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Move portrayals encourage misconceptions about high school student life. Some movies, such as "Mean girls," depict a social ladder where people attempt to be as pretty and popular as possible. Others, such as "The Breakfast Club," send the message that adolescents
should stay true to themselves.

However, in the process of creating these plots and themes, the media industry inadvertently creates many stereotypes, such as the "dumb jock" and "unpopular nerd." These stereotypes cause cliques to form where individuals with similar traits separate into exclusive groups. Consumers of this media internalize these stereotypes, even though in reality, they are little more than fiction.

According to Visual and Performing Arts teacher Kristen Lo, these stereotypes must be established in the beginning of a play in order to kickstart the main plotline.

"(High School Musical) starts out (with) everybody in their little cliques, and it's like, 'Don't get out of the status quo,'" she said. "And so, when everybody is coming up on stage, you basically have the four different cliques that you have established."

These stereotypes in media depict jocks as large, muscular bullies with little intelligence, but popular for their prowess in sports, and nerds as thin, unfashionable and unsociable, picked on by the jocks. The girls are also portrayed similarly, with popular, pretty and unkind girls bullying those seen as social outcasts. These stereotypes almost always have a defining quality as well, such as jocks only playing basketball or nerds being weak and thin. This forms the belief that certain traits are mutually exclusive to a designated social group.

The light in which stereotypical cliques are portrayed is also of paramount importance in terms of influencing the way teens act. Whether or not these actions in movies enable teens to replicate them in some form or another is a key factor in evaluating the impact of this genre of high school movies.

"This is always the (issue): 'Does art influence people in bad ways?'" Lo said. "Do people see things take place in art and they say, 'I'll do the thing that they did in Mean Girls?' That is the catch with art - can that happen?"

The messages portrayed in media significantly influences students' perceptions of high school cliques: Some imply that students should stay in the roles given to them by their community, while others present the idea that students can be anything they want to be and do anything they want to do.

The idea of students striving for popularity can be seen in "Mean Girls." In this movie, students are either a part of "The Plastics" - the group of popular and pretty girls - or social outcasts. The expectations of their actions portrayed by these cliques create a stigma around the average high schoolers' acts. For instance, The Plastics "banish" one of their own after they wear sweatpants because it was a violation of one of their rules. This scene conveyed the message that students should stay within their cliques' ideals and that having different personal beliefs is unacceptable.

However, other examples of media offer an exception to these characterizations, such as in the movie "High School Musical," where a jock falls for a nerd and they both end up auditioning for a musical together. This plot broke stereotypes by bringing individuals of different social groups together.

It is important to promote the creation of pieces of media such as these, as they act as examples for students to act in accordance to their own feelings rather than how others believe they should. Encouraging the embrace of individuality makes space for an expansion of interests past what society deems acceptable for a certain person to do. This will not only help enrich a teen's personal growth but also promotes a more inclusive culture that values authenticity within the high school community.

Unfortunately, however, movies that feed into stereotypes are still extremely prevalent. According to theater performer Connor Engstrom, in certain films, these stereotypes may not be apparent, but can still be implicitly involved.

"I feel like, to an extent, Harry Potter did perpetuate stereotypes," he said. "It's like the jocks (are) the Quidditch team, and then other characters are nerds. I think it's more tamped down in terms of stereotypes than (other) movies."

These forms of media are also not as free in expression, according to Engstrom.

"I think other mediums of art are a lot more stringent with the rules that they apply in terms of who you can be and what you can do," he said. "I think of movies and TV shows as being very restrictive of stereotypes. For instance, (in) "Modern Family," you're either a nerd or you're popular."

Even though these forms of media can have wholesome themes, many of these movies seem out of touch with present high school norms.

"I feel like the stereotypes are a thing of the past in most cases, or at least a thing of twenty years ago," Engstrom said. "People are still cliquing up, and they're hanging out with others who have similar interests to them. But I think those interests are more broadly spanning than before."

