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Most people understand the importance of diversity, but many people do nothing to promote diversity. This is often because as individuals, we are a product of our environment. Therefore, we tend to only truly know about the things that take place within our circle. But this can be dangerous.
The media is an important part of providing people with not only news, but identification. It is often one of the first places a person can go to and see another person of their gender, height, weight and race. But the media has had a rather troubling history with promoting diversification.
A 2017 ad for Dove Body Wash showed a black woman transforming into a white female after she used the product. The ad sparked social media outcry, forcing the company to apologize for its offensive portrayal.
A study conducted in 2014 found that three-fourths of African-Americans and two-thirds of Hispanics about the news mainstream media portrayed about their communities. Stats on race and media portrayal.
By 2050, White people will be the minority in America. This means that preparation must be started now to make everyone feel comfortable and proud of their heritage, rather than ashamed or used to being excluded from the public. Graphs on Race by 2050.
One of the main values journalists pride themselves on is truth. Honesty is the core of the news. It is the way stories are told and it has the power and influence to create change or promote unrealistic standards.
The truth is that members of minorities are as worth of positive media portrayal as that of members of the majority. Being Native American does not mean that one has to be portrayed with a headdress to be considered appropriate; the same way being Caucasian does not mean one has to be portrayed with blond hair and blue eyes to be considered beautiful.
Diversity is not just about Race
Often, people hear the word diversity and think strictly along the lines of racial background. But being diverse is more than just the color of one's skin.
Gender is part of diversity. People with disabilities are part of diversity. Members of the LGBT community are part of diversity. Biracial individuals are part of diversity. Yet, they are not portrayed in the media often. And many times they are often not portrayed in a positive light.
One of the more popular portrayals of stereotyping because of a lack of diversity in the media is the portrayal of people with mental illnesses as evil. This tends to be the plot line for many movies, but studies show that people with mental illnesses are less likely to commit crimes and more likely to be victimized. Mental Illness and the media.
Because many people are not exposed to individuals with mental illnesses, they often get their news about these illnesses through the media. Because people involved in the media are not healthcare individuals, there is a lack of evidence based reporting about those with illnesses, enforcing stereotypes to the public. Media vs. Mental Health.
The Man in the Mirror
Lack of diversity in the media can only be changed if real individuals ban together to encourage change. America is filled with people of different racial identities, genders, sexualities, body types. heights, weights, ages and much more.
Therefore, the man in the mirror is you, your friends, family and everyone else in the nation. While the media has historically been behind on diversification, they have always tried to catch up when they noticed a spark of diversity within the public.
America is changing. The Man in the Mirror has progressed. Diversity is as important now as it has ever been and with more diverse individuals being born everyday, working to promote diversity is as challenging as it has ever been.
Courtesy of www.Woffordcollege.com
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