A shift in media serves as call to action for teens
By MELINDA RENTERIA
Traditionally, television shows and social media have been used for solely entertainment purposes. Recently, Netflix and Hulu have taken it a step further including concepts of racial injustices, sexual assault and mental health issues in order to spread awareness.
Shows like “Thirteen Reasons Why” have taught individuals about real events and have even warned against certain issues using civic imagination, the ability to create alternate solutions or realities to current social, economic and political conflicts.
With the recent release of “When They See Us,” a Netflix dramatization of “the central park crime” in which five teenage boys of color where wrongfully accused and imprisoned, many people became aware of the corruption that occurred in 1989.
In an Instagram poll, teenagers were asked whether they were familiar with the exonerated five. Sixty percent answered yes, and only 20% knew of them before watching the show. “When They See Us” also raised awareness surrounding the corruption of the justice system.
Another show that gained some controversy was “Thirteen Reasons Why,” which depicted mental illnesses in high school students as a result of bullying and other social issues. The audience follows the main character, Hannah, as she attempts to find a way to cope with rape, bullying, neglect and suicidal thoughts.
In another Instagram poll, 62% of participants between the ages of 15–20 agreed that the show made them more knowledgeable about mental health issues.
Celine Campos, a recent graduate from Bravo Medical Magnet, spoke about other movies and media she felt had an impact on how she viewed social issues.
“Cyberbully is a movie that explains how media is perceived and the effect it has on society,” Campos said.
Participants said that “The Fosters,” a show about a foster family from San Diego, taught them various lessons about foster families, teens being viewed as criminals, racial prejudice and gay marriage.
“I’m aware of most issues before watching movies and shows mostly because it’s important to know,” said Lorena Pastor, 17-year-old high school student from Bravo Medical Magnet, who agreed that these shows demonstrated societal issues, yet made it a point to explain that, “these are things that people should be aware of regardless of whether it is a show or not.”
Instagram was named multiple times for being the main source teenagers get their news from, along with current events in their community and around the world.
“The biggest thing is hashtags,” Ruby Yuan, a journalism student at USC, said. “They allow you to see when there is a movement happening, and the power of people that stand for that cause.”
According to USC journalism professor Amara Aguilar, Netflix and Hulu have been successful in creating shows that stimulate social change because they “have the ability to personalize content for their audiences.”
“Tom and Jerry aren’t mindlessly chasing each other on cartoons,” Aguilar wrote in an email interview. “Many animated series now teach children things such as science and math concepts, or how to manage emotions. It’s the same with entertainment when it comes to television and movies.”
Shows that individuals are currently watching are no longer just for entertainment. What previously were subliminal messages and lessons hidden in shows are now the basis of shows and more importantly, are educating people about issues that occur in present day society.
