Accurately Representing Mental Health
Recently, being proactive about mental health in the media has been a trend and an important aspect of a successful show. However, while this is a worthwhile trial, many fail to consider the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes of mental health.
Many shows and movies tend to generalize and oversimplify the struggles of mental health. More specifically, showing that problems disappear when you find love or get a good job, while the reality of most the challenges run deeper than surface-level solutions.
Many viewers can notice the harmful effects of a show, while it goes unnoticed by others, an example includes Girl Meets World, they were praised for their portrayal of neurodiversity and addressing autism in children’s television. However, it was in poor taste, with lines including “No you don’t, tell them you don’t” after one of the character reveals his diagnosis, and they continue the conversation listing our symptoms that relate to him but his friend dismisses the relatability by stating that he will “stop doing that” and “you’re going to stop doing that” The portrayal of autism in this episode was educational but also distasteful.
The Hypocrisy of Hollywood
The youth of today have grown up with misconstrued idealisms on how one should live out their lives, with increased competition and constant comparison on social media and hollywood. However, an important aspect of this conversation is the hypocrisy of Hollywood, wherein the media can represent actors and models don’t have to have perfect figures, while in reality the industry rewards and praises those who conform to those standards.
Generation Z has grown up in an era where the media plays a huge role in shaping their perceptions, including how they view mental health. While there's been progress in representation, it's also true that a lot of media still gets it wrong, portraying mental health in inaccurate or even harmful ways.
Despite this, Gen Z's exposure to both good and bad portrayals of mental health has actually made them more critical consumers of media. They're more likely to question stereotypes and seek out diverse, authentic representations. This critical approach helps them discern between accurate depictions and harmful stereotypes.
How to Practice Media Literacy
To navigate this landscape, Gen Z can actively engage in media literacy by:
Questioning and challenging misleading representations of mental health when they encounter them.
Supporting content creators who prioritize accurate and respectful portrayals and call out those who perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
And advocate for more responsible media practices, pushing for greater diversity and authenticity in mental health representation across all forms of media.
By actively challenging misrepresentation and promoting accurate portrayals, Gen Z can help shape a media landscape that fosters greater understanding and empathy towards mental health struggles.
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