We all know the saying: What we see is what we believe. From the characters we idolize to the worlds we dream about, much of what we believe about ourselves and others is shaped by the media we consume. 

Think back to your favorite movie or TV show as a child, think about how much you idolized the characters and how much of what you aspired to be was influenced by what you saw on screen. The characters and stories we see not only reflect but also construct cultural norms and social values. 

However, when these representations aren’t accurate and these perceptions start to form, they can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to the marginalization of certain communities. Film, television and media influence how we see different identities, often challenging or reinforcing existing stereotypes. While some portrayals aim for authenticity, others fall back on harmful cliches.  

As viewers we have expectations from the media that goes beyond just entertainment. 

We seek validation. We want to see ourselves, our identities and our stories reflected in the media we consume. Yet, when the media fails to live up to these expectations, it can feel like a missed opportunity. When we see one show or film that tells a story about a marginalized group, it’s easy to create an opinion of an entire culture, identity or experience based on what we see. 

This expectation, however, is unfair. No single individual can or should be expected to represent the complexities and diversity of an entire group of people. These stories of any culture or identity do not fit a one-size-fits-all, and society fails to recognize the individuality of each person. The absence of authentic representation can create a distorted reality, which sends us the message that some voices, some stories, just aren’t as important as others. 

Samantha Close, assistant professor of communication and media studies, addressed this issue. 

“It’s completely unfair to expect any single creative work to fully represent an entire group of people,” Close said. “Audiences (and critics) often put that kind of weight on projects because it can be so rare to see marginalized groups in media at all that they jump on the one instance that exists.”

With limited representation, narratives from people of color and the LGBTQ+ community often carry the unfair burden of representing the entirety of a group, simply because there aren’t enough options to offer a fuller picture. 

The quality of representation is also important, depending on the nature of the portrayal. Simply having people of color, women or LGBTQ+ individuals on screen is not enough if their portrayal relies on harmful or overused stereotypes. Sometimes not having a representation of diverse groups is equal to having one.

Rory Lorenz, a sophomore majoring in film, expressed concern about the lack of diversity in films.

“I find it so obvious that films avoid diversity in film and it is all done for the money,” Lorenz said. “Films with an all-white cast, or white lead do much better in the box office than movies that try to be inclusive.” 

Kelly Kessler, professor of media and cinema studies, pointed out that even “positive” stereotypes can mislead viewers. Kessler referenced certain pieces of media like “The Cosby Show” and “Moonlight” to explain different forms of representation. 

Some representations may not be positive and may even be uncomfortable, but they are invaluable because they offer an accurate, multifaceted portrayal of human life. 

Stereotypes are ideas that are hard to shake, especially because we’ve been trained to know them by the media. We see them everywhere, from the “wise elder” to the “nerdy Asian student.” I’m sure you’ve heard these common stereotypes before, often without even realizing it. These cliches are etched into our memory. We no longer question them. We just know them because it’s become normalized. 

When film and media rely on these stereotypical portrayals, they reduce entire groups of people to just a few traits or behaviors that most people recognize them by. These perceptions influence how we treat others and how we see ourselves. Yet, our society sticks to these outdated ideas and films miss the chance to create meaningful representations that reflect the true diversity of experiences in the world. 

Mya Collins, communication and media major, noted that in the 2000s, while inclusion became more common, it often felt obligatory.

“In the 2000s we started seeing more inclusion on screen, it often felt like the companies were forced to do it though. It became common to see archetypes and tropes where a Black girl was introduced in the cast, but she was never the main character or ‘end game,’” Collins said. “Instead, they were typically portrayed as the protagonist’s love interest or in supporting roles.”

The media we consume is more than just entertainment, it’s a form of learning. Many people watch films and TV shows as a form of escape, seeking a break from reality. Some might argue that it’s not necessary to overanalyze the characters and the way they’re represented, but the truth is, these portrayals leave an impact. We may not always consciously reflect on them, but these representations sit with us, and the more we see them, the more they start to influence how we view the world. 

Noor Anwar, a junior majoring in management information systems, said, “Film and TV have the power to create characters and narratives that allow us to see ourselves in others. Films confront serious topics like mental health or eating disorders and they help us relate, understand, and grow, reminding us that the stories we watch shape the way we see the world and each other.”

Related Stories:

• From ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ to ‘Minari’: How Asian representation has changed in film and TV
• Media historically portrays youth of color as older, more dangerous 
• Students explore transgender representation in the media

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