Title: Effects of Asian Representation in Western Media on Asian Descendants' Sense of Self
Abstract:
In the United States, the media’s portrayal of ethnic minority groups tends to be insufficient, especially in fictional TV shows. Prior research shows that, despite ethnic minorities making up about 40% of the population, ethnic minorities are underrepresented in the media (Prot et al., 2014). With such imagery being the main representation of ethnic groups, minority audiences may be socialized into believing these negative portrayals, identifying with the characters, and not question the accuracy of the content (Ramasubramanian et al., 2017).
This current study aims to examine (1) whether the representation of Asian characters lead to internalizing of negative stereotypes of those who identify as Asian, (2) whether those who do not identify as Asian (outgroup) recognize portrayals of Asian Americans (ingroup) as stereotypes, and (3) the effects of the stereotypes presented in the media on Asian Americans’ ethnic pride and self-esteem. Results are expected to show that both the outgroup and ingroup are aware of the stereotypes that characters portray. Further, negative stereotypes will have a negative effect on the ingroup’s ethnic pride.
Abstract:
In the United States, the media’s portrayal of ethnic minority groups tends to be insufficient, especially in fictional TV shows. Prior research shows that, despite ethnic minorities making up about 40% of the population, ethnic minorities are underrepresented in the media (Prot et al., 2014). With such imagery being the main representation of ethnic groups, minority audiences may be socialized into believing these negative portrayals, identifying with the characters, and not question the accuracy of the content (Ramasubramanian et al., 2017).
This current study aims to examine (1) whether the representation of Asian characters lead to internalizing of negative stereotypes of those who identify as Asian, (2) whether those who do not identify as Asian (outgroup) recognize portrayals of Asian Americans (ingroup) as stereotypes, and (3) the effects of the stereotypes presented in the media on Asian Americans’ ethnic pride and self-esteem. Results are expected to show that both the outgroup and ingroup are aware of the stereotypes that characters portray. Further, negative stereotypes will have a negative effect on the ingroup’s ethnic pride.