Within this article, I will focus on the definitions I deem most relevant to our discussion of media while keeping in mind that many more layers of meaning exist outside of this particular discussion. OED Online-representation. What does this understanding add to our discussion of media? In thinking about representations as objects, we can think of the individual radio shows and television programs each as representations working through specific mediums constructing our larger media networks.
The ability of the representation to become a form or a tool for media relates to its reproducible character. A simple example will help clarify this last point, but bear in mind that the following picture of representation painted is one that we will problematize. While not everyone has access to the painting of the Mona Lisa, most people have some idea as to what this painting looks like. This is to say that most people have come to know the Mona Lisa through representations i.
Because of its ability to be copied or reproduced, the representation becomes more accessible to be communicated on a mass level. If we attempt to understand this definition in light of our Mona Lisa example, we then understand representations of the Mona Lisa as standing for the original painting of the Mona Lisa.
This is just a small fragment beginning our larger discussion of the politics in and around representation. The Columbia Dictionary of Modern Literary and Cultural Criticism continues our discussion of media and representation by outlining some of the key usages of representation in Western thought dating back to Plato Aristotle, on the other hand, viewed representations in an entirely different manner arguing that representations are necessary since mimesis is natural to man.
Such agents function as medias in that they are intermediates sometimes standing for and acting for those whom they represent. Typecasting in the entertainment industry occurs when individuals are consistently assigned roles due to their ability to fit a certain stereotype. This often targets actors belonging to underrepresented groups and limits their ability to grow in the industry beyond playing stereotypical roles.
Image is courtesy of Netflix Junkie. Children and Teens. Underrepresentation, as a result, has the potential to establish harmful views and negative perceptions. For children who are developing their thoughts and behaviours, and for teenagers who are searching for identity and their place in society, media takes the role of a significant influence.
A lack of diversity is harmful not only to the people being misrepresented but also to others who watch those shows or movies who then base their perception of a group solely on the media they consume. Luckily, there has been an increase in the diversity of characters of colour! But we have a long way to go to dismantle the many stereotypes that have been engraved in the history of television and film.
According to an article by Forbes , general media can escalate racial tensions and affect confidence and self-esteem. The author describes how predictions in the study of prolonged television exposure involve decreased self-esteem for girls and Black boys, which correlates with racial and gender biases in popular media. With the effects of underrepresentation so prevalent and impactful to youth, diverse and inclusive media representation must be prioritized as we move forward.
Especially in the case of beauty standards, I feel that it has now become such a common story for Black women to go through a stage of not liking their features, and more specifically, their hair. However, within the last few years, I have become a lot more comfortable in my identity and in wearing my hair out, as big as it is! There is certainly a time and place for these kinds of movies, but I am so excited for when I can see myself represented in the media without having to think about all the problems that I may face as a Black woman.
Image is courtesy of Girl Museum. The youth of today are passionate about inclusive representation, and they are making their voices heard on what they want to see more of in modern media. Especially people with disabilities because I hardly ever see them represented in the industry.
Progress is underway, but for representation to be achieved in all aspects, there must be greater inclusivity of underrepresented groups both on-screen and behind the scenes as writers, directors, producers, and more. The entertainment industry, media creators, and society can benefit significantly by confronting implicit bias and stereotypes and actively commit to fostering inclusive environments.
Through this, may we begin the journey towards media that includes representation for all. Article Author: Victoria Huang. Race to a Cure Authors. Strong and positive representation can help fight and break down stereotypes that can be detrimental to individuals and limiting to society. When a group of people is only ever represented in negative ways, it adversely affects the way others see them, as well as the way they see themselves. Which means, on the flip side, positive representation can build self-confidence in individuals.
It offers them role models to look up to and people and characters to be inspired by and reinforces that they are not lesser than. They can be the superhero, the doctor, the actor or whoever they want to be. The benefits of better representation are also not limited to the people represented. More diverse representation also opens up new and better opportunities.
For example, there is a specific lack of acting opportunities available to non-white actors, simply because scripts insist on white characters. More diverse scripts, create more diverse roles which create more opportunities for non-white actors. And when this diversity goes a step further, beyond tokenism, it also opens the door for more interesting and complex roles for these actors. All of this ultimately leads to richer stories, new voices and new perspectives in our media.
Film still from Hidden Figures Well, media companies are just doing what makes them the most money…right? Not so true. More specifically, the report found that films with more diverse cast had the highest median global box office receipts and the highest median return on investment.
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