After watching the Tyler, the Creator Mountain Dew commercial, I was confused. Was I offended? Yes. As a person of colour and a woman, I didn't appreciate the manner in which both groups were depicted. Although many argue it came from a comedic aspect, when it comes to such sensitive topics comedy is merciless.
Many people like to create such content to help spread awareness; this can sometimes be found in mediums such as the theatre of the oppressed; maybe even in films, music, or stories. But to take such matters and release it to live National television in which people have not chosen or given consent to display such content in their homes. Television and other forms of mass media have an influential power on children, sharing such topics could lead children in the wrong direction and falsify their perspective on the world in a negative manner. Moreover, this could trigger many victims of bigotry or abuse.
From a technical perspective, Mountain Dews company has probably received more backlash or boycotting as opposed to persuading the audience into purchasing their product; in which is the companies initial aim.
It is times such as this where people must learn to draw the line. What is the difference between satire and injustice? As an audience member, I cannot accept where the idea was derived from, although I am aware that it comes with comedic intentions, industries with such great influence and platform should not be tolerating the inhumane behaviour. Personally, I believe that it is a moral duty to stray from bigotry. Therefore I don't understand why there might be an exception for the media industry. There mustn't be a double standard, especially when it's in the hands of such influential corporations.
Hi Shamsa, it is admirable how you have expressed your stance on the given prompt in an articulate manner by justifying any claims you make. I am in complete agreement with your perspective on the issue of stereotyping ethnic/ social groups in the media and the negative impact it has on viewers. Accordingly, what in your opinion is a more effective manner of portrayal of groups in media? Is there a line that can be drawn in regards to a "decent" stereotype as opposed to an "exaggerated" one? Well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you Shriya for your feedback!
DeleteIn regards to your question, I personally believe that it depends on the purpose of these portrayals. Is the author intending on offending anyone? If not, as a viewer I would only accept portrayals/stereotypes on mass media if it were done without delving into topics sensitive or emotionally un-intelligent content (if that makes any sense). Such as illegal acts, social conflicts, the ethnic/social groups history i.e. wars or conflicts, etc. whereas when someone would stereotype a frenchman to be a mime, or a muslim woman to be wearing a hijab, etc. This to me makes a major difference in terms of stereotyping and in my opinion that differentiating between the intentions of the portrayal is how we can learn to draw a line between the two.
Hey Shamsa, I understand your point of view on corporations and the role they play in society. Your views how companies should not get a double standard makes sense however you focus on all the negative stereotypes. We have learnt that stereotypes are bad as well as good in the community and is an unconscious process that our brains go through. This process could be negative or positive so I'm asking you what dictates a good or bad stereotype? Many insignificant generalizations can be seen as stereotypes so are you expecting companies to avoid every kind?
ReplyDeleteAforementioned, in my reply to Shriya, This honestly depends on the purpose of these portrayals. If the authors do not intend on offending anyone, then it should be okay. Moreover, as a spectator, I would only endure stereotypes on mass media if it were to be done without portraying sensitive topics. Such as illegal acts, social conflicts, the ethnic/social groups history i.e. wars or conflicts, etc. whereas when someone would stereotype a Frenchman to be a mime or a Muslim woman to be wearing a hijab, etc. Thus making a substantial difference regarding stereotyping in addition to that differentiating between the intentions of the portrayal is how we can learn to draw a line between the two.
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