Gunn also defies these long-standing stereotypes with a culture that applauds individuals for striving for intelligence rather than popularity. This value breaks the stereotype that prioritizing academics automatically means that being unathletic and a target for bullies.

"Gunn is a really special place," Lo said. "I have worked at three different schools, and Gunn is the one that bucks stereotypes the most, mostly because it is extremely cool to be intelligent here. Everyone here is being pushed towards wanting to go to an elite college, and so the stereotypes don't really fit here."

Gunn students participating in a diverse amount of extracurriculars also decreases the hostility that some characters feel in high school movies when attempting to cross their group's boundaries into another: The feeling of belonging to more than one group is not frowned upon, perhaps even normalized at Gunn.

- Junior Connor Engstrom

The perpetuation of stereotypes can play a role in forms of media besides on-screen entertainment. Although many stereotypes may stem from plays and other theater productions, theater offers a way to defy these stereotypes. The ability to do other activities, like sports, while also being in drama, is a direct contradiction to the portrayal of only being able to do one at a time.

"I don't think my basketball teammates think any less of me because I do theater," Engstrom said. "They've seemed relatively supportive and have asked interesting questions, like 'What do you do during rehearsal?', which is indicative of a good school space in my opinion."

To break out of this representation of high school as an exclusive landscape where each person is automatically sorted into a group that is completely polarized from another, literature and media creators should seek to catch up to the current high school culture. Staying in the past creates a division between teens' perceptions in media and their true identities.

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Cliquing up: High School portrayals in media create false perceptions of students, exacerbates stereotypes

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Move portrayals encourage misconceptions about high school student life. Some movies, such as "Mean girls," depict a social ladder where people attempt to be as pretty and popular as possible. Others, such as "The Breakfast Club," send the message that adolescents should stay true to themselves.

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Once relegated to the margins, disability representation in the media is finally starting to take center stage. We're seeing an increasing number of films and TV series breaking down stereotypes of disability representation and weaving in new, compelling stories. But the media and entertainment space hasn't always been this inclusive.

Despite a significant portion of our world who live with a disability, this community is often either overlooked or misrepresented in on-screen content.

In this blog, we'll take a look at the evolving role of the media industry, spotlighting groundbreaking shows and discussing how the media and communication industry can embed inclusion and equality in their narratives, both in front of and behind the camera.

What is the role of media and entertainment?

Media and entertainment are super influential in our lives. They do more than just entertain; they act like a mirror showing us what's going on in society. They inform, educate, and connect us, introducing us to different ideas and cultures and experiences.

Now, think about how movies and TV shows portray people with disabilities. Often, it's just stereotypical portrayals of people with disabilities that are shown on our screens, into stereotypes, depicting people in inaccurate and narrow ways. And yet, the media industry has an amazing opportunity to change this, sharing everyone's story.

The media can really help change how we view disabilities and make our world more inclusive. And that's a win-win for everyone.

Why does disability representation in media matter?

With nearly 1 billion people with disabilities making up about 15% of the global population, their representation is vital in the media. This group is not a minor demographic; it's a significant part of our society.

While media portrayals of people with disabilities are increasing, they're still not proportional. The media industry wields immense power to shape worldviews, offering a unique opportunity to enhance disability representation.

The media industry has an incredible power to shape and reframe how we see the world and the opportunity to use that influence to move the dial on disability representation.

It's time to 'rewrite the script' on disability representation in the media, reflecting diverse cultures and challenging misconceptions. Changing the narrative in this way will help create a more inclusive world where every individual's experience is recognized and valued.

Insight: A June 2023 report by Rooted in Rights highlighted that white cisgender disabled males are overrepresented in media, accounting for 40% of disability portrayal. This is higher than the combined representation of Black disabled characters (18%) and Indigenous and People of Color (16%). The focus is mainly on addiction, chronic disability, and mental health, while those with blindness, hearing impairment, learning disabilities, dwarfism, and intellectual disabilities are underrepresented.

