Zoe's Blog

 Racial diversity in the film industry has proven to be financially beneficial. According to a UCLA Diversity Report , shows with casts of 21% minorities performed with the highest online viewing. Additionally, films such as "Black Panther" and "Coco", both with a majority cast of color, proved to be blockbusters that shook the box office. These movies and shows with a diverse cast allows a greater audience of people of color to relate to the characters. On the other hand, Journalism needs to follow suit. Journalists of color are more interested and more willing to get the correct facts and stories about people who look like them. Similarly, an audience of color will be more susceptible to reading from a source that is accurate about them.  Reports have shown that reporters of color have increased in recent years, but news stories have still been predominantly been covered by white reporters. While these stories may cover the majority, it isolates people of color f...

 Diversity has been on a constant incline in media and in the entertainment industry. But why is it important for diversity to be shown?  Teenagers and young adults answer this question simply: it educates more people about their cultures. Without representation of various races, sexualities, or genders, many people would not be educated on the issues these groups face or their differences when facing the world.  While representation stands as a strong pillar, misrepresentation is a slippery slope. For example, when LGBTQ+ people demanded change and representation in the 70s and 80s, they received it, but in an ugly and demeaning way. Sitcoms used gay, lesbian and trans people as jokes or a way to poke fun at someone outside of the normal. These jokes perpetuated more misrepresentation and disrespect and only in recent years have LGBTQ+ issues actually been taken seriously in film and media.  Other stereotypes about minorities have also perpetuated harm. The stereot...