Diversity in Children's Media

As we look back on most of the discussions we have had about diversity we see that there has been a trend of focusing on mainly the mainstream, with the white male role as a dominant feature.  Often, this can cause difficulties, particularly when it comes to being able to reach a wider audience.  A story about a young, good looking white boy from the suburbs who is struggling to find his way may not connect as well with a latino girl from the ghetto.  The point of diversity in media is to relate stories that recognize opportunities afforded and missed by people in good or bad economic, cultural, or social situations.  It recognizes often that cultural and economical limits can give limited agency to a child, but may also recognize the limitless potential and agency that child has in spite of their limits due to their capacity to explore.

In our viewings for the week, we watched a couple of "Storycorps" videos that portray very diverse circumstances while telling stories that are relate-able to all cultures and people.  One was a simple story told from the point of view of a mother and her son having an interview.  The son has aspbergers syndrome.  But the point of the video is not only found in the very heartfelt and raw interview, but also in the confronting of stereotypes and stigmas.  The little boy is heard interviewing his mother, and you can tell he has some struggles but you also hear his voice and know him as a human being.  Diversity allows us to learn more about others beyond the stereotype.  The boy clearly has overcome many challenges afforded him by his mental disorder, and we are able to learn about him as a person.  His condition isn't an issue anymore.

In Bicycle Thieves  we see a different side of diversity.  We see a family that is in a very poor financial situation, and yet they have happiness, joy and love.  Hope comes into the picture in the form of a new job for the dad, but trials and obstacles pop up everywhere.  The economic struggles that are portrayed are not new or unique but they might be missed if we don't give them the attention they deserve in media. We