab-wearing judge in UK
Raffia Arshad has become the first UK judge with a hijab, and she wants to send a message to young Muslims that they too can achieve their dreams. Arshad questioned when pursuing her career in law whether someone like her, from a working class background and an ethnic minority, could fit into that world. After filling the position as Deputy District Judge on the Midlands circuit last week, Arshad explains that whilst she was very happy with the appointment “the happiness from other people sharing this is far greater”. Previously in her career, she considered the prospect of not wearing her hijab to an interview after being advised that it would increase her chances of success, but she decided that she would not sacrifice her sense of self. Arshad will use her new position to promote equality and diversity in the profession. Read more about Arshad by clicking her picture below.
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