‘Why don't | look like the people on TV?" Why is it that the complexion of my skin always happens to be a few shades darker? Or the status of my class happens to be deemed comparatively ‘inferior’? Or my physical ability to move around as the other characters do happens to be restricted? If you are currently experiencing a sense of unfamiliarity or alienation regarding these thoughts, consider yourself to be a privileged individual, Pause Because concealed deep below the nostalgic. and reminiscent connotations of children's media is a vast breeding ground for inequality, one which may have left a scar on the tender minds of many young, impressionable children ‘You may feel doubtful, uncertain surrounding what I'm even alluding to. However, | assure you that those sentiments will simply convert to emotions of unease and absolute bewilderment when being approached with the stark reality: A recent study investigated diversity within American TV shows targeted at children and the results proved to be remarkably harmful- “shows screen* Itwas found that white characters made up the bulk of who was being shown on screen, while the ‘overwhelming majority of ethnic minorities were marginalised either by being unrepresented or misrepresented through the use of detrimental stereotypes. Furthermore, a lack of body diversity is perceptible and this doesn't get much better with physically and mentally disabled characters. Knowing this, | implore you to take a minute to reflect upon your own childhood: Clearly, the consoling memory of being greeted by your favourite characters’ laughter and amusement after a long day of elementary school may have looked like a very different memory to those of less fortune. Now, accounting for the fact that on average, children spend 3-4 hours per day consuming TV and other forms of media, these two investigations collide to generate a lethal and diminishing combination, wounding the self- esteem and morale of youthful minorities. It has been said that ‘Knowledge is the foundation of change’, yet how are future generations expected to create an impact when they don't possess the knowledge of their own capabilities? Imagine how it feels to have hopes, dreams and aspirations, yet nobody to reaffirm the idea that you too can achieve them. Restraining? Repressive? Restrictive? This is precisely why representation in the media has demonstrated itself to be a powerful tool which can orchestrate how certain groups perceive themselves and hence how well they operate- Atits core, what people, especially the young, are looking for is the message that they belong. That they are part of something bigger. That they are seen and heard and that despite, or perhaps because of the uniqueness of their experience, they are valued. And it is this act of acknowledgement and recognition that will enable young minds to feel accomplished and capable of transforming our society into a better world. ‘A question for the ignorant: You may be sitting there comfortably within your own domain of security and ignorance, but do you truly believe that you, as part of the majority, are unaffected by this issue? ‘Well 'm here to tell you that nobody is unaffected. Because not only is this issue affecting the minorities, but everyday it is shaping the way in which we view others. ‘Sometimes, we internalise this bias so that inequality isn't just part of the workplace, larger institutions, the media, but it also becomes part of us. It becomes a part of our day to day interactions with different people. It becomes a part of how we lear, how we grow, how we love and it plagues our humanity and sense of compassion. Exposure to different cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds can combat this, It teaches children to be empathetic and accepting towards all kinds of people, in spite of the colour of their skin, their culture, their class, their beliefs.Sure, this topic may not make the headlines or be the subject of a presidential debate or be broadcasted on live television but more importantly, it moulds each and every one of us into the essence of our characters, Time and time again, history has revealed to us the power of the media through light or through darkness. But how much more darkness will we endure? How much more will it take for us to acknowledge this everlasting uphill battle? ‘We have a long way to go before dismantling the many flaws and the many stereotypes engraved into the history of television and film, but if we don't do something about it now, this vicious cycle will remain ceaseless and seep into the delicate territory of children’s television. So on a closing note, remember this: The fact that there are 12 disney princesses yet only one of them is black may seem trivial and insignificant for you, but in the words of Lupita Nyong’o - “Until l saw people who looked like me doing the things | wanted to, I wasn't so sure it was an option. We plant the seed of possibilty” Questions: 1. Which is more harmful: Underrepresentation or misrepresentation? ‘To me, these 2 issues emphasise two vital flaws present in the media, both of which have similar value. However, often, when the only media you consume of one particular group has a harshly distorted perception of them, that may end up being the only lens an individual views them in which could lead to them projecting it onto the members of said group. On the other hand, no representation whatsoever still produces intolerance. Therefore, it's crucial that we take both these factors into consideration when tackling the challenges of media representation. 2. What can | do to help resolve underrepresentation in the media? Word of advice, use your voice. One voice alone may not make an immense impact, but if we all combine our efforts and take action for the benefit of the voiceless, we can make a difference, We can push society in the right direction of gaining representation for all.