One Step at a Time

Michelle Garcia
Nov 4 · 3 min read

Growing up during the age of entertainment certainly has its benefits. We are constantly being exposed to creative content whether through streaming software, social media, or traditional TV screens. We grow up idolizing characters that we feel have good morals, great lifestyles, and resemble us in some way. Despite, the film industry opening up so many opportunities for people who aspire to inspire, it has yet to fully unlock its doors for minorities.

Source: Youtube

The film industry is notoriously known for various controversial topics. Recently, the topic that have been under scrutiny are those surrounding the representation of minority communities in film. These communities include, but are not limited to, hispanics, asians, LGBTQ+, and the African-American/black community.

Source: Inequality in 900 Popular Films: Examining Portrayals of Gender, Race/Ethnicity, LGBT, and Disability from 2007–2016

There has been a lot of progress, but more needs to be done to cater to the diverse population that watches these films. Furthermore, it should not just rely on the casting directors creating a diverse casting list, but also on the executives that approve of the stories and the actors hired.

Source: Variety
Source: Variety
Source: Variety

Taking Everything and Everyone Into Account

Recently, Crazy Rich Asians became the first all Asian cast in 25 years. The public seemed to have positive feelings when it came to showing more inclusion in Hollywood.

Source: Jing Daily

On the other hand, the Asian-American community feels as though they are only representing “white-washed” asians. Furthermore, they felt as they were not representing all of Singapore’s socio-economic classes since it only focuses on the elite.

When creating a story that revolves around a specific culture and community, writers need to be careful about the authenticity revolving around the matter. We want to see minorities continue to be shown throughout mainstream media, but not in a way that distorts their culture.

More Needs to be Done

As younger generations rise, more progressive ideas are being implented into films to show that the industry is growing alongside the different generations.

Source: Tenor

In the Beauty and the Beast (2017) there were multiple instances where Le Fou made romantic remarks to Gaston. Lawler claims that due to the small references and screen time that was made addressing the LGBTQ+ that it was rather insignificant to the plot. The fact that there was even a reference to the LGBTQ+ community means that there is a movement towards representing the community more in the film industry.

Additionally, the fact that the public was left wanting more, exemplifies that society is ready to see more diverse actors and plotlines in mainstream media. While slowly adding diverse communities in film is a great because representation is still being made. Creative executives and casting directors should feel confident and comfortable enough to include these communities without fear of backlash and sale drops.

What Now?

Source: Giphy

Create, create, create! It is time to allow all to be represented in the film industry. It is time for younger generations to see themselves completely in the characters the idolize.

Source: Youtube
Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade