Title: How Racial Stereotypes in Popular Media Affect People — and What Hollywood Can Do to Become More Inclusive | Scholars Strategy Network
Headings: How Racial Stereotypes in Popular Media Affect People — and What Hollywood Can Do to Become More Inclusive
How Racial Stereotypes in Popular Media Affect People — and What Hollywood Can Do to Become More Inclusive
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Nancy Wang Yuen
Harms from Portrayals of Racial and Ethnic Minorities in the Media
How Hollywood Can Take Strong Corrective Actions

Content: They should establish networking and mentoring programs for people of color, which research shows to have a positive effect on retention. They should pair new hires of color with key experienced people. This practice already exists; for example, ABC mandated that Shonda Rhimes, who had no television experience prior to her first show, Grey’s Anatomy, be paired with the more experienced James Parriott. This practice could be instituted across all ranks and positions, because such pairings do not just benefit the incoming people of color in terms of training and mentorship, but also veterans, who get exposure to fresh perspectives and new ideas. By generating inclusive social networks, Hollywood would attract and retain more talent of color. Chris Rock attributes his own success to the help of established black actors, such as Eddie Murphy, Keenen Ivory Wayans, and Arsenio Hall, who took “chances” on him. He, in turn, helps develop other black actors, such as Leslie Jones. More people of color in key positions and in the pipeline will help accelerate racial inclusion in the industry. In an ever more racially diverse world, Hollywood’s ability to include different racial and ethnic groups is pivotal.