5 Netflix shows representing people with disabilities

Netflix, in particular, has made strides in showcasing characters with disabilities in its shows, bringing diversity and representation to our screens. Here's a brief look at 5 popular series that include characters with disabilities:

1. Breaking Bad

Perhaps one of the most acclaimed TV series of all time, "Breaking Bad" features Walter White Jr., portrayed by RJ Mitte, who has cerebral palsy. The show doesn't shy away from addressing the challenges he faces due to his condition, but more importantly, it portrays him as a multidimensional character with his own story arc, not solely defined by his disability.

2. Stranger Things

This hit series introduces us to Dustin Henderson, played by Gaten Matarazzo. Dustin has cleidocranial dysplasia, a condition that affects the development of bones and teeth. "Stranger Things" is commended for not only including a character with a rare disability but also for casting an actor who genuinely lives with the condition, adding authenticity to the portrayal.

3. Sex Education

In this show, viewers meet Isaac, played by George Robinson, who uses a wheelchair. "Sex Education" is lauded for its inclusive storytelling, and Isaac's character is a significant step forward in representing physical disability on screen. His character is woven into the narrative seamlessly, showcasing the normalcy of life with a disability.

4. Jessica Jones

This Marvel series features a lead character, Jessica Jones, grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While PTSD is an invisible disability, its inclusion in a mainstream show like "Jessica Jones" is crucial for raising awareness about mental health issues and the impact they can have on an individual's life.

This is a Netflix original comedy series that provides a unique and authentic portrayal of disability. The story revolves around Ryan Hayes, a 28-year-old gay man with cerebral palsy. The show addresses the complexities faced by individuals with disabilities in the mainstream world, depicting Ryan's challenges and triumphs in both his personal and professional life​​ and includes various scenarios that resonate with the experiences of people with disabilities.

Each of these shows is part of an important trend in the media world, where there's a growing focus on inclusivity and genuine representation of people with disabilities. They are breaking down old stereotypes and opening our eyes to the diverse experiences of people living with disabilities. It's a much-needed shift in storytelling.

Insight: The Valuable 500 acknowledges the need for diverse representation of disabled individuals in media and advertising, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with disabled communities to craft these authentic narratives.

Who's behind the scenes? Hiring disabled talent in media

Seek out the other stories . Hire other disabled people in front of and behind the camera - because you and whatever project you are working on will be better for having done so." Selma Blair, Actor, Author, Advocate

Selma Blair's quote shows the need for diversity and inclusivity in the media and entertainment industry, particularly in the representation of disabled individuals. By advocating for the hiring of disabled people both in front of and behind the camera. Having people with disabilities in writing rooms, production teams, and decision-making roles ensures authenticity and depth in storytelling. It isn't enough to portray disability narratives; these stories must be by those who live them.

Blair highlights the value people with disabilities bring to creative projects. Their inclusion not only enriches the narrative with authenticity and varied perspectives but also ensures a more comprehensive and realistic portrayal of society.

Insight: Dentsu Global projected the global advertising expenditure for 2022 at a staggering $738.5 billion. However, in contrast, Nielson's research revealed that in the United States, people with disabilities appear in less than 1% of primetime advertising.

The future of representation: a new era in entertainment

Embracing disability representation in entertainment goes beyond a mere checklist; it's a mindset that demands continuous commitment and learning from everyone involved.

It's important to recognize that any perceived limitations are often externally imposed and can be dismantled. The entertainment industry plays a pivotal role in this process.

By prioritizing accessibility and inclusion, creatives can enhance their work and contribute to a new story where every narrative is told authentically, and everyone feels a sense of belonging. This is a collective journey that producers, creators, marketers, and actors can walk together to foster a more inclusive era of entertainment.

On the journey towards making entertainment spaces more inclusive, it's essential to have the right tools and partners to bring this vision to life. This is where digital accessibility becomes invaluable. It isn't just about writing more inclusive scripts and working collaboratively with people with disabilities, it's about asking the questions like:

1. How can subtitles and closed captioning be optimized in online media content to enhance accessibility for viewers with hearing impairments?

