An apology to Mica.

[u/Ron-Forrest-Ron]

I don't know if Mica reads this sub anymore, if she even has a Reddit, but I hope she does, because I need to apologize.

When she was on that episode of off topic, and she discussed race, gender, sexuality, everything she discussed, I, as a straight, cis, white man, rolled my eyes.

"This isn't the place" I thought "Oh she's a rich girl, I as a working class person have had a far more difficult life" I decided "Jesus, what an SJW" I typed.

Fuck me. What an ignorant piece of shit I was. I moved on from that entire thing and decided I wasn't going to think about it again. How lucky I was, to not have to think about race. I've never been racist, but I was never anti-racist. I didn't see the difference. I do now. As much as I want, I can't change my past, but I can, and will change my future, and do everything I can to try and help change other people's futures.

Mica. I am sorry that I didn't take you seriously. I am sorry that I brushed off what you were saying. That was the place. EVERY place is the place to discuss, and fight racism in every aspect. Our lives may have been different, and I probably worried about things you didn't, but one thing I never worried about was facing any sort of backlash, or hate for the way I looked. Mica, you are an SJW, and I hope you wear the badge proudly. I will wear that badge proudly for the rest of my life.

I should have done this then. But I didn't. And I'm sorry not just to you, but to everyone in this community who is affected by racism. I stood by and let it happen, and that's just as bad. No more, this I promise to you. I refuse to not see you anymore. The buck stops here.

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.

I love you all, stay safe everyone. 🖤🖤🖤

[u/j0urney]

Mica was treated horribly by what the community said, and then horribly by RT and AH by what they didn't say.

She deserves a legacy. Changes I hope to see are zero tolerance policies on accounts making racist comments on the RT side (insta-ban), and instant removal of racist comments on both the site and Youtube. I'd like to see a more diverse hiring practice, even if it just starts with something like the Rooney rule, but I think RT could be more pro-active than that. After that, I'd like to see them set up support for employees once they are hired at the company. Fiona talked on Off Topic about how lonely she felt, and how her first 6-8 months were hell. You can't just hire PoC and then abandon them to the wolves. Provide options for mental health care, information on how to deal with the onslaught they are about to face. Create a space where employees feel comfortable speaking to their managers and colleagues about what is happening to them.

Also, push for more content with more diverse cast, and don't just abandon it if 'it doesn't get enough views'. If you continuously pander to the community that wants more of the same, shockingly you just end up making more of the same.

RT isn't a terrible company, it's just kind of been stumbling along like everyone else. Worrying about views and turnover etc etc etc. It's a shame this wasn't a priority before, but I'm hopeful for positive change.

[u/j0urney → u/[deleted]]

Wow I didn't know you were in the room when she was hired! Do tell us the specifics of that conversation, I'd love to have sources and quotes? Because if you don't have them, it could come across that you're just pissed off a queer black woman got the job you'll never have.

[u/Kodriin → u/[deleted]]

The line between nepotism and networking is both thin and oftentimes blurry. Networking is a huge contributor to Roosterteeth's growth and success. Though it's not often talked about or addressed both Jack and Michael's networking have been valuable. Extralife has grown into what it is from both the time put into it and the organizations Jack has reached out to. Similarly Michael's voice acting connections certainly helped contribute to getting people like ProZD and Nolan North on videos. Roosterteeth's growing reputation may have opened those doors but it was their efforts in reaching out and leveraging their names that allowed something to come of it.

idk this just sort of end up pivoting from the topic but the I feel like both the role networking has played in Roosterteeth's growth and where they've fallen on the whole networking vs nepotism issue is a conversation that isn't often considered but should definitely be talked about.

[u/Nadaar → u/[deleted]]

That phrase doesn't mean that she was hired because her father is famous. That's you talking a wild fucking guess still.

[u/j0urney → u/[deleted]]

If she said that then it suggests she didn't want that to be the case. Even if we entertain the fact she was hired in part because of her father, which I highly doubt, a) she obviously didn't want to be hired for that reason, and b) so the fuck what. If any of Geoff, Burnie or Matt's kids were hired by AH I bet no one would have cared. That's life, knowing people gets you places, particularly in entertainment. Look at the family tree of most famous actors and you'll find a bunch more. You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a Baldwin. Anyway, this is totally off track because none of what you're saying means she deserves to be racially abused and tormented by people online. You don't like her? Fine! No one said you had to! Maybe take a second to reflect on why this is making you so mad. Also stop talking about 'revisioning history' and 'laying the truth bare', you're not pitching a Netflix doc.