Media Representation

 3) In films and media, there are always stereotypes and misinformed representations of groups of people, especially at the most basic level of gender. In modern times, sexuality is becoming less of an ignored topic in media. However, stereotypes are stereotypes because they are constantly portrayed as so in media, and these representations of both male and female roles can often change a person's values and beliefs into these roles over time. Similarly, LGBTQ+ representation in film has become much more prevalent in media, since traditionally, LGBTQ+ representations were ignored or negatively/falsely portrayed, and as we can see in social media, people who see LGBTQ+ as a rare or harmful idea have been influenced by the older media representations. 

Because of this, films and media that break these stereotypes or accurately portray a group of people are praised, as many of their frustrations with stereotypes were realized.

Arcane - Arcane, an animated fantasy series contains many examples of these stereotypes being broken, especially surrounding the character and stereotypes of women, as well as some LGBTQ+ themes. 

Examples of such:

Mel Medarda - In many older films, many women are portrayed as powerful or wealthy only because of the way they were born/who they are in relation to. The stereotype here is that they had it easy, or are only able to be powerful under someone else.

In this film, it is the other way around. Mel Medarda is a powerful politician and businesswoman because of her hard work and cunning abilities, and in fact, some other characters are only succeeding because of her, such as Jayce, her partner. A very strong independent woman depicted the right way. 

Violet and Caitlyn - Heavily implied lesbian relationship, in a way that makes theatrical sense and fits right in with the plot. In this way, their relationship appears normal and it normalizes LGBTQ+ relationships. 

Separate from the question, there are many other examples, and I believe that this show is worth every watch.

4) Many times, wealthy people and minorities do not go together in many traditional movies, often because minorities are portrayed in a negative/racist stereotype or in a way that villainized them, depending on the person or environment in the film was produced in. One common trope in films that has a negative connotation (including with real-world context) is a futuristic city and country, portraying the new hardships and brutality of the world. However, the other common trope is that this often is used with Asian countries and cities, such as Tokyo or Beijing. 

(For a short backstory, this is rooted back during the time in American history when communism was feared and a heavily exaggerated on their threat through propaganda. One of these was focused on the Asian population, especially Chinese Americans. The fear of powerful Asian groups caused many films to portray their potential strength and dominance as being a cover for sinister and brutal activities sprung up.)

Aladdin - The conflict comes between a young and clever boy and a powerful ruler, where the young boy appears as the protagonist. 

The issue is that in this animation of Aladdin, the protagonist is portrayed with lighter skin and more European/Western features, while the antagonist is portrayed in a villainous form with Middle Eastern features and darker skin. The problem is that this only serves to subconsciously antagonize those who appear with Middle Eastern features while making the ones who appear to be western be the "good guys".

It is impossible for the media as a whole to portray every group correctly, due to the sheer diversity and population of the world. However, focusing on a couple at a time is the best way to come close to understanding everybody. Regardless, everyone has preconceived notions about groups of people, and even though it may not be obvious, some prejudices or expectations can leak through media.