2. What are the best practices for implementing color contrast in digital media to ensure it is accessible and easily navigable for individuals with visual impairments?

3. What considerations should be made when choosing fonts and text sizes in online content to ensure readability and accessibility for all audiences, including those with dyslexia or other reading difficulties?

It's about adapting digital content and embracing a philosophy that acknowledges every viewer's experience.

UserWay: your partner in accessible media content

Digital accessibility efforts are a huge part of the journey to reaching wider audiences. UserWay's suite of accessibility products and services, including the Accessibility Widget are a revolution in accessible content creation. UserWay's team includes individuals with disabilities, who combine empathy and authenticity with professional expertise. Let UserWay guide you in embedding accessibility into your media content - from behind the scenes on the screens.

How can disability representation in the media be improved?

Improving disability representation in media involves actively including diverse disability narratives and hiring creators and actors with disabilities to ensure authenticity.

What role does media and entertainment play in shaping perceptions of disabilities?

Media and entertainment significantly influence public perceptions by either reinforcing stereotypes or promoting a more inclusive and realistic view of disabilities.

Why is it important for the media industry to focus on disability inclusion?

Focusing on disability inclusion allows the media industry to create more diverse, authentic, and relatable content that reflects the real-world experiences of its audience.

Michelle Reid

Michelle is a seasoned Senior Content Writer at UserWay, where she crafts thought-provoking articles centered around digital accessibility, inclusivity, and the legal frameworks that govern them. With a Master's in Creative Writing, Michelle brings a rich diversity to her writing portfolio, which spans theatre, music, poetry, and whitepapers on digital transformation in both public and private sectors. Her commitment to nurturing creativity is evident in her role as a facilitator of creative writing workshops, where she has guided aspiring writers in developing their voices. Michelle's work is not only informative but also inspirational, positioning her as a key influencer in the dialogue on making digital spaces accessible to everyone.

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Disability in Media | Representation & Inclusion Matters

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Learn more about disability representation in media as the industry opens doors to inclusion for people with disabilities through powerful digital content

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Dissecting Plus-Size Representation in Film | Winter Film Festival International Film Festival

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Media, including the film industry, is recognized for having a powerful role in shaping social attitudes and beliefs. Regardless of the genre, films can influence public opinion and change attitudes in their portrayal of different narratives and characters. With this power, films would, ideally, give voice to different stories and help every demographic feel seen.

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In almost two decades, only 75 actors in lead or co-lead roles were Latino, despite the fact that the Hispanic population in Los Angeles is 49%

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in the last episode of the first season of 'The Last of Us' (2023). Liane Hentscher (HBO)

Despite being the largest minority group in the United States, 19% of the population, Latinos are underrepresented in both the media and film and television productions. According to a study by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiativ e at the University of California, the data has not improved in the last 16 years. In nearly two decades, only 75 actors in lead or co-lead roles were Latino, which means that the representation of actors of Latino origin in Hollywood is only 4.4%.

The data is particularly striking considering that the Hispanic population represents 49% of the total population of Los Angeles. The Academy publicly announced its intention to be more inclusive and plural, but has not specified what steps it will take to achieve this. Joaquín Castro, president of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, told National Public Radio (NPR) that the lack of representation has important repercussions for equality. "Hollywood in particular is still the main image-defining and narrative-creating institution in American society. And Latinos are still largely invisible in this industry."

America Ferrera arrives at the premiere of 'Barbie' (2023) in London. Vianney Le Caer (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

For the Latino community, representation is key. America Ferrera - an American of Honduran origin - who received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Barbie, and also won the Golden Globe for her performance - is a staunch advocate of how inclusive storytelling changes history. At a women's luncheon organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the actress lamented that "according to the numbers, the dominant narrative our industry puts into the world is that Latinos either don't exist or they are poor, immigrant criminals."

This is reflected in the study, which pointing out that representations of Hispanics are full of negative stereotypes: 24.4% of top-billed Hispanic characters were depicted as immigrants or low-income and 57.8% were criminals.

