Examining Diversity and Representation in Popular Culture Through Different Lenses
When it comes to popular culture, diversity and representation are two topics that are gaining increasing attention. From the the film industry to television shows, this has been a key area of focus in recent years. What exactly do these terms mean, and what are the different lenses that we can use to examine them?
Defining Diversity and Representation
Diversity refers to recognising and valuing the differences that exist between individuals. This includes race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and more. Representation, on the other hand, refers to how these differences are depicted in popular culture. The goal is to accurately reflect the diversity of society and promote inclusivity and equality.
Lens 1: The Business Case
One lens that is often used to examine diversity and representation in popular culture is the business case. This approach argues that a diverse range of voices and perspectives can drive innovation, increase revenue, and improve public image. An example of this is Marvel’s Black Panther film, which broke box office records and was praised for its portrayal of black excellence.
Lens 2: The Creative Case
The creative case lens suggests that diversity and representation are critical for producing good art. The argument claims that art must be representative of the world around us, in order to accurately reflect the human experience. This can be seen in the recent BBC hit series ‘I May Destroy You’, which was praised for its exploration of issues such as consent and trauma.
Lens 3: The Social Justice Case
The social justice case argues that diversity and representation are a fundamental matter of fairness and social justice. Those who support this view argue that people of different backgrounds deserve to see themselves represented in popular culture, both to feel included and validated. For example, ‘Queer Eye’ provides positive representation for the LGBTQ+ community and encourages tolerance.
Lens 4: The Historical Case
The historical lens suggests that diverse representation in popular culture is needed to correct a history of marginalisation and erasure of certain groups. This approach argues that popular culture has a responsibility to make up for decades of exclusion and misrepresentation. One example of this is the film ‘Hidden Figures’, based on the untold story of the African American women who played a critical role in the NASA space program.
Conclusion
In conclusion, examining diversity and representation in popular culture through various lenses allows us to better understand the importance of accurate and inclusive portrayal in our media. While each lens is unique, they all share the common goal of promoting equality and inclusivity. Through continued discussion and action, we can work towards a future where every person is represented in popular culture.
