Growing up as a female minority I struggle to see the representation of my
culture and background at even a very young age. Popular TV shows consisted of white-abled
women usually in the first class. Just myself growing up, there was a struggle I faced when it
came to seeing representations of myself throughout the media. As I got older, I could see what
was supposed to be ‘normal’, even though what was represented in shows, songs, and movies
did not represent what my lifestyle represented. Starting in the early 2020s Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion were introduced to the world. There were both negative and positive effects when
people heard the words diversity, equity, and inclusion. But with this people began to realize and
notice exactly how little people of color and diverse backgrounds were being represented in the
media.
When it comes to representation in the media, it is expanded to a whole variety of
different people with different backgrounds. The first category I’ve decided to discuss is
minorities in leading roles. According to UCLA’s Hollywood Diversity Report, they state, “People
of color posted gains relative to their White counterparts in each of the five key Hollywood
employment arenas examined in the film sector (i.e., among film leads, film directors, film
writers, total actors, and studio heads). Despite these gains for the group — most notably in
closing the gap for acting roles since the previous report — people of color remained
underrepresented on every industry employment front in 2019” (UCLA, 2020). Even though
throughout the past years there has been little improvement in more and more representation in
the media, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to fill that gap.
Just like people of color women are also on the lower side of statistics when it
comes to representation in the media. Statistically, women are given lots of side roles, but the
number of women in leading roles is very minimal. Again, according to UCLA’s Hollywood
Diversity Report their statistics state, ”Nonetheless, as women constitute slightly more than half
of the population, they remained underrepresented on every front in 2019 (though they
approached proportionate representation among acting roles): Less than proportionate
representation among film leads (44.1 percent), Greater than 3 to 1 among film directors (15.1
percent), Less than 3 to 1 among film writers (17.4 percent), Less than proportionate
representation among total actors (40.2 percent), and, Less than 3 to 1 among studio heads (18
percent).” (UCLA, 2020). Even with a larger population of women in this profession, the
statistics are still lower when compared to men.
Fast forward to February 4th, 2024, when the Grammy nominations were held.
During Red Carpet Walks, interviewers were able to stop and interview well-known actors,
actresses, and directors asking about representation in the media. During this interview that
took place on the social media platform, TikTok , interviewers talked to notable people such as
Richa Moorjani, Sarayu Blue, Sherry Cola, Justin Chen, and Eugene Lee Yang. In this interview
they have various people of color and different backgrounds respond to the question “Who was
the first character You felt represented on screen?” ethnic backgrounds a lot of their answers
are the same. We get many answers stating the same actors from Mississippi Masala, The
Maze Runner, and Jane the Virgin. The little representations of big leading roles in the film leave
people of color with few characters to choose from when asked this question. There were also
answers that these people of color gave that did not match their backgrounds. Michelle Wong
answers Mindy Kaling as someone she felt represented by due to the representation of a
minority shown on screen. With both of these powerful women with different ethnic
backgrounds, you can see that just because a minority was shown on screen, minorities feel
representative. Growing up myself, there were very few times I was able to feel connected with
a character on screen. The rare feeling of my younger self being able to compare my life and
appearance to a celebrity on screen was something my younger self needed. Actors then go on
to explain that when they were younger and saw these people that represented them they
stated, “Hey if they can do it, maybe I could do it too” (Justin Chen). Continuing with this
interview, Eugene Lee Yang goes on to explain what representation in the media means to him,
“Just because something is the first, doesn’t it mean that it’s enough. when it comes to casting,
writing, directing, or producing. Top to bottom, All the talent should be represented of the world
that we live in.”
Representation in the media not only makes people feel seen and heard but it
can do so much more. Representation allows inclusivity following with a sense of belonging and
validation. Highlighting people with different genders, backgrounds, and ethnicities Validates
these different types of people’s differences. representation can also highlight the harsh
stereotypes that are given to certain cultures and genders that lead to discrimination. Steering
away from the stereotypical teenage girl to the stereotypical person of color can help pay for the
way that the younger generation sees each other By not only accepting each other but also
empowering one another. Representation matters. Growing up as a female minority, I’ve felt the
struggle of not seeing myself reflected in the media. But it’s not just about me – it’s about all of
us. When you think about the young girls and boys who grow up without seeing people who look
like them in leading roles. It sends a message that their stories aren’t important, that their
dreams are limited, and that they are not seen. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Check out the
latest blog post where we take a deep dive into the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion
in the media and why representation matters! If these statistics surprised/bothered you, you
have the chance to make a difference! Sign the petition linked below to change the way
minorities are portrayed in film/the media!
https://www.change.org/p/federal-communications-commission-improving-representation-of-min
orities-in-media
References
The Female Quotient. (2024). Tiktok. The Female Quotient.
https://www.tiktok.com/@femalequotient/video/7340376738335034670
UCLA. (2020). Hollywood Diversity Report:A Tale of Two Hollywoods. UCLA.
Why Representation Matters. (2024). Psychology Today.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychology-the-people/202112/why-represent
ation-matters-and-why-it-s-still-not-enough