Benicio del Toro in a still from 'Sicario' (directed by Denis Villenueve, 2015). Lionsgate

Few actors of Latino origin are known for making it in Hollywood. It's a list that includes only a handful of names: Rosie Pérez, Benicio del Toro, Jennifer López, Pedro Pascal, Salma Hayek, Gael García Bernal, Eva Longoria, Zoe Saldana, Sofía Vergara.

This lack of representation is not only a problem for actors, but also directors, producers, casting directors and screenwriters. What's more, films led by Latino stars also receive less funding: $10 million in production costs, in contrast to the average $25 million for a movie without a Latino lead.

In 2016, America Ferrera co-founded a foundation called Harness, which promotes the inclusion of other voices in the dominant Hollywood narrative. The organization recently launched a project called DEAR Hollywood to promote equity and inclusion in Hollywood. The goal is to get industry leaders to commit to basic pillars, such as greenlighting Latino projects, not telling stories about the Latino community without Latino involvement, and representing all (and not just some) aspects of life and Latino culture. The project is also sponsored by Untitled Latinx Project, a community of Hispanic creatives which aim to increase visibility on television, radio, cable and other broadcast platforms.
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Improving on-screen representation would help promote more equal and fair representation, but could also generate $12 to $18 trillion in new revenue for the film and television industry, according to research p ublished in March by consulting firm McKinsey. The commercial success of the Disney animated films Coco andEncanto or the popular TV show Jane the Virgin highlight the importance of Latinos' economic impact.

More information

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Hollywood closes the door to Latinos: Hispanics only star in 5% of film roles

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In almost two decades, only 75 actors in lead or co-lead roles were Latino, despite the fact that the Hispanic population in Los Angeles is 49%

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Ages 5-10 were my Full-House-obsessed years. I considered myself an honorary Tanner. Then it was what my parents referred to as "The Inappropriate Show," also known as Saturday Night Live. They thought it was too mature for my little sister and me, but we loved it. The Office got me through stressful high school times and now I quote it without thinking. However, amidst the joy these shows brought me, as a Korean-American I have been continually let down by the lack of representation of Asians in Hollywood. It makes me angry -- shattering the meek, silent-in- the-midst-of-unfairness, and the rarely impassioned portrait that the media has painted of people like me. Despite attempts at diversity in Hollywood movies and TV, Asian characters have often been portrayed as weak, nerdy, exotic, incompetent, powerless, and are seldom in the spotlight as leads, just like black television and film characters.

Notable progress has been made, however, in the past few years with the successes of Crazy Rich Asians, ABC sitcom Fresh Off the Boat, and Netflix's Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj. Asians in Hollywood are portraying the Asian American community in a more authentic light than before; but while progress is exciting, there is still more to do when it comes to true representation of Asian TV characters and Asian movie characters on-screen and behind the scenes. What we view on-screen reaches far beyond entertainment; diversity in film and TV also impacts mental health, identity, and race relations as they pertain to Asian Americans. Content creators and industry decision-makers must change how Asians are portrayed in the media, as they have an opportunity and a duty to yield this powerfully influential medium in a more responsible manner. Avoiding racism, gender stereotypes of girl and boy characters, and other negative images are key.

Effect on Children

Personal identity is heavily influenced by the media, starting from a young age. Film and television have become avenues for imprinting stories in history. When it comes to authentic Asian movie and TV characters, the absence is noteworthy. The pride I felt watching Crazy Rich Asians' all-Asian cast surprised me as if the sudden surge in representation alerted me to its prior absence in Hollywood. Asian children will subconsciously internalize an omission of Asian faces in the content they watch as an indication of their perceived invisibility or the box they are subjected to in the workplace and the world. Research shows that people exhibit feelings like shame and anxiety when viewing stereotypical representations of their racial group, even those framed as exaggeration or parody, and Asian stereotypes in movies and TV have been far too visible for far too long. While Hollywood has since moved away from the glaring racism of characters such as Long Duk Dong, the foreign exchange student in 16 Candles, Asian actors continue to be typecast and are still underrepresented in major film roles.

