Diversity Reflection Essay

899 Words4 Pages

Overall, this class challenged me to think more about diversity and inclusion in the media and how much of an impact the media has on our perceptions of people and situations. I realized the extent of media’s influence and how it shapes the way we see the world. I became frustrated with how underrepresented some groups are, and that when these groups are shown they are portrayed in stereotypical ways.
Before taking this class I had already had an idea that the media was biased and often was not representative of all groups of people. The first thing I really noticed about the media not being inclusive and being more centered on white, heterosexual, middle class Americans, was in international news coverage. I noticed the media talks the most about western countries and when they do portray third world countries it is normally in a negative light or about how the United States is helping them. This class focused on American media, which I did not know as much about as I honestly have not watched the news very often in my life.
I tend to get my news from online articles, social media, class, of from learning about things from other people. As a kid my …show more content…

When I did the first assignment I kind of struggled to complete all the requirements and to find examples of the specific identity I had. I just was not very aware of all of the stereotypes out there, because I have been conditioned to see them as normal and am not always aware of stereotypes. Now that I have completed this class, I feel much more aware of stereotypes and when they are being used. Especially in my daily life, such as when I’m just watching netflix or when I am on social media. Thinking about how much my eyes have opened to some things because of this class, is crazy to me. It kind of scares me to think of how oblivious people can be without even realizing