Many children grow up watching movies made for them, but never really seeing positive role models who look, act, sound, or love like them. When children have figures that they can look up and relate to, it empowers them to take on these roles in their own lives. Research shows that they are equipped with higher self-esteem and a more positive self-image after seeing TV figures that they can relate to in their formative years. People of all races, sexualities and gender identities, ages, etc. deserve to be represented in the media and have positive role models that they can relate to.
The media serves as an educational tool, as it "teaches" people, especially children, about many different groups of people in their society. Many children will grow up never having interacted with different types of people, whether they be people of racial, ethnic, or religious minorities. Therefore, many children learn about different groups of people through what they see in TV and movies. It would benefit children to see an accurate representation, meaning no cheap stereotypes, of marginalized groups. For example, having a well-developed Muslim movie lead or one which is LGBTQ+ humanizes how society perceives these communities, since children are growing up and actually seeing people for who they are. Now more than ever before, we need children to see diversity on all levels, in order to be educated and empowered.
More than just shaping how others view minority groups, the media also shapes how those minority groups think about themselves. Everyday of our lives, we're exposed to the media and its stories. I mean, if you don't see people like you as a child, then you begin to believe that society does not value you. This poor self-image can certainly be traced to the childhood years of only seeing stereotypical representations or just none at all.
Children's media should be there to show children that the future is full of so many opportunities for them, no matter who they are. TV and movies should inspire children to be whatever they dream of, not subscribe to the same old stereotypes and limitations. Showing female scientists and people of color in positions of power makes those children see that it is possible, that they can do it. Children have so much more potential than fulfilling a stereotype.
Some people may think, "oh, what's the big deal it's just a TV show" or "you don't need to put your liberal agenda on children's shows" but these thoughts couldn't be more flawed. The entire idea is slowly but surely, we are creating a more accepting world full of allies and educated people along with empowering children of minority groups. In response to another ridiculous statement I've seen, seeing LGBTQ+ characters on TV does NOT somehow turn your child gay, that's just absurd. It simply does two big things. It normalizes the LGBTQ+ community from a young age; kids will see respect and love in the show and mirror it in their own lives. Research has shown that children can gain their values from media, and positive values like respecting diversity is so crucial. And second, it gives young LGBTQ+ children somebody to relate to and look up to, feeling a little bit less lonely. Seeing characters like you on TV makes you feel recognized and more confident in your place in the world.
With shows like "Arthur", "Adventure Time", and "Steven Universe" normalizing gay couples and characters, we are slowly moving toward a more accepting world where children don't see anything wrong about the LGBTQ+ community, and they understand that love is love. With movies like "Black Panther" we see records being broken at the box-office, as there is a clear demand to see strong black heroes and female characters at the center of the story. We still have a ways to go, but these steps being taken to showcase diversity of all types is so significant. Because again, seeing yourself represented is a hugely positive affirmation of your identity. Childhood can be lonely, especially if you start off feeling alienated from the people around you. I want a world where a child can turn on the TV and see a leader who looks like them, a princess who prays like them, and a character who loves like them, and suddenly they don't feel so alone anymore.
