Where We Have Been and Where We Can Go From Here: Looking to the Future in Research on Media, Race, and Ethnicity

Abstract

This special issue illuminates the ways in which mediaThe current volume explores the effects that media depictions of race and ethnicity have on self-and group-perceptions as well as on intergroup relations. Although many of the studies presented in this issue focus on entertainment television, other media, such as movies, news, and the Internet-based content are examined. Collectively, these articles demonstrate the media's influence in the realm of race and ethnicity, and offer a roadmap for the future; one that recognizes the potential for media to constructively contribute to group identities and intergroup dynamics in society. Where We Have BeenIt is well documented that ethnic minorities were historically excluded from positions of power in media industries, with their voices almost entirely absent

Why the Media's Role in Issues of Race and Ethnicity Should be in the Spotlight

“…The complexity of the subject matter not only demands the rigorous application of a variety of approaches but also illustrates the need to incorporate broad schools of thought to fully grasp this multifaceted issue. Tukachinsky's () concluding remarks in the current volume synthesize these ideas, summarize the current state of the field, highlight existing challenges and opportunities, and offer important new directions for future theoretical, applied, and policy research in this domain.…”

From All American Girl to Fresh Off the Boat: Exploring the Relationship Between Media Representations and Identity Formation

“…The second approach is to use media literacy to mitigate the effects of negative representations (see section 3.3). Media industries are slow to diversify and it's difficult to enforce media regulations on racial and ethnic depictions (Tukachinsky, 2015). Some researchers call for the implementation of a more comprehensive media literacy curriculum in schools and universities to give individuals the analytical tools necessary to comprehend media messages (Coltrane & Messineo, 2000;Hobbs & Jensen, 2009;Lewis & Jhally, 1998;Scharrer & Ramasubramanian, 2015).…”

“…Three areas currently being investigated in field of race and media include: (1) identifying the kinds of media representations that can prompt positive attitudes; (2) determining whether there are similarities across different cultures; and (3) studying the implications of an increasingly digital society (Tukachinsky, 2015, p. 188). A few studies tackling these issues include Tukachinsky (2015) and Ramasubramanian's (2015) (see pp.…”

“…Another gap, which is currently being studied, is the lack of research on using positive images to offset normalized stereotypes and reduce prejudice. Greenberg's drench hypothesis (1998) and Ramasubramanian's (2015) and Tukachinsky's (2015) work on counter exemplars in media suggest it is difficult but possible. Greenberg's Drench hypothesis suggests that a few "critical images" can potentially have a greater impact on influencing attitudes than more common and frequent images.…”

“…Greenberg's Drench hypothesis suggests that a few "critical images" can potentially have a greater impact on influencing attitudes than more common and frequent images. Ramasubramanian's (2015) and Tukachinsky's (2015) approach focuses more on common images. They suggest in order to reduce prejudice: (1) there must be a diverse range of positive images to avoid subtyping, and (2) the images must carefully pull from recognizable features without stereotyping.…”