My parents and I always look at movies and just think, 'What's

In the course of human history, one of the most enduring truths is that stories—whether passed down in words, songs, or films—are the mirrors through which societies reflect and shape their understanding of themselves. Marsai Martin’s words, “My parents and I always look at movies and just think, ‘What’s missing?’ from the plot to the people of color or diversity in general,” speak to a profound and ongoing conversation about representation and inclusion. These words invite us to reflect on how the narratives we consume influence our perception of the world, and whether these stories are truly inclusive of all people, or whether certain voices are left out, silenced, or diminished.

In the ancient world, stories were the means through which the values of a society were taught and passed down. Greek mythology, with its rich pantheon of gods and goddesses, presented diverse characters, each representing different aspects of human experience. Yet, despite this diversity, certain groups—particularly women and non-Greek peoples—were often sidelined in the tales of heroism and tragedy. For example, the Trojan War, the central epic in Homer’s Iliad, focuses on the Greek heroes, with women like Helen and Andromache relegated to the background, their stories serving the narratives of the male warriors. In this sense, the ancient Greeks, while offering a diversity of gods and heroes, often limited their portrayal of humanity to the stories of a select few, much like the lack of diversity Marsai Martin points out in modern films.

As civilizations evolved, the stories they told began to reflect more of the complexity of their societies. The Romans, for instance, took great pride in their empire’s diversity, and their art, literature, and architecture began to reflect the inclusion of the people they had conquered—Carthaginians, Gauls, Egyptians, and others. Yet, even in Roman literature, there were often hierarchies within this diversity, with certain groups still portrayed as “the other” or subjugated to the dominant Roman identity. These narratives spoke to the power dynamics of their time, where inclusion was still conditional, and equality was a concept that was often only idealized in theory.

In modern society, diversity—and the representation of people of color in media—remains an urgent topic of discussion, one that seeks to rectify the historical erasure and marginalization of certain groups in the stories we tell. Marsai Martin’s reflection on the absence of diverse voices in modern media echoes a universal struggle that has been felt throughout the ages. Hollywood, much like ancient civilizations, has long reflected the societal hierarchies that existed, with certain groups—especially people of color—being left out of key roles in the narratives that shape public consciousness. Yet, just as Athens began to include a wider range of voices in their tragedies, modern society is beginning to understand the importance of inclusive storytelling that reflects the true diversity of human experience.

Consider, for example, the civil rights movement in the United States, which, much like the great revolutions of history, sought to redefine what it meant to be truly equal in society. Langston Hughes, a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, wrote about the African American experience, offering narratives that had long been excluded from the mainstream literature and art of the time. Hughes’s work—and the work of other artists during this period—helped to shift the narrative of the American experience, adding depth, complexity, and color to a story that had been predominantly white. Similarly, films like Black Panther, in their celebration of African culture, not only introduced diverse characters but also portrayed them as heroes—an image that had been historically denied in mainstream cinema. This, much like the cultural shifts in the ancient world, shows how representation can not only change perception, but also empower those whose voices have long been suppressed.

The lesson from Marsai Martin’s words is one of reflection and action: we must ask ourselves, as creators and consumers of media, whether we are truly inclusive in the stories we tell. Are we accurately representing the diversity of the world, or are we still relying on narrow narratives that serve only a select few? The ancient cultures, from the Greeks to the Romans, shaped their societies through the stories they told—but these stories, while rich, were incomplete. Just as Plato urged us to examine the shadows on the wall of the cave, so too must we examine the narratives we consume and create, recognizing that a complete and just society requires stories that reflect the full range of human experience.

In our own lives, we can act on this lesson by supporting stories that reflect the true diversity of the world around us. Whether through film, literature, or art, we must ensure that we are creating and celebrating narratives that include voices from all walks of life. Just as the Romans eventually recognized the richness that came from their empire’s diversity, so too must we recognize the richness that comes from telling stories that reflect the full spectrum of humanity. Through this, we build a more just and inclusive world, one that values every person’s voice, and where every individual sees themselves reflected in the stories that shape our collective consciousness.