Take a moment to reflect on the town you grew up in. What did it look like? Were the streets clean? What kind of people did you grow up with? Were your classrooms filled with students who looked just like you?
As teenagers, our entire world consisted of where we lived and who surrounded us. Many of us grew up in a small, insulated bubble, shaped by our environment, and it wasn't until we encountered something outside of our daily lives that our perspective began to shift. More often than not, that moment came while watching TV or a film.
Breaking the Bubble with Film
Film and television have the unique ability to burst our childhood bubble, exposing us to cultures, experiences, and places beyond our own. Through on-screen diversity, we see the world through a new lens, one that includes a variety of cultural backgrounds, social issues, and personal stories that often go unnoticed in our everyday lives. Whether it’s a bustling city grappling with poverty or a character confronting unique personal struggles, films allow us to explore worlds we never knew existed.
More importantly, on-screen representation not only broadens our perspective but also gives people from minority backgrounds the chance to feel seen and heard. Seeing characters that share our cultural or personal experiences helps break down stereotypes and fosters a sense of inclusion. For those who rarely see themselves reflected in the media, the impact can be profound.
Representation That Breaks Stereotypes
A great example of this is season two of the hit series Never Have I Ever. The show portrays the life of an Indian-American teenager whose family and friends defy the stereotypical portrayals of Indian culture. Through its relatable characters and engaging storylines, the show resonates with Indian-Americans who often feel misrepresented. By addressing issues like mental health, family expectations, and identity, Never Have I Ever helps Indian-American teens feel seen, heard, and accepted, directly contributing to their mental well-being.
Similarly, the documentary Who’s on Top? shines a light on the experiences of LGBTQ+ mountaineers, offering an authentic portrayal of their lives. It challenges stereotypes related to gender and sexuality, providing audiences with a more nuanced understanding of what it means to be part of the LGBTQ+ community. For LGBTQ+ teens, films like this provide a sense of comfort and validation, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.
How Representation Impacts Mental Health
For many teens, grappling with identity—whether related to culture, sexuality, or mental health—can be an isolating experience. This is where diverse representation in film becomes crucial. It offers teens an escape from their own bubble, showing them that they are not alone in their feelings of uncertainty or alienation. Seeing characters who look like them or share similar experiences fosters a sense of belonging, helping teens navigate the often overwhelming emotions that come with adolescence.
This is especially important for minority teens, who may not always feel represented in the mainstream media. Without on-screen diversity, they risk feeling disconnected, marginalized, and unseen in society. When teens see their own stories reflected on-screen, it can help them understand that their experiences matter and that they have a place in the world.
My Personal Experience with Representation
Growing up as a minority, I rarely saw Indian-Americans on screen. This lack of representation often left me feeling invisible, as though my experiences weren’t important enough to be shared. On the rare occasion that I did see an Indian character, they were usually portrayed through exaggerated stereotypes—often for comedic or dramatic effect. These portrayals didn’t reflect the complexities of my culture, and I often felt misrepresented.
The emergence of more diverse stories in film has been a game-changer. With shows like Never Have I Ever, I see authentic portrayals of Indian-Americans that go beyond the surface-level stereotypes. This kind of representation promotes cultural appreciation and acceptance, allowing teens like me to feel validated and empowered.
The Importance of Building a Diverse Film Collection
So, circling back to those initial questions—how different is the bubble you grew up in from the world of film? Does the on-screen representation you see today have a positive impact on your mental health? The media we consume has a powerful influence on how we see ourselves and others, especially during our formative years.
If you're in a position to influence what teens watch—whether as a parent, educator, or librarian—it’s crucial to build a film library that includes diverse stories. By doing so, you're providing teens with a safe, supportive escape and a sense of belonging in a world where they might otherwise feel excluded.
Check out more films that explore mental health