representation

Three figures stand in differing proportions against each other, a full figured black woman on the left and two white men shown from the waist up. The woman towers over the men in her blue uniform, a smirk on her face and smiles on the men's, one brunette, one blonde, one in a similar uniform to the woman, the other in a brown leather coat. They are all placed in front of a grainy, gray background.

Hen Wilson and the Queer Character Before a Larger Audience Dubs a Show “Queer”

The recent media buzz around the hit first-responder procedural “9-1-1” hints at a double standard for queer representation on tv.…

May 20, 2024

A woman with brown hair in a pink coat beams with a bright smile against a pink and purple background. To her right, a golden statue leans against a smiling doll in the woman's image. Said doll holds its hand in its pocket as it cocks out its hip, standing in a firm yet casual pose.

An Ode to Gloria and Ordinary Barbies Everywhere

Archie Wagner, University of Iowa

Women can be everything, but with her Oscar-nominated performance in "Barbie", America Ferrera reminds us they don’t have to be.…

February 19, 2024

In this article, about the importance and impact of listening to indigenous voices in 2024, an orange analog radio against a blue background is shooting out lightning bolts as its dial is being torn by light brown hair draped in a blue, embroidered sleeve. Half of the background is blacked out, with jagged edges running diagonally up the center.

The Impact of Listening to Indigenous Voices in 2024 America

Archie Wagner, University of Iowa

What changing museum guidelines and a push for more representation of indigenous voices in award shows means for the present moment.…

February 14, 2024

In the TV show 'Wednesday,' lead actress Jenna Ortega dances solemnly at a high school gym.

How ‘Wednesday’ Highlights the Addams’ Latino Heritage

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

Netflix's hit show highlights the spooky family's ancestry in a subtle yet effective way.…

February 20, 2023

In an article about Latina representation in media, a portrait of Frida Kahlo

Latina Representation in the Media

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

How are Latinas portrayed in the media, and how do those viewpoints affect how Latinas are seen and treated in real life?…

December 15, 2022

The Addams Family Shows Us Why Kooky Representation Is So Important

Lena Bramsen, The New School

The mysterious family known for gags and dark humor has been spooky for decades and encourages Americans to identify with others that are perceived as strange.…

May 14, 2022

illustration of animations coming out as aro-ace

Jaiden Animations Comes Out as ‘Aro-Ace’ and Why That’s a Huge Deal

Karina Rojas, University of Texas at San Antonio

The YouTuber announced that she is asexual aromantic, which will hopefully spread awareness of lesser-known orientations.…

April 7, 2022

Apex Legends Is Ahead of the Game in Terms of Representation

Myles Allan, University of New Haven

The popular video game makes it a point to represent everyone in its audience, no matter their race, gender or sexuality.…

March 4, 2022

The Funny Fat Friend Trope Is Harmful and Needs To End

Jayni Nielsen, Pace University

Overweight individuals have been mocked and stereotyped for decades in the media. As audiences call out the issue, new and better representation may be on the horizon.…

August 17, 2021

In an article about We Are Lady Parts, a number of women in hijab climb and sit on a giant guitar.

‘We Are Lady Parts’ Radically Represents but Conventionally Entertains

Anna Hupp, University of Wyoming

Nida Manzoor’s Peacock sitcom follows five Muslim women and their punk rock band while advocating that 'music is about representation.’…

August 2, 2021

An illustration of the cover of the novel One to Watch for an article about fatphobia. (Illustration by Sonja Vasiljeva, San Jose State University)

‘One to Watch’ Examines Fatphobia by Reimagining Dating Shows

Emma Watts, University of Arizona

In her debut romance novel, Kate Stayman-London uses a reality show to explore how the media portrays plus-size women.…

April 2, 2021

In an article about Kamala Harris, an illustration of three people looking at images of Kamala Harris

A Kamala Harris Vice Presidency Is a Big Deal for Women

Anna Wurm, Texas A&M University

The second-highest office in the nation is now held by a Black, South Asian female politician — a historic milestone. …

January 31, 2021

An illustration of white men reading for an article on the lack of diversity in dark academia.

Dark Academia Has a ‘White’ Problem

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

The classical literature aesthetic is far too Eurocentric and lacks diversity. So how can we change that?…

January 18, 2021

Why Are Women Losing Interest in STEM?

