How television serves as a catalyst for workplace diversity

Since being introduced to the public in the late 1920s, television has been a mirror to societal shifts. TV has provided an outlet for society to take a step forward, implement change and alter the course of events.
In fact, the first person of color debuted on television in 1939 in self-titled The Ethel Water’s Show. As time went on people of color began to show up more often in television broadcasts until it was normalized in the 1960s. Later in TV history, the first gay character on primetime television debuted in 1971 for one episode of a very traditional show called All in the Family. These major milestones in viewing history paved the way for further representation of minority groups on our screens today.
Diversity in television has skyrocketed in recent years, and 2018 marked a turning point in the growing adaptation of TV networks to finally fully embrace a more down to earth display of an array of characters and a more authentic representation of American society.
Casts have become more dynamic and we’re seeing more actors and actresses from underrepresented backgrounds by the hundreds.
With powerhouse directors like Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy dominating content that shouts at social issues and minority injustice, there’s never been a better time to “Netflix and Chill.” With all this inspiring content hitting the screen, we got to thinking, can television and streaming services be a catalyst for workplace diversity?
We’ve compiled a binge-worthy list of shows to give you all the inspiration you need to get a better understanding of diversity in the workplace (and maybe even something to stream on your lunch break.)
To finish reading and see the shows we’ve compiled to inspire diversity in your workforce check out our new blog The Joonko Effect.
