Minorities have always been put on the back burner in media and as such any time one is included in any way it was seen as a win. But lately we have seen soulless representation to bring in the new audience that has been slowly developed by the maturity of a new generation. Representation in media is meant to be a way to show people that they are not alone or unseen not a grab for attention.
Understanding Representation in Media
Representation in media is when a group of people rarely seen or have a lower amount of power in society are shown in media rather than being ignored or passed up.
Historically we saw either overlooking of minorities or bigoted portrayals such as black facing. However, recent trends suggest a shift towards more authentic representation, reflecting the changing demographics and values of society. This evolution highlights a growing recognition of the importance of diverse and nuanced portrayals in media.
Authentic representation in media is super important for how we see ourselves and how others see us, especially for groups that haven’t always been shown right. When we see characters like us in movies or TV shows being shown positively, it makes us feel good about who we are and where we come from. It’s like seeing a part of ourselves on screen. But when groups are left out or shown in a bad way, it can make us feel like we don’t matter or belong. So, when media shows different kinds of people in a real and respectful way, it helps us all understand each other better and treat each other with more kindness and respect.
Why Representation Matters
The representation of people empowers those who are part of the community represented by allowing them to see they are not alone. It also helps counter stereotypes and misconceptions if done correctly.
As explained by Race to a Cure, “Stereotypes in media are often inaccurate and portray underrepresented groups in a negative light. These flawed portrayals can be easily internalized by both the individuals of a group being stereotyped and other members of society. All in all, it influences public opinion and the societal view of underrepresented communities.”
Representation creates an understanding of people who are different and makes them human. By humanizing marginalized groups and depicting their experiences with authenticity and compassion, media has the potential to bridge divides, dismantle prejudice, and cultivate a shared sense of humanity.
Representation in “Ranking of Kings”
“Ranking of Kings” is an anime series that stands out for its refreshing approach to representation in the realm of fantasy storytelling. Set in a medieval-inspired world where kings are chosen based on their strength and combat prowess, the series follows the journey of Bojji, a young prince who is born deaf and deemed unfit to rule due to his physical disabilities.
With Bojji, the animators made sure to use real Japanese sign language as it was supervised by the Japanese Associate of the Deaf. Bojji’s disability is not presented as a limitation but rather as an integral part of his character, shaping his journey and interactions with others. Moreover, the series introduces a spectrum of characters from various backgrounds and experiences, including individuals with different abilities, ethnicities, and social statuses.
Bojji isn’t the only one, Queen Hilling’s representation of step-mothers which are commonly seen in a negative light in society shown in a realistic manner. Queen Hilling’s portrayal challenges the stereotype of the wicked stepmother by presenting a nuanced and multifaceted character. Her struggles, motivations, and complexities are explored with depth, offering viewers a more realistic and empathetic depiction of stepmothers.
The show’s exploration of themes such as family, acceptance, and self-discovery resonates with newer generation’s values of inclusivity and social justice. Through characters like Bojji and Queen Hilling, “Ranking of Kings” not only provides representation for marginalized groups but also fosters conversations about identity, belonging, and the power of empathy.
Madeline and Celeste
In Celeste, published by Extremely OK Games, the confirmation of Madeline’s transgender identity by the creator adds a layer of depth to the game’s narrative and themes. It underscores the importance of representation in gaming and the significance of diverse storytelling. By explicitly acknowledging Madeline as transgender, the creator affirms the validity of transgender experiences and identities within the game’s world.
The game also covers the challenges of poor mental health as Madeline climbs Celeste Mountain, while facing her inner demons and struggles with anxiety and self-doubt. The game’s narrative and level design cleverly mirror Madeline’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth, offering players a poignant and relatable portrayal of mental health issues.
Through side characters like Mr. Oshiro, “Celeste” explores a range of human experiences and emotions, encouraging players to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and personal growth.
The Future of Representation in Media
It’s evident that our newer generations will play a pivotal role in shaping trends and pushing for greater inclusivity. Gen Z, often seen as the most diverse generation yet, is actively demanding authentic representation across various forms of media.
It’s essential for audiences to advocate for diverse representation by supporting media that prioritizes inclusivity and holding accountable those who perpetuate harmful stereotypes or exclude marginalized voices. By actively seeking out and promoting diverse content, audiences can drive demand for more inclusive storytelling and encourage media producers to prioritize authenticity and representation.
Representing minorities in an accurate and helpful way is important moving forward. Things that can help create environments where this happens includes:
– Proper research to ensure accuracy.
– Having minorities write and act themselves.
– Listening to viewer feedback from other people in the minority.
– Outright confirming characters rather than baiting the minority and never confirming it.
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