Ta-Nehisi Coates, on the controversy surrounding the new HBO comedy Girls, and its lack of diversity. ViaThe Atlantic:

I’m not very interested in Lena Dunham reflecting the aspirations of people she may or may not know. I’m interested in her specific and individual vision; in that story she is aching to tell. If that vision is all-white, then so be it. I don’t think a story-teller can be guilted into making great characters. 

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There has been a lot of talk this week about Dunham’s responsibility, but significantly less about the people who sign her checks. My question is not “Why are there no black women on Girls,” but “How many black show-runners are employed by HBO?” This is about systemic change, not individual attacks.