Representation matters. Representation allows people to feel as though they are normal and as beautiful as those who are represented for a majority of the time: thin, white, neurotypical, abled, picture-perfect families, and upper-middle class. Representation also influences how an individual is going to regard certain groups of people and things. Representation is not limited to race, it matters for the LGBTQIA+ community, disabled community, mentally ill community, and differing cultural practices from the dominant culture. Here are some great examples of how representation has been done well and has fallen short.
Imagine being born with, or developing, a physical disability and only seeing abled representation on television. Imagine only seeing disabled representation as inspiration porn.
Maddy Stuart, a model with Down Syndrome, has changed perception of beauty drastically.
I'm sure that you've all heard of the Kylie Jenner situation. Someone else in a wheelchair could've modeled in Jenner's place, who is clearly physically abled. This is a form of ableism.
Representation matters in regards to culture and race as well. One of my favorite shows, "Jane the Virgin," executes cultural diversity and representation terrifically. The protagonists are all of Indigenous/Latino descent with a woman, Jane Villanueva, as the main character.
Target was also inclusive towards disabled children in one of their advertisements for Halloween costumes, which is a push in the right direction for representation.
"Frozen," although a great children's movie, was critiqued for its lack of diversity, despite the setting being made up.
"Home" was the one of the most diverse animated movies that I've ever seen, with a woman of color as the lead. Many children were thrilled to see an animated character who looked like them.
"Orange is the New Black" features representation for several groups of people, including the lgbt+ community, black community, latina community, and disabled community.
"Huge," an ABC Family show, was a push towards representation of the overweight community in a fat camp setting. It had different characters with different struggles, but they all had common ground. Despite this show being as amazing as it was towards removing the stigmas surrounding the overweight community, it was canceled after one season.
Representation not only makes those who are underrepresented feel normal and a part of society, but it also fights against stigmas within certain communities. This encourages individuality and positive thoughts for all.
