ISMS't the Media Biased

Had a pretty healthy discussion about minority portrayals in the media on facebook of all places. I was pretty impressed with how well everyone involved handled themselves. Especially after a white reporter said she had seen no instances of media portraying minorities more negatively than white people.

I suspect, as did others, that she meant intentionally. Although, I still think that in unfortunate cases there are probably reporters out there who very willingly spread their biases and propaganda into the minds of naive readers/listeners/watchers throughout Canada (and definitely throughout the world).

While it is becoming increasingly unacceptable to make these biases obvious in today’s society (with regards to race; sexism seems to actually be becoming increasingly more tolerated in media, and people are still quite open about their feelings against gay rights. Then there is ageism…don’t get me started) that doesn't mean it doesn’t continue to be rampant in our media.

I, by no means, pay as much attention as I should in order to think critically with the images I am bombarded with every day. My own whiteness is not an excuse for my lack of awareness, but it can get overwhelming when you realize just how ridiculously unfair and relentless the media can be. And! For the most part this isn’t even on purpose- can you imagine if it was (well, of course you can…throughout history we have seen what happens when minorities are purposefully depicted as the “other” that is dangerous or in some way wrong).

I find it easier to relate to the sexism- the fact that men can look and act however they want on TV, but the women that are married to them have to be beautiful, understanding, at least somewhat successful and definitely skinny. It doesn’t matter what the man does- they are always forgiving and would never leave. It is women that are scorned and neurotic and men can do no wrong (I’m not saying this is always the case, but see situational comedies and name me one that turns out differently). If women don’t fit into this category- well, they don’t exist. You would think that Rosanne would have helped break through this barrier and made people realize that TRUER depictions can sell- but that was 20 years ago and we’ve only continued to perpetuate these ideals.

SO, my question is- yes, it has been proven that Canadian/American culture buys into bias and eats it up- but it doesn’t’ have to be true. Is it unawareness and/or greed on behalf of the media industry, is it our society as a whole- and regardless of the reason, why does it seem so unwilling to change?