One-Off #1

 Racism and Representation in the Media: An American Dilemma 

The American media's purpose is to inform, entertain and shape how citizens view the world. Too often, racism and discrimination determine who is in the newsroom, on our televisions, and ultimately whose voices are heard. There have been many failed attempts at promoting inclusion and diversity in journalism, cinema, and television, and as a result, minorities are left silenced and misrepresented. Not only does the media cover and discuss racial discrimination, but it also creates it. 

Racial Bias in Media 

Racial Bias in the media affects both news coverage and entertainment. These factors are the leading influences on public opinion, so how the media is presented is very important. 

Considering news coverage, the news reporter's identity is principal. They are the messenger of all current events going on in the world, and ultimately shape how society views different racial groups. According to the American Journalist,  only 18% of American journalists were minorities in 2022. The lack of diversity and representation leads to numerous stories being inaccurate due to the reporter's lack of knowledge or understanding of what they are covering. Secondly, minorities are oftentimes overlooked for a position in the newsroom simply due to the color of their skin; this is troubling due to the institutional racism or stigma they may have endured as students trying to pursue journalism. One should be hired based on qualifications, but there are constant racial barriers for minorities. With a more diverse newsroom, there will be wider ranging stories and more perspectives, leading to a larger, more diverse audience. 

Moreover, there is also bias in Hollywood films, and television shows. Since the birth of Hollywood in the early 1900s, minorities have been both misrepresented and underrepresented. Minorities are very seldom the lead role in movies, both on and behind camera, and they are also heavily stereotyped. Some may argue that the stereotypical lines or gestures are light hearted and included for a comedic break. However, how many times are we going to laugh about the same, racist jokes that affect the way people are treated in the real world? Too often, African Americans casted criminals, and Asians casted as nerds while their white counterparts are casted as heroes. I believe that if minorities are given any sort of positive lead role in Hollywood, there will be a significant difference on how the world views minorities. Hollywood should equally represent diversity that is seen in the real world. 

Political Bias and Racial Double Standards

Political media coverage is another area in which bias and double standards are present. A recent example is Elon Musk saluting the crowd at a Trump rally in Washington, DC on Jan. 20, 2025. Many Americans, including myself, believe that this is a clear Nazi salute. However, due to Musk's status and close bond with the president and other officials there were not harsh, or if any consequences for his actions. 

Some have argued that this gesture was a Roman salute or an innocent movement out of excitement. Certain news outlets' coverage as well as the media shaped American opinion makes me wonder, if it was Barack Obama or any other minority that did what Musk did, would they have faced immediate backlash and consequences? Personally, I believe they would have faced legal charges and/or had other serious consequences that Musk has yet to receive. 

In conclusion, the media's role in shaping public opinion can not be undermined. The lack of representation in the media fuels stereotypes, and amplifies racism. It is essential that all Americans who understand the large diversity inequity advocate for change and alert the media of their wrongdoings. There will be much less hate in America and the entire world if silenced voices are included and considered in the media.