
When I was a child, I would struggle to find a character to dress up as for Halloween,
because I saw it as an opportunity to become someone I looked up to. I wanted to look just
like the character, and that was a problem, because the vast majority of the characters I
saw onscreen were white.
It’s a trivial matter, but it’s allowed me to wonder: If someone from a place where they are part of the ethnic majority is still affected by the lack of representation in today’s media, how do people like me feel in countries where they are the ethnic minority?
In today’s day and age, the media is an essential aspect of our daily lives, and is hugely influential to the way we think and feel. Due to this, it is important for media projects to have a more diverse and inclusive cast, allowing more underrepresented groups to see themselves and hear stories that they can relate to and empathize with.
The presence of racial diversity has improved throughout the 21st century, though it still has room for improvement. Onscreen heroes of different racial backgrounds, portrayed in a positive light, can capture the hearts and minds of individuals for said backgrounds, becoming figures of inspiration.
Dr. Eric Anthony Grollman, a Black queer non-binary scholar-activist, demonstrates the importance of diversity by stating “Specifically for the members of minority groups, seeing oneself reflected in the media is crucial, particularly in the face of prejudice, discrimination, and the constant barrage of invalidating comments and actions.” Racial diversity in media can also alleviate certain stigmas and stereotypical ideologies towards people of colour that others may harbour towards them, decreasing the amount of racism and bigotry in society, and paving the way to a more inclusive and safe community for everyone.
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