The images of women of colour (WOC) over time have changed, but our presence in media has still a long way to go.
In Scotland, women represent only 6% of editors of major newspapers, 9% of political editors of major newspapers, and 33% of heads of national broadcasters. While these statistics are bad enough, it doesn’t dissect its analysis further into women of colour (largely because there is no point, the number is 0). This, confirms that, women, facing multiple discriminations – women of colour, are less likely to be promoted to positions of power and are more likely to face discrimination in media. The Pass the Mic – Women of colour commentators of Scotland seek to reverse this statistic; and, it is for reasons like this, I have become involved in this great project.
Representation matters. This is because the portrayals of women of colour in media not only affects how others see us, but it affects how viewers see themselves. When people are represented, it sends a message that everyone has an equal place.
It is important to have equal representation in media, because it is the avenue through which society accesses the outside world. It is where insight is gained into the richness of diverse cultures, and where perceptions are made. Here we gain and share knowledge, empower people to learn from others, and to better understand the world, having a greater understanding and appreciation for all. To ignore this, is to paint a one sided and incomplete picture of the richness of diversity. Often, with harmful consequences for those who are missing.
Furthermore, we matter in media, because it has a great influence on the audience and also affects their life experiences. There are certain stories that should include women of colour or, can actually only be told by us. If we have the same group of people speaking on a topic such as, ‘the Economic Impact of Life in Lockdown amongst the working class in Scotland’ for instance, then we have created a biased and incomplete narration of the impact. Women of colour are more likely to be living in poverty, to have low-income or precarious work. To not include their lives in such an article, is to ignore a critical feature of the issue being discussed.
It is for reasons as these, I became involved in this project. We will bring a different perspective that is often not shown in general media. Being part of the Pass the Mic project, I will help to bring awareness and possibly reduce the unconscious biases that might affect how observers understand and engage with women of colour. Additionally, by depicting stronger women of colour (like myself) in media, who are chasing after their dreams, I hope to inspire other girls/women, by showing them, that we are strong and as equal as everyone else.
Dr. Brown is the Director of the Economic Lead, providing academic and market research on economics and business, as it relates to current events and the world. To find out more about her work, please visit http://www.economiclead.com
I appreciated this read and look forward to reading more about talented, overlooked emerging women of colour who is already out there but have to be elevated into their roles which they have been excluded from fiurvwhicever reason the wider society is claiming.