Media Reflection #4

          I do feel that it is a filmmaker's responsibility to represent groups of people correctly. That is unless they are making a clear statement and representing groups unfairly on purpose to show that it is wrong. This is because movies and shows are often perceived as an alternate reality. If viewers see certain groups of people having improper representation, whether that is based on their gender, race, or another demographic, it will be taken as discrimination or oppression of sorts, and rightfully so.  

In the recent past, I would say filmmakers have done an increasingly better job at representing different groups fairly. However, societally, there are still steps to be taken in the fight against misogyny, racism, etc. We can see certain stereotypes embedded in films from not too long ago, representing women as an object, a product of their social status, and other improper assumptions. Similarly, films have also struggled with stereotyping men as the jock, and product of their athletic status, which is also an unfair statement. These issues were present in the “She’s All That” movie trailer that we analyzed earlier in the year. This is just one example of a way that groups can be misrepresented in the media. 

The negative representation of women discussed prior implies a wrongful dependency on men. However, one positive example of gender representation that comes to mind is that of Katniss in The Hunger Games. In this movie, she is presented in a way that highlights her strength, independence, and self-made identity. This movie has qualities that empower women and show their ability without the help of a man, which actively fights against a prevalent stereotype.  

        The way that certain groups are represented in a film directly reflects the motives and moral standards of the filmmaker. It shows their perceived reality and how they view these groups as they move through life. If represented unfairly, it shows a clear ignorance in the filmmaker's values, which will not go over well with the public. It will turn people away from the film and those involved in making it, which is justified because they do not want to consume content they disagree with. Filmmakers, being given a platform and a place in the public eye, have a responsibility to represent groups of people fairly.