HIGHLIGHTS

* Personal identity is heavily influenced by the media, starting from a young age

* Content creators and industry decision-makers must change how Asians are portrayed in the media

Model Minority Myth

In today's society, Asian characters in movies and TV are often stereotyped as over-achievers who obtain financial and educational stability: the 4.0 students, doctors, and Tiger-parents. Asian-Americans have been framed as the "model minority" within American culture -- the minority group that worked its way to success. This myth implies that other minority groups are lesser-than or do not work as hard, and also negates the ever-present discrimination that Asians and other minority groups experience. Such Asian stereotypes in film and TV shows also suggest that Asians belong to one homogenous group that shares the same attributes, when in fact, there are many subsections of the Asian community - composed of individuals each with their own stories and struggles. The effects of this perpetuated stereotype in the media, depicted by Asian actors but often driven by white writers and directors, jump from the screen into reality. Racial bias, even nonverbal, can be imprinted on people through the . It is perplexing how Asians are viewed as diligent and hardworking, yet rarely with strong leadership qualities or charisma. The scarcity of positions of power among Asian film and TV characters is reflected in many aspects of life. In fact, according to Harvard Business Review , Asians are the least likely group to be promoted to management in the United States. While this can also be attributed to different cultural values and other factors, a lack of diverse representation in media is influential in reinforcing these attitudes and perceptions.

Tokenism Behind the Scenes

What we see on-screen should not be the only aspect of representation examined. The majority of successful endeavors featuring Asian actors and stories were backed by Asians in Hollywood behind the scenes. More Asian studio heads, casting directors, producers, writers, showrunners, and filmmakers means more advocacy and support for Asian stories and Asian TV and film characters. Great strides have been made and writers' room representation has significantly improved; however, discrimination still exists here. To promote more diverse representation in media, large networks host diversity training programs in which writers of color have the opportunity to be staffed on television shows. The networks and studios subsidize writers' salaries, incentivizing shows to employ these essentially free "diversity hires." It is common for showrunners to let these writers go after their wages are no longer paid for, communicating that Asian writers are only hirable when free. Diversity in numbers is insufficient as long as Asians in Hollywood are not receiving the same opportunities to succeed in this industry.

On YouTube, people produce their own content with virtually zero gatekeeping. It is no coincidence that Asian content creators have become some of the most popular and prevalent faces on the platform, with millions of subscribers and views. From beauty guru Michelle Phan to comedy YouTuber NigaHiga, there is tangible proof that when given a fair opportunity, the Asian community thrives and reaches incredibly far.

Financial Benefits

If the moral facet of equal Asian representation in Hollywood is not enough to motivate content creators and gatekeepers, there is that supports financial incentives for more Asian TV characters and Asian movie characters. Asians are the fastest-growing racial group in the country with a buying power of $1 trillion in 2018. They lead the nation in internet connectivity, enabling them to consume Asian stories on TV (and Asian movies via home video) via broadband and subscription video on demand faster than any other group nationwide. An average Asian household will watch about 23 hours of television per week, and the percentage with subscriptions to services such as Netflix and Hulu surpasses that of the remaining population. It is clear that Asians possess considerable buying power in the US and make up a large, expanding segment of media audiences.

Hearing Bowen Yang, SNL's first Asian cast member after 45 seasons, refer to himself as the "Lizzo of China" while playing a government official on Weekend Update, filled me with pride. It was not until I saw myself on-screen that I realized I had been missing this feeling my whole life, and I needed to see, hear and read about more Asians in Hollywood. There is more work to do, more stories to tell, always. There's great power in representation. My Asian-Americanness is of value, and I expect the country in which I live to reflect the same.

Actionable Insights

1. Write Asian movie and TV characters that defy stereotypes, even if stereotypes are seemingly "positive."

2. Portray more Asian diversity - all groups that are part of the Asian community are unique with distinct stories, cultures, and struggles. This includes groups like the Bhutanese and Burmese that suffer from a poverty rate that is twice as high as the national average, yet experience the repercussions of the model minority myth.

