Does the media tell us who we should be? | Naeemah Clark | TEDxGreensboro

Summary

In this reflective piece, the speaker discusses the challenges of representation in television, sharing personal experiences of feeling invisible in a media landscape that celebrated predominantly white figures. The narrative highlights the evolution of roles for women of color in shows like 'The Cosby Show' and 'Empire,' emphasizing the importance of visibility and diverse storytelling. The speaker advocates for audience engagement through social media to influence programming, underscoring that media shapes perceptions of identity and belonging. Ultimately, the talk reveals the power of representation and the collective responsibility to demand diverse narratives in television.

Takeaways

• 😀 Media plays a powerful role in shaping identities and perceptions, often dictating who is considered beautiful and worthy.
• 😀 The lack of diverse representations of women of color in 1970s television influenced personal self-image and aspirations.
• 😀 Shows like 'The Cosby Show' and 'Scandal' represent significant strides in depicting successful and relatable characters of color.
• 😀 Colorblind casting has not been prevalent in television history, as evidenced by the absence of diverse characters in popular shows like 'Friends' and 'Seinfeld.'
• 😀 Television not only entertains but also serves as a means of understanding different cultures and identities, helping combat stereotypes.
• 😀 The success of shows like 'Empire' demonstrates the demand for diverse storytelling and representation on mainstream television.
• 😀 Streaming platforms like Netflix allow for richer, more diverse storytelling as they are less reliant on traditional advertising revenue.
• 😀 Social media acts as a tool for viewers to express their desires and feedback regarding the types of content they want to see on television.
• 😀 Engaging with media producers through social media can influence future casting and content decisions, promoting diversity in storytelling.
• 😀 The representation of characters from various backgrounds is crucial for inspiring young viewers and affirming their identities.

Q & A

What impact did media representation have on the speaker's childhood?

The speaker felt that the lack of representation of women who looked like her on television affected her self-image and aspirations, making her believe that beauty was tied to the standards set by white women in media.

How did the speaker's mother view beauty and intelligence?

The speaker's mother prioritized intelligence and humor over physical beauty, reflecting her own values as a former beauty queen. However, the speaker longed for the physical traits she associated with beauty.

What shows and characters did the speaker admire during her childhood?

The speaker admired characters like Claire Huxtable from 'The Cosby Show' and Florence from 'The Jeffersons' because they represented strong, capable women of color, although she noted that such representations were rare.

What role does the speaker believe media plays in shaping identity?

The speaker asserts that media has a powerful role in defining who people are and who they are supposed to be, influencing perceptions of beauty, race, and gender.

How has television casting changed in recent years according to the speaker?

The speaker notes a shift towards colorblind casting being replaced by more specific ethnic representation, with casting agents looking for actors of various ethnicities for roles, which she believes is a positive development.

What concerns were raised about the implications of colorblind casting?

The speaker mentions a concern expressed by a reporter that if casting becomes too focused on specific ethnicities, it may limit opportunities for white actors, questioning whether colorblind casting was ever truly happening.

What is the significance of shows like 'Orange is the New Black' and 'House of Cards'?

These shows are significant because they feature diverse storytelling and characters that challenge traditional norms in television, showcasing complex narratives about women of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between television and advertising?

The speaker explains that television is a business primarily driven by advertising, which influences the type of content produced. Networks aim to appeal to advertisers by offering mainstream, less diverse programming.

What role does social media play in shaping television content?

The speaker emphasizes that social media acts as a platform for viewers to voice their preferences and feedback, which can influence what content is produced and promote more diverse representation.

What is the speaker's call to action for viewers regarding representation in media?

The speaker urges viewers to actively communicate with networks and content creators through social media to express appreciation for diverse representation and advocate for more inclusive storytelling.