Representation Analysis

Representation Analysis

          Due to the recent boom in the past decade of representation, companies are now almost obliged to represent a diverse group of people in the media. Before the increase in awareness regarding lack of representation happened, using the common stereotype of genders, ages, and ethnicities dominated the media. Due to this, audiences usually conformed to what they were being shown and considered it the norm. This influenced the masses of people consuming these messages and created a negative image for diversity. By making diversity frowned upon, this can cause an increase in problems like racism or sexism. However, with the recent spike in representation of diverse groups including: body size, gender, age, sexuality, religion, race, and many more... being different is now being seen in a good light. When audiences are faced with these representations of society, this can cause a decrease in problems regarding differences. 

          In this Tide commercial, the mother speaks to the audience in an annoyed manner about how her daughter refused to wear pink garments, a stereotypically feminine color. Instead, her daughter decides on wearing green camouflage pants and cargo shorts. In this advertisement, representation of girls that don't wear stereotypical pink colors are not only frowned upon, but the suggested norm also is seen as better. This can cause people who do not fit into this category to feel out of place and alone. 

          In this H&M commercial, diversity seen in a positive light. The video portrays various people following and challenging fashion norms. By showing countless positive examples of representation, the negative viewpoint of diversity often seen in the past gets turned into a positive and empowering message. This can cause people to embrace who they are, what they believe in, and feel less judged knowing that they are not alone.