Blog #15: November 1,2020

                    On the topic of representation in media, I discovered how different ethnic groups are stereotyped and underrepresented in it. Mass media have a huge reach in society and are a key filter through which people learn about each other, yet countless studies demonstrate that these media continue to reproduce ethnic and racial stereotypes, with often harmful effects. Which is why now then ever media productions are trying to be more inclusive for ethnic roles in shows, movies, and cover photos and sections in magazines. 

                    Mass media plays a role in shaping collective identities and intergroup attitudes and, by typecasting certain groups, distort the picture that audiences see of different groups. Moreover, media representations can not only promote public hostility toward other ethnic groups but also lower ethnic minority individuals’ self-esteem and pressure them to try to fit in with such stereotypes.

                   For example, Asians are often invisible in narratives, playing trivial roles without much depth or substance. One of the most dominant and pervasive portrayals of Asians in contemporary television is that of the highly accomplished yet passive "model minority". Such as how television and movies predominantly depict Asian-Americans as diligent workers in business settings rather than focus on their family or social life. The model minority stereotype is not as positive as it sounds reports suggest that it's closely related to a long-standing stereotype of Asian-Americans as all being nerdy, strict, and smart.

               It is because of stereotypes like this that ethnic groups are underrepresented and categorized into certain roles and looks. And not chosen for modeling gigs and big roles in magazines as often as white Americans. In my magazine, I plan on using a wide variety of my friends to model outfits for me, and will obviously avoid any dressing stereotypes.