The Importance of Representation in Film and Media Essay Sample

Around the globe, individuals have waited for hours to watch the newest movie during its premiere, the airing of a new television show, or the newest release from one of their favorite music artists. The entertainment industry has had a significant increase in popularity as technology advances, allowing for easy access to the newest hits. While generations have changed through time, so have messages that entertainment has attempted to convey. Numerous individuals and parents may have found some of these changes ghastly and dangerous, as television and music have started to spread and exhibit powerful messages. Television shows, movies, and music all have begun to touch on taboo topics in the media such as rape, suicide, and mental health which have led to a great debate. Should entertainment have dark topics included in its content?

Mental health is a condition that many individuals of all ages have struggled with throughout their lives. Young adults and teenagers more specifically, may struggle to understand this as they do not discuss these major topics with their peers. However, due to this lack of knowledge, these teens struggle with how to cope with their emotions. Additionally, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 34. Around 51% of all reported sexual abuse are from teenagers and 75% of all mental illness begins by age 24. Therefore, the health of the youth must be stressed by the discussion of these pivotal topics. Entertainment including serious topics might be a way for these teens to acknowledge that their struggles are not uncommon and that they should seek help. Yet, many adults believe that talking about these issues in a public light are dangerous

My eventual essay will provide coherent and sincere discussion toward the continuation of the inclusion of serious topics in entertainment and counterarguments against the individuals fighting against it. Through my various primary and secondary sources, I will provide examples of the cultural and psychological benefits that the entertainment industry has had previously with the incorporation of darker themes.

One popular television show that continues to raise controversy is “13 Reasons Why”. This Netflix original touches on topics such as suicide, sexual assault, drug abuse, etc. In comparison to another Netflix original “Stranger Things”, season 1 of “13 Reasons Why” had a total of 476 million views in the first month of its release. On the other hand, “Stranger Things” 2nd popular season, season 2, had only 427 million views in the first 28 days, season 1 did not even make the list of the most popular seasons for the show. These statistics reveal the popularity of “13 Reasons Why”, therefore, why is the first season and show debated so much? In my major research project (MRP) I would like to dig deeper into the two sides of this show as well as other songs and films and examine how beneficial the messages conveyed in my examples had on others. Additionally, how this history shows that future entertainment should continue the trend of going outside the norm and include serious topics.

A popular psychiatrist, Dr. Elliot Carthy stated “There’s been quite a lot of research out there, that’s gone into this idea of does talking about suicide increase the risk of suicide? And quite confidently, the answer is no. If anything, it reduces it. It tries to normalize it and take away the stigma and help somebody actually be able to take those steps to get help.”. This quote by Dr. Carthy reveals that a professional in the field of mental health believes that discussion of suicide is important for getting adolescents with suicidal tendencies to talk to a professional. Therefore, since the main form of communication for teenagers is popular media, serious topics in the production of entertainment are vital to the outreach to young adults.

Regardless of the risk and unease that these films and songs may cause, it’s important that teenagers who choose to view them understand these weighty topics and that teenagers understand situations that could happen any day, to them or to their friends. Especially, learn how to deal with these events and talk to an adult if they find themselves in such a situation. As a teenager, I understand how many high school and college students undergo these affairs frequently. I also know many shows and songs that I listen to that are considered taboo, that I find comfort in, as I relate to them. Film and music go beyond just entertaining individuals, they attempt to spread certain messages to a particular audience.

Though these forms of entertainment can lead to discomfort and often can prove unsuccessful, an attempt to help young adults through the media can lead to accomplishment, whether it be to one person or a thousand. With the assistance of previous data from popular songs, television shows, and movies, the entertainment industry should and must continue its inclusion of serious subjects in its content.

Disagreement will always arise between the media, after all, people have a human right to freedom of their own opinion. There also will always be subjects that make someone uncomfortable. Does that mean that we should not talk about these topics altogether? Many adults or parents want to stop the production of such themes on the radio and television for the sake of their children. However, these teenagers should have the ability to watch and listen to entertainment of their choosing. As well as understand common phenomena and how to cope with it. After all, teenagers and young adults are the keys to a new sincere future. Possibly a future, where discussion of emotion will not be avoided.