The Importance of Unbiased Representation in the Media
Written by Safiya S
When I watched Gilmore Girls for the first time, I was happy to find Asian representation in the predominantly white town of Stars Hollow. The main character’s best friend was Korean-American, and her mom owned an antique store–but something wasn’t right. The more I watched the show, the more I realized that Lane’s mom was a living, breathing stereotype.
Lane’s mother grounded her for listening to music other than her mom’s favored gospel. She lived in fear of her mom finding out about harmless things she did and punishing her for them. Lane was even shipped to Korea for a few months and feared she might never return home. While that may be how a select few live, it is not how most Asians live. But, by perpetuating stereotypes about Asians, such as unnecessary rules and an extreme focus around grades, the show promotes a one-sided view of Asians.
As many marginalized groups fight to showcase authentic, non-stereotypical versions of their identities, the media needs to aid them. The press creates a myopic view through superficial stereotypes, and this perspective is not an accurate representation but an extension of stereotypes. It is great for media to include diverse characters–but I do not want to see the Black gangster who lives in the ‘hood’ or the ultra-strict Asian mom. And please, not another Mexican drug dealer.
Marginalized groups are real, living people just like everyone else. Media needs to portray people as they are, not as stereotypes.
Image from prohibitionpr.co.uk
