Modern media is struggling to properly represent the LGBTQ+ and LatinX communities in both film and television. In an increasingly diverse society, how is the genuine portrayal of important groups still causing problems for pop culture?
The UK has steadily become more diverse over the last few decades, with less of us identifying as βWhite Britishβ than ever before. As a result, the media and popular culture has had to take steps to become more inclusive and well represented – a trend that extends across western pop culture.
In 2017, for example, Netflix released One Day at a Time, a reimagining of a TV classic that saw a Latin family take centre stage. Black Panther, released in 2018, was made by a Black director and starred a mostly African American cast. It was the second highest grossing film of the year.
Ali Stoker, a wheelchair bound actress, won a Tony award and performed at the ceremony as the character Ado Annie, a normally able-bodied character, from the musical Oklahoma! in 2019.
Transgender representation in popular media has also grown over the past few years thanks to shows such as Shameless and Orange Is the New Black.
While all of this is encouraging progress, is every stride being made authentic and well intentioned?
You may have seen the recent controversy surrounding misrepresentation of the Afro-Latinx community in the new film, In The Heights.
Much excitement surrounded the release of this musical drama which tells the story of a vibrant, tight knit community in Washington Heights, New York. Lin Manuel Miranda, of Hamilton recognition, penned the music and lyrics for the stage version and produced the screen adaptation.
Debate on how certain aspects of the LatinX community are depicted within the film has been steadily bubbling since its release. Critics have remarked that under representation of the Afro-Latinx community in the film shows that colourism remains still a problem within the industry.
Miranda took to Twitter to release a statement explaining how he had initially started writing In the Heights βbecause he didnβt feel seen.β He then went on to apologise to the Afro-Latinx community for failing to adequately represent them in a film that is supposedly celebrating the diversity of Washington Heights.
This begs a larger question of the arts industry as a whole. Even when it makes an active effort to be inclusive, why does it continue to fall short and misrepresent those it aims to champion?
This effort is not enough, however as presence on screen does not necessarily equal representation for the viewer.
While outwardly these figures may appear to tell the tale of increased visibility, Stacie de Armas, senior vice president of diverse consumer insights at Nielsen, magnified the difference between presence and representation.
Speaking to NBC, she says that βwhen you look across the TV landscape, the LGBTQ population looks well represented. But when we look deeper, and at intersectional groups, itβs clear there is a need for greater diversity in LGBTQ representationβ.
βWhite LGBTQ people are most represented on screen, while female LGBTQ people of colour and Latinx LGBTQ people are below parity compared to their population estimatesβ.
The New York Times reported in January of 2021 that across prime-time television there has actually been a decrease in LGBTQ+ representation for the first time in five years.
The article refers to a report by Glaad titled βWhere We Are on TV,β which breaks down how LGBTQ+ characters are affected across primetime, cable, and streaming services. All three outlets show a downturn in representation.
Across Amazon, Hulu, and Netflix the report details that βthere are 95 regular LGBTQ characters on original scripted series, a decrease from last year, as well as 46 LGBTQ recurring characters. This brings the total to 141 LGBTQ characters.β You can view archives of this report back until the 2005-2006 season.
With Gen Z more engaged with media platforms than generations prior, it is vital that they feel represented, whether it be race, gender, or sexuality.
It is time to retire LGBTQ+ tropes in Hollywood. No longer is it appropriate to have a βqueer best friendβ for comic relief.
Just being on the screen doesnβt go as far as needed. Gen Z are looking to the characters in their favourite shows and films for relatability and identity, to feel accepted and actively included in popular culture.
While we may not yet have found the perfect balance, times are progressing.
Despite representation not being the same as presence, it is a possible sign that we are headed towards equal presence in media. As our nation continues to become more diverse so too will the people creating, writing, directing, and casting media.
We must remain positive that diversity in media will continue to reflect the changing creative landscape of modern pop culture.
I join Thred all the way from Northern Ireland, whadda bout ye? Having finished my Masters in English Literature at Ulster University, words have always been a passion of mine. View my LinkedIn or drop me some feedback via email.
With difficulty booking headliners and rising costs, music festivals face their toughest year yet.Β
Music events are often signposts of our year. Memories with friends, seeing acts youβve only dreamed of witnessing play live. These near-mythic gatherings of collective euphoria are a mainstay of modern culture. But theyβre facing a crossroads.
What used to promise a steady stream of sold-out tickets has become a risky operation littered with bureaucratic obstacles and...
As they did with the Man vs Bear debate, straight men have once again tried to satirise one of womenβs online trends, and itβs only made them look worse.
The #WomenInMaleFields trend that dominated social media not long ago satirises behaviours associated with toxic men and the dating habits they perpetuate.
The general idea is: women overlay a photo/video of themselves with text quoting a heard-before excuse, as if they were...
Itβs long been posited that money canβt buy happiness β apart from maybe the Β£9.90 it costs for prescribed antidepressants β but can alienation caused by excessive wealth harm our ability to form interpersonal connections?
The other day I was walking through the display rooms in a well-known, Swedish, affordable furniture retailer, when my best mate pointed out two sinks side by side in one of the show bathrooms.
She made...
Thereβs a distinct lack of body positivity discourse for male, masc, and non-binary bodies. We need to challenge the attitude that views a specific type of body as more beautiful than another and start to praise all kinds of peaches.
Scrolling on social media, I come across a before and after photo, taken a year apart, of a young woman at the gym. Sheβs about my age and the...
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
0 comments
