By Flynn Demapendan
Diversity and representation in entertainment and media have had a powerful impact on the industry and audience interaction. Including voices and perspectives from a variety of backgrounds in film offers perspectives that can both be relatable to and explained to an audience with a broad understanding.
Avoiding depthless portrayals allows groups that are underrepresented in the industry to see themselves in a way that is authentic, which leads to a sense of being seen and validated. A more diverse film industry builds a cultural overview, which helps both the creators and the consumers by showing a more real and sensible representation.
In the early days of Hollywood, the film industry’s attitude towards the topic of diversity and inclusivity was a challenging topic. Actors of color were confined to supporting roles, while women were forced into empty and limited roles. Behind the scenes, it was predominately white men.
In the late 20th century, the Hollywood industry started to change. The civil rights movement inspired many filmmakers to address racial issues in a more mainstream way. Directors like Spike Lee and John Singleton brought authentic black experience into the mainstream media.
Despite progress, the challenges of representation continue to stick. The issues of equal pay and authenticity in storytelling have a lot of room for improvement.
Challenges remain in every part and role of the industry, such as systemic bias, lack of opportunity, the resistance to change, diversity in gender, and LGBTQ inclusivity. The ongoing demands for greater diversity and inclusion continue to impact the industry, creating a better understanding of the future.
Being seen in the media is incredibly important, especially for a younger generation. As individuals see themselves being portrayed and represented in the media, it validates what they have gone through.
Media like Coco, Moana, Brokeback Mountain, and Crazy Rich Asians all show stories that are told with originality and accuracy, and have each achieved critical acclaim and success. This kind of storytelling has the upper hand to change social norms and attitudes against underrepresented groups.
The presentation of diverse characters with extensive roles and personalities in cinema can challenge prejudice, instead bringing a better understanding of different communities.
The embracing of diversity is the new future of filmmaking. By showcasing inclusivity not just on-screen but off-screen, the industry can more accurately reflect the difficulties of the world.
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