Hollywood media has notoriously been recognized for lacking both racial and gender diversity in its television series and movies. Cultural appropriation and the over-perpetuation of stereotypes, along with race as the primary subject of minority roles has had a negative impact on Hollywood production, as depicted in "Why Hollywood Needs Integration."
It is very difficult to find diversity in the media. For those that wish to see the opposite in Hollywood, there is still hope. There are amazing TV series and movies such as 'Concussion', ‘Bend It Like Beckham,’ ‘Empire,’ ‘Dope,’ and ‘Straight Outta Compton.’ Here is a list of my favorites which do not contribute to media stereotypes.
1. Quantico
"Quantico" is a 2015 TV drama that focuses on the life of FBI agent Alex Parrish of Quantico Academy, who is accused of plotting a terror attack in Grand Central, New York. As the series unravels, Agent Parrish fights to prove her innocence while tracking down the true terrorist. This drama is thrilling, gripping, and suspenseful with several twists and turns. Not only is the protagonist an Indian female supermodel and Miss World winner, she has also received awards for her commendable acting in this series. Now we can finally see an Indian actor play the role of a patriotic FBI agent. Other characters include Nimah Anwar--or Yasmine Elmasri--who is of Egyptian descent and African American actress Aunjanue Ellis, who plays the leader of the academy.
2. Grey’s Anatomy
"Grey's Anatomy" is a television medical drama that has been running for a little over a decade. Although this show is not new, it has several new episodes approaching in the series. It is known to have one of the most diverse casts in the history of American television. Actors include those of Hispanic, white, black, East Asian, Indian, and mixed race background. Not only does the show display diversity, it also does not perpetuate cultural stereotypes--every character in the series is striving to be successful doctors, physicians, and people. You can also enjoy this show for the engaging story-lines and the chemistry and charisma of the performers.
3. Mr. Robot
"Mr. Robot" won the 2016 Golden Globe Award for Best New Drama. It tells the story of a socially awkward computer genius named Elliot Alderson who works for a cyber security company. Elliot works alongside an anarchist who is against evil corporations. Not only does this story reveal the reality and dangers of modern technology and corporations, but it also shows the talent of underrepresented Arab peoples. Both the protagonist--Rami Malek, and the director--Sam Esmail--are Egyptian. Many other groups are also represented in this phenomenal drama, such as a Muslim hijabi woman and native Swedish and Danish speaking characters.
4. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
This movie is one of the highest grossing movies of all time--and there are both minority and female leads. After the defeat of the Galactic Empire, characters Finn (African American actor John Boyega) and Rey (Daisy Ridley) search for Luke Skywalker--the last of the Jedi Knights.
5. Spirited Away
There are several non-Hollywood films that are popularized in the North American continent. One of these is "Spirited Away" directed by Hayao Miyazaki. This animation is about a 10 year old girl named Chihiro who moves to a new town with her family. Upon arriving, her parents are cast into a spell in an amusement park and Chihiro is forced to save her parents and the society from their doom, with the help of a few friends. Not only is this a feminist masterpiece in the fact that a girl leads herself and others into safety, but the film also represents the beauty in Japanese cinema.
7. Wolf Children
This film is another Japanese animation, this time about a woman named Hana who marries a half human-half wolf. After the death of her husband, Hana has to take care of her two children in a distant countryside while overcoming several obstacles of single motherhood. The protagonist here again, is a female.
8. The Joy Luck Club
"The Joy Luck Club" is a beautiful cross cultural, coming-of-age film about Chinese immigrants who have relocated to San Francisco and have raised American children in the region. The cast is mainly all-female and stories of romance, self reliance, ambition, family, and tradition are retold.
9. The Hundred Foot Journey
"The Hundred Foot Journey" stars Indian American actor Manish Dayal along with veteran Indian actors; Juhi Chawla and Om Puri. This is the story of Hassan Kadam, a boy who has to relocate to France with his family during an election dispute after their town and family restaurant is burned down. In France, Dayal competes against a local French restaurant while cooking Indian food.
10. Creed
Adonis Johnson, played by African American actor Michael B. Jordan, strives to be the great boxer that his late father Apollo Creed was. He trains with Rocky Balboa in order to achieve his goals. This film is widely acclaimed and has been nominated for several awards. It displays the human passion for victory and success.
Let us celebrate diversity in Hollywood and highly acclaimed films and television shows.
