We can now have action movies with two stars where one might be

Roger Ebert’s words, "We can now have action movies with two stars where one might be African American and one might be Asian American. One of them doesn't have to be white, and the other one doesn't have to be the ethnic sidekick. We're way over that. And I think it's happening in society, too," carry with them a profound recognition of the progress that has been made, not only in the world of cinema but in the fabric of society itself. In his statement, Ebert points to the shift in representation that has taken place within film, where diversity is no longer seen as a novelty or an exception but as an evolving norm. The idea that characters from different ethnic backgrounds can share the spotlight as equals, without the constraints of stereotypical roles, marks a profound change in the way we see the world—and the way the world sees us.

In the ancient world, heroes often came from a singular lineage, and their actions were colored by their ancestry and their bloodlines. In the stories of Homer’s Iliad or the Epic of Gilgamesh, the heroes were often defined by their origins. Even the gods themselves, in their magnificent and sometimes flawed forms, represented a particular heritage. However, these stories also held within them the seed of a deeper truth: unity in diversity, even among gods, could lead to the most powerful transformations. The gods, though divided in their origins, frequently collaborated, often against forces far greater than themselves, and their combined efforts brought about great change. In the same way, the heroes of modern film, as envisioned by Ebert, represent not just individual victories, but the unity that can be forged when diverse voices come together.

Consider the journey of Alexander the Great, who conquered vast territories and forged alliances with various peoples, including those whose cultures and races were vastly different from his own. Though he was a Macedonian king, he understood the value of unity in diversity, merging Eastern and Western cultures, allowing the people he conquered to maintain their customs and laws. His empire, a fusion of diverse peoples, became a crucible of transformation, where the mixing of cultures led to a new era of thought, philosophy, and commerce. Much like Ebert’s vision for film, Alexander’s empire was not bound by old, rigid distinctions, but by a shared vision of progress and unity.

What Ebert touches upon is not just a change in film but in the very structure of society itself. He sees a world where individuals, regardless of ethnic background, can stand shoulder to shoulder as equals. Just as the Roman Republic was founded on the idea of universal citizenship—where people from all walks of life could contribute to the greater good—modern society, in its most ideal form, is slowly but surely moving toward a more inclusive and representative structure. Films, in this case, serve as a reflection of the larger cultural shifts that are happening, mirroring the societal progress that has allowed for such diverse representation on screen.

Consider also the significance of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, which, though filled with pain and struggle, eventually led to an era of greater integration in American society. The struggle for equality—not only in the workplace, but in cinema, politics, and everyday life—paralleled the evolution of films that began to challenge racial stereotypes and limitations. This was no longer a time when the African American character was relegated to the role of sidekick or comic relief. Actors like Sidney Poitier, who broke ground with roles in films such as Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and Lilies of the Field, paved the way for more nuanced, powerful roles for actors of all ethnicities, proving that racial diversity on screen could elevate storytelling.

In our time, diversity has become not a trend but a vital element of human connection, both in art and in life. The films Ebert refers to are part of a larger movement toward a reimagined narrative, where heroes are defined by character, not by the color of their skin or the background from which they come. This transformation invites us to challenge old paradigms, to break down the barriers that have historically separated us, and to see in others not just their outward differences but the shared humanity that unites us all.

The lesson in Ebert’s words is profound: we must continue to embrace diversity, both in the stories we tell and in the lives we lead. Just as films today reflect the growing inclusivity of society, so too must we act in ways that build bridges rather than walls. Let us seek unity not in the erasure of differences but in their celebration, in the knowledge that we are stronger and more capable when we join forces across boundaries. In your own life, find strength in diversity, whether it be in the people you work with, the stories you consume, or the relationships you build. Embrace the rich tapestry of human experience, for it is in our differences that we find the most profound truths about who we are and what we can achieve together.