3. Feature more Asian TV and movie characters in positions of power and leadership on-screen.

4. Hire more Asians in behind-the-scenes positions: writers, directors, studio executives, casting directors, producers, showrunners, filmmakers. Rich and authentic stories come from those who can speak from experience and incorporate essential nuances to the characters and their interactions with the world around them.

5. Avoid framing content created by and featuring Asians solely as "Asian films." While still taking their cultures into account, remember that Asians are normal people who have more to offer than just the fact that they are Asian.

Nicole Park
CSS Intern

Ages 5-10 were my Full-House-obsessed years. I considered myself an honorary Tanner. Then it was what my parents referred to as "The Inappropriate Show," also known as Saturday Night Live. They thought it was too mature for my little sister and me, but we loved it. The Office got me through stressful high school times and now I quote it without thinking. However, amidst the joy these shows brought me, as a Korean-American I have been continually let down by the lack of representation of Asians in Hollywood. It makes me angry -- shattering the meek, silent-in- the-midst-of-unfairness, and the rarely impassioned portrait that the media has painted of people like me. Despite attempts at diversity in Hollywood movies and TV, Asian characters have often been portrayed as weak, nerdy, exotic, incompetent, powerless, and are seldom in the spotlight as leads, just like black television and film characters.

Notable progress has been made, however, in the past few years with the successes of Crazy Rich Asians, ABC sitcom Fresh Off the Boat, and Netflix's Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj. Asians in Hollywood are portraying the Asian American community in a more authentic light than before; but while progress is exciting, there is still more to do when it comes to true representation of Asian TV characters and Asian movie characters on-screen and behind the scenes. What we view on-screen reaches far beyond entertainment; diversity in film and TV also impacts mental health, identity, and race relations as they pertain to Asian Americans. Content creators and industry decision-makers must change how Asians are portrayed in the media, as they have an opportunity and a duty to yield this powerfully influential medium in a more responsible manner. Avoiding racism, gender stereotypes of girl and boy characters, and other negative images are key.

Effect on Children

Personal identity is heavily influenced by the media, starting from a young age. Film and television have become avenues for imprinting stories in history. When it comes to authentic Asian movie and TV characters, the absence is noteworthy. The pride I felt watching Crazy Rich Asians' all-Asian cast surprised me as if the sudden surge in representation alerted me to its prior absence in Hollywood. Asian children will subconsciously internalize an omission of Asian faces in the content they watch as an indication of their perceived invisibility or the box they are subjected to in the workplace and the world. Research shows that people exhibit feelings like shame and anxiety when viewing stereotypical representations of their racial group, even those framed as exaggeration or parody, and Asian stereotypes in movies and TV have been far too visible for far too long. While Hollywood has since moved away from the glaring racism of characters such as Long Duk Dong, the foreign exchange student in 16 Candles, Asian actors continue to be typecast and are still underrepresented in major film roles.

HIGHLIGHTS

* Personal identity is heavily influenced by the media, starting from a young age

* Content creators and industry decision-makers must change how Asians are portrayed in the media

Model Minority Myth

In today's society, Asian characters in movies and TV are often stereotyped as over-achievers who obtain financial and educational stability: the 4.0 students, doctors, and Tiger-parents. Asian-Americans have been framed as the "model minority" within American culture -- the minority group that worked its way to success. This myth implies that other minority groups are lesser-than or do not work as hard, and also negates the ever-present discrimination that Asians and other minority groups experience. Such Asian stereotypes in film and TV shows also suggest that Asians belong to one homogenous group that shares the same attributes, when in fact, there are many subsections of the Asian community - composed of individuals each with their own stories and struggles. The effects of this perpetuated stereotype in the media, depicted by Asian actors but often driven by white writers and directors, jump from the screen into reality. Racial bias, even nonverbal, can be imprinted on people through the . It is perplexing how Asians are viewed as diligent and hardworking, yet rarely with strong leadership qualities or charisma. The scarcity of positions of power among Asian film and TV characters is reflected in many aspects of life. In fact, according to Harvard Business Review , Asians are the least likely group to be promoted to management in the United States. While this can also be attributed to different cultural values and other factors, a lack of diverse representation in media is influential in reinforcing these attitudes and perceptions.

