REFLECTION 5: Hey, That's Me!—Seeing Yourself Represented on Television

To a young Whoopi Goldberg, the sight of an independent black woman on the bridge of the USS Enterprise was life-altering. Star Trek offered the future-superstar not only an opportunity to see her likeness on television, but a glimpse at a hopeful and prosperous future for her wary people. Meanwhile, Korean-Canadian and Grey's Anatomy cast member, Sandra Oh laments that she never had the same opportunity as Goldberg: "I grew up never seeing myself on-screen, and it's really important to me to give people who look like me a chance to see themselves. I want to see myself as the hero of any story. I want to see myself save the world from the bomb." While diversity in contemporary television is improving, it still favors straight, white, male characters. What is the significance of seeing a variety of people on television? Have you ever seen you and your life reflected on-screen? If so, were you represented accurately? If you've never seen yourself represented on television, why do you believe that is? What would it take for television to accurately represent who you are?

Note: You may identify yourself however you like and not just in one way. For example, you might identify as an atheist and an Indian and a man. Use whatever identification you like.

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "Network TV Fall 2019 Diversity Overview: CBS Steps Up as Fox Slips" (IndieWire)
• "Why is Equal Representation in Media Important?" (Forbes)
• "Geena Davis Unveils Partnership with Disney to 'Spellcheck' Scripts for Gender Bias" (TheHollywoodReporter)
• "2018 Saw Record Growth in LGBTQ Roles on Television" (TheVerge)
• "When Was the First Time You Saw Yourself Represented in Media?" (Twitter)

Mechanics:

• 1 page in length
• MLA Style
• Works cited

Due: Wed 11.6