Representation Analysis

Media representation is the way in which the media chooses to portray certain groups, communities, ideas, or topics from a particular perspective. With representation, the media tries to display the perceived reality of people, places, events, and cultural identities but they may not always be accurately depicted.

Representation Today

Over the past few years, representation for women in media has increased, but statistics show that its still not equal to the amount of male representation. Not to mention, sometimes these groups are misrepresented because of stereotypical beliefs.

However, women aren't the only group that is being underrepresented in media. Other groups include:

• the LGBT community 
• people of color 
• people with disabilities
• ranges of body types/sizes 

Although representation of minorities is slowly increasing, not all are being represented. This practice has to change because some people may feel excluded when they don't see someone they can relate to or someone who looks like them in the media. 

Tide Commercial

This ad features what seems like a very feminine woman shown through the colors she wears and attitude she has, speaking to her "tomboy" daughter who prefers wearing "hoodies and cargo shorts". The opposing attire creates a large contrast between these two characters. In media, little girls are often portrayed a cute, feminine manner. However, this ad challenges these stereotypical beliefs which works to immediately catch the attention of the audience because they see an atypical representation of a little girl. It also creates a bit of a humourous tone in the ad because of the mom's feelings towards her daughter's clothing preferences.

(Click this link to view the ad: https://criticalmediaproject.org/tide-ad/ )

H&M Commercial

This H&M ad is aimed towards defying all stereotypical views of different minorities. The producers did this by displaying the characters in attire different from the standard. It challenges the idea that men shouldn't wear pink, or people shouldn't wear hats indoors and other rules of fashion that have been imposed on our society. This ad works to make all viewers feel included because of the representation of all minorities and underrepresented groups including the elderly, women ,and people of color. This is a positive thing because H&M is a popular clothing brand that has great influence on younger generations. Everyone has unique tastes/likings in clothing, and nowadays people are choosing to represent who they are by what they wear. Many no longer try to mirror the typical view of their gender, race, age or ethnicity.

(Click this link to view the ad: https://criticalmediaproject.org/hm-close-the-loop-ad/)