Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about diversity representation in the media. Having a diverse range of people in the media we consume is important because it reflects the diversity we see in real life. Ideally, the performers in our films, plays, tv shows, and other arts would look just like the people we see around us day-to-day. Unfortunately, this is not the norm. In fact, the representation we do see is quite narrow. I’ll grant that in recent years great strides have been made to include a wider variety of races, genders, and sexualities in mainstream pop culture, arts, and entertainment. While there’s still a tremendous amount of work to do in all of these areas, one place, in particular that’s very far behind is representation of diverse body shapes, sizes and abilities.
Everyone has important stories to tell and if we’re under-representing any marginalized identity, we’re essentially silencing these stories and experiences. That’s true for any group, but there’s a particular lack in our current arts and entertainment line-up when it comes to representing people in larger bodies.
I’m fat and have been for most of my life. (Shocked that I describe myself in that way? Read more here.) Growing up it was rare to find any character, let alone a protagonist, that was my size in the shows or films I saw. As an adult, now a working professional in theatre, I want to fight for that representation. To one day audition for something without fear that I’ll be ruled out for a role before I ever open my mouth. To see a time when anyone in an audience can instantly relate and identify with a character in their favorite story. I’m not alone in this fight and am encouraged by the many theatre artists working hard for inclusivity and body positivity.
Of course, all marginalized identities are not strangers to the sting of under-representation in media, and I truly believe that all of these journeys to equality are connected. Sara Boboltz and Kimberly Yam have a lot to say in their article about on-screen representation for Huffington Post, and I’d add that these ideas specific to women and people of color extend to all groups affected by patriarchal oppression:
"Viewers might not think that the shows and films that enrich our lives and let us happily escape after a day or week of the usual routine may affect our view of our neighbors, fellow citizens, or people around the world. And it’s true that Middle Ages fantasy with a reputation for bloodshed or a tap-dancing couple in a sunny dreamland, on their own, might not have too much of an impact. But they are part of a much larger force that consistently dilutes the richly diverse experiences of lives enjoyed by people of color and women."
All of this pondering has led me to wonder what the solution to this under-representation is. I’m not sure that I have it figured out, but one thing I do know is that those who are willing to speak out against marginalized voices being excluded in our media can and should do so. The more we speak, the more folks who have never considered the importance of media representation have an opportunity to learn. More and more people will have an opportunity to lend an ear to all the once-silenced voices that are so willing to share their stories.
