Representation in media is defined as the methods in which media chooses to portray reality, specifically within certain groups of people. Because media has been controlled by a small population of people (meaning upper-middle class white men) for most of history, representation within minority groups is quite poor. The ways certain individuals are presented within media usually stem from preconceived stereotypes or expectations.
Some groups that are commonly misrepresented or poorly represented are people of color, LGBTQ+, the elderly, people with disabilities, women, and people with mental illnesses. Communities that are not often seen within media (like the elderly or people with disabilities) can make people feel isolated from the general public, and it can also lead to a misunderstanding of how people in these groups behave or interact with others. Exaggerated stereotypes (often seen in comedies or used as jokes) do significant damage for various racial and ethnic groups, making them viewed as distant and lesser from groups that are considered to be the 'norm'. It also leads to generalization and a very shallow perspective of how a group is like.
These shallow perspectives enforced through media can create and/or enforce expectations on how people should interact between others. These attitudes can be demonstrated with the 'Gay Best Friend' trope seen in many teen movies, or the idea that a women's role is to please men.
An example of the notion that women are subordinate to men. Women are objectified, sexualized, and portrayed as 'creatures' who are chasing after a man who is doing nothing but spraying axe. While it may have only been used as a joke to sell a product, it does not mean it does not enforce traditional gender roles.
Even if these representations means no harm or the creators do not truly believe the content they are creating, they still can permeate through generations and cultures. These misrepresentations bring divisions among people, belittle the value of the people in specific communities, and do nothing to promote the equality or acceptance that many of the groups do not have amongst the general public. Over the recent years, many people have been striving for better representation within the media, and there seems to be a slow yet steady shift. While there is still a long way to go, it is evident that the protests and persistence for better representation and more diversity are making a difference, one that will make media for everyone.
An example of diverse representation through an H&M ad. Some can argue that this form of diversity is only used to draw appreciation from viewers so they can sell products, therefore it is superficial. However, it definitely is a step in the right direction in terms of how representation should look like.
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