Tokenism Behind the Scenes

What we see on-screen should not be the only aspect of representation examined. The majority of successful endeavors featuring Asian actors and stories were backed by Asians in Hollywood behind the scenes. More Asian studio heads, casting directors, producers, writers, showrunners, and filmmakers means more advocacy and support for Asian stories and Asian TV and film characters. Great strides have been made and writers' room representation has significantly improved; however, discrimination still exists here. To promote more diverse representation in media, large networks host diversity training programs in which writers of color have the opportunity to be staffed on television shows. The networks and studios subsidize writers' salaries, incentivizing shows to employ these essentially free "diversity hires." It is common for showrunners to let these writers go after their wages are no longer paid for, communicating that Asian writers are only hirable when free. Diversity in numbers is insufficient as long as Asians in Hollywood are not receiving the same opportunities to succeed in this industry.

On YouTube, people produce their own content with virtually zero gatekeeping. It is no coincidence that Asian content creators have become some of the most popular and prevalent faces on the platform, with millions of subscribers and views. From beauty guru Michelle Phan to comedy YouTuber NigaHiga, there is tangible proof that when given a fair opportunity, the Asian community thrives and reaches incredibly far.

Financial Benefits

If the moral facet of equal Asian representation in Hollywood is not enough to motivate content creators and gatekeepers, there is that supports financial incentives for more Asian TV characters and Asian movie characters. Asians are the fastest-growing racial group in the country with a buying power of $1 trillion in 2018. They lead the nation in internet connectivity, enabling them to consume Asian stories on TV (and Asian movies via home video) via broadband and subscription video on demand faster than any other group nationwide. An average Asian household will watch about 23 hours of television per week, and the percentage with subscriptions to services such as Netflix and Hulu surpasses that of the remaining population. It is clear that Asians possess considerable buying power in the US and make up a large, expanding segment of media audiences.

Hearing Bowen Yang, SNL's first Asian cast member after 45 seasons, refer to himself as the "Lizzo of China" while playing a government official on Weekend Update, filled me with pride. It was not until I saw myself on-screen that I realized I had been missing this feeling my whole life, and I needed to see, hear and read about more Asians in Hollywood. There is more work to do, more stories to tell, always. There's great power in representation. My Asian-Americanness is of value, and I expect the country in which I live to reflect the same.

Actionable Insights

1. Write Asian movie and TV characters that defy stereotypes, even if stereotypes are seemingly "positive."

2. Portray more Asian diversity - all groups that are part of the Asian community are unique with distinct stories, cultures, and struggles. This includes groups like the Bhutanese and Burmese that suffer from a poverty rate that is twice as high as the national average, yet experience the repercussions of the model minority myth.

3. Feature more Asian TV and movie characters in positions of power and leadership on-screen.

4. Hire more Asians in behind-the-scenes positions: writers, directors, studio executives, casting directors, producers, showrunners, filmmakers. Rich and authentic stories come from those who can speak from experience and incorporate essential nuances to the characters and their interactions with the world around them.

5. Avoid framing content created by and featuring Asians solely as "Asian films." While still taking their cultures into account, remember that Asians are normal people who have more to offer than just the fact that they are Asian.

Nicole Park
CSS Intern

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Diversity in Hollywood: Writing Asian Characters Beyond Stereotypes in Movies and TV - Center for Scholars & Storytellers

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The lack of diversity for Asian characters in movies and TV influence race bias in white and Asian-American audiences. Learning how to write Asian characters reduces stereotypes, like overachievers that suggest other minorities don't work hard and racism is not an impediment to Asians' success.