Historically, the media has been guilty of perpetuating various stereotypes through the images in newspapers, television, and movies. Television in the late 20th century most commonly depicted Black individuals as athletes or, more destructively, criminals. During the same period, very few women were in roles reflecting them as individuals in power or heroic roles. Instead, they were victims. This characterization has improved in recent years, as pointed out in a recent study: “A 2021 report found that 47.2 percent of lead actors in films were female. A decade earlier, the share stood at 25.6 percent.” This change is a positive sign, but what can be done to maintain positive momentum?
Media literacy education is beginning to play a more prominent role in our society. Studies have shown the important impact this education has had. A Kansas University study points out “the findings showed those who received the intervention held fewer stereotypes than their counterparts.” In this study, researchers introduced viewers to statistics regarding the disproportionate arrest rates of Black Americans. Those exposed to this information were less prone to hold a negative stereotype of Black people. This education changed the narrative and made it more likely that people will have a more open mind.
During my two-plus years as a SHU student, I have taken several courses that focused my attention on the challenges of my various groups. Hearing backgrounds that I was previously unaware of pertaining to people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, women, and immigrants helped me better understand the struggles of these groups and allowed me to put news stories in a better context.
While I encountered this opportunity because of my educational setting, many people do not have this exposure. This exposure is the gap that I believe media literacy education can serve. It is important that news reporting be unbiased. It is also important that the media takes responsibility for informing audiences properly. If the news is put in the proper context, individuals can overcome many of engrained stereotypes.
Though studies seem to indicate that media literacy education is an effective tool, more work is necessary. A UMASS Amherst study from 2015 concludes…
based on our research and others, we suggest future efforts should: (1) carefully consider the complementary analysis of media stereotypes as well as media counter stereotypes in a media literacy educational framework; (2) utilize contemporary examples from media content with which young people can relate; (3) actively involve young people in the curriculum rather than employ a “top–down” or overly dogmatic approach; and (4) probe racial and ethnic media stereotypes in their own right, lest students limit their analysis to other social groups presumably “easier” to critique, such as those defined by gender.
As recently as seven years ago, researchers still did not feel we knew enough to draw complete conclusions. Though that may be true, I think there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence that highlights the importance of media literacy education in fighting stereotypes. The wide availability of social media platforms has only increased the power of the media.
This power needs to be accompanied by responsibility.
We have seen how negative stereotypes spread by irresponsible and unethical outlets caused greater social unrest– the vilifying of Black Americans when reporting on Black Lives Matter, referring to COVID as a Chinese virus, or painting immigrants as all criminals have proven to be destructive. These stereotypes come from ignorance that the media has encouraged over decades, so it seems appropriate that the media be a path to the solution.
Education is always a weapon against ignorance, so hopefully, media literacy education will become prominent. Concepts like fake news and media bias can be reduced if people become aware of the dangers of these things.
Stereotypes have existed long before social media, but with the growth of social media, the challenge to control the spread of stereotypes has grown, so the importance of media literacy education must not underestimated.