Nnekakwo Adibe, Lesley University

What factors are dampening young girls’ and women’s enthusiasm for careers as scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians?…

January 16, 2021

Image from YouTube channel Great Big Story of a man using a camera to take a picture.

Great Big Story Brings 5 Years of Powerful Storytelling To a Close

Aimi Wen, Duke University

The YouTube channel connected people across the globe through narratives that promoted positive representation.…

January 13, 2021

Representation in government. (Photo by Darren Halstead from Unsplash)

2020 Was a Victory for Diverse Representation in Government

Emma Watts, University of Arizona

This year's elections made history, with more and more women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community taking political office. …

November 20, 2020

The Novels of Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù Are Breaking Down Barriers for the LGBTQ+ Community in China

Sammi Looi, Baruch College

Despite China’s media censorship of same-sex relationships, the author's books — including 'Mo Dao Zu Shi,' the basis of a widely watched series — remain wildly popular in the country.…

October 20, 2020

In article about representation, Hollywood Sign

Representation for People Of Color in Hollywood May Be Getting Better

Tanisha Bhat, Boston University

Disney's latest nonwhite casting choices for both Tinkerbell and 'Little Mermaid' could set an example for others in the film industry, which has long struggled with inclusivity.…

October 19, 2020

Naya Rivera Broke Ground as a True Multidimensional Lesbian Character on ‘Glee’

McKenna Uzelac, Columbia University

Known for playing Santana Lopez on the popular show, the actress's untimely death last month shocked millions of fans across the world, sparking a celebration of her Latina LGBTQ+ character.…

August 7, 2020

In an article about the OwnVoices Movement, a man outside reading a book

OwnVoices Reviewers on Goodreads Call For Authenticity in Minority Representation

Juliana Fujii, Biola University

People who share protagonists' identities shouldn't only author books. Their feedback can vastly improve how books represent marginalized groups.…

August 5, 2020

In an article about the 2020 census, a smiling family lies on the grass together

The 2020 Census: Who Counts, and Who Is Missed?

Reem Farhat, Fordham University

COVID-19 might affect the collection of U.S. population data, but the count suffers more because some communities are continually overlooked.…

July 13, 2020

‘Euphoria’ Star Barbie Ferreira Is Making It a Hot Girl Summer by Flaunting Body Positivity

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

The young actor accurately represents plus-size women without perpetuating unrealistic expectations.…

August 9, 2019

Nonbinary People Are Gaining Recognition Throughout Hollywood and Social Media

Kaitlin Romriell, Southern New Hampshire University

Gender identities that live outside the binaries are beginning to be more widely recognized in society.…

July 6, 2019

Netflix's "Siempre Bruja" could've been monumental for Hispanic women. (Illustration via Jaila Desper, University of Maryland, College Park)

‘Siempre Bruja,’ Netflix’s Afro-Latina Witch Series, Lacks Magic

Dorielys Cruz, University of Texas at San Antonio

Representation is important, but so are plot and other screenwriting basics.…

February 13, 2019

In Terms of Diversity, Television’s Enjoyed Representation Without Taxation

Jenna Benchetrit, McGill University

The television industry is leagues ahead of its feature film counterpart, but not because it’s had to try hard.…

September 1, 2018

Zendaya Perfectly Illustrated the Need for More Diversity in Casting

Kate Maxwell, NC State University

Of all the racial biases in Hollywood, casting descriptions are some of the worst.…

August 7, 2018

Rick Riordan Continues His Legacy of Representation

Allison Kestler, Augustana College

In his new book, 'The Burning Maze,' Riordan emphasizes representation and diversity without it taking over characters’ identities.…

June 3, 2018

The 6 Black Fashion Icons You Should Know

Julian Randall, Texas Tech University

These big names in fashion are contributing to expanding the representation of the African American community in the industry.…

April 19, 2018

The Matter of Representation in Superhero Movies

Diego Galicia, Valencia College

People need more diverse backgrounds in superhero movies to represent their own identities on the big screen.…

February 20, 2018

‘Black Panther’ Has Black Audiences Nationwide Thrilled

Alex Johnson, New York University

The movie’s record-breaking weekend is further proof that diversity not only has a positive psychological impact, it makes a lot of money.…

February 19, 2018

ABC’s ‘The Good Doctor’ Features an Autistic Lead, but Raises Concerns

Eric McInnis, Arcadia University

While the show aims to promote neurodiversity, it falls prey to some cringeworthy tropes.…

June 12, 2017

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