Race in the Media

Different races, ethnicity's and religions are often portrayed in films and other types of media. They often focus on stereotypes and can portray different races and ethnicity's in positive or negative ways. A example of a positive representation of race in the media can be seen in the 2011 British film "Sket". The girl gang in the film represent different ethnicities and different backgrounds an this does not seem to affect their relationship with each other. This film shows them as being strong and fearless as they look out for each other when men try to intimidate them even though they are bigger and stronger. However, at the start of the film trailer black people are shown in a very stereotypical way as a group of young black males try to intimidate a young white girl. This shows black people, especially young males as being dangerous and violent but white people as innocent and law abiding.

 

How are ethnic groups represented in the music industry?

Ethnicity is relating to or characteristics of a human group having racial, religious, linguistic and certain other traits in common. Some ethnicities are often stereotyped in the media, focusing on the stereotypical aspects of that culture. However, ethnic minorities are represented more positively in the music industry where there is scope to celebrate their cultural roots.

An example of this is Beyonce's Run The World (Girls), Beyonce, who is born to an African-American father, is known for her positive representation of women and also ethnic minorities. She is described as a 'modern-day feminist' and uses her music and videos to empower women and promote female sexuality. In this video you can see a lot of different ethnicities having positive representations, as it shows all women in a strong, independent and non-sexist way. Some of the lyrics sung in the video "I'm reppin' for the girls who taking over the world" are used to empower women that watch the video, This video contradicts the stereotype that women of all ethnicity's are weak and are unequal to men. However, some of the video is sexualised because of the costumes and dance moves, but the video as a whole gives women and ethnic minorities power.

An example of ethnic minorities being represented in a negative way is in Pitbull's video for Hotel Room Service which sexualises women in quite an extreme way. Lyrics from the song such as "With them fingers in yo mouth or open up yo blouse, and pull that g-sting down south" shows how Pitbull's songs are very disrespectful of women and show them as sex objects. His video does represent ethnic minorities but it fragments the women and shows them as objects for Pitbull to use.