The media outlets that participated in discussing important race relations included such media giants as ABC News, ESPN, and the New York Times. But in Woods analysis also, there are disturbing trends. As he explains, for instance, many media outlets erroneously conflate the "Hispanic" with the word "immigrant." Some media commentators easily describe Mexican-Americans as "them" who could be contrasted with "us" (a code word for White Americans). These are but a few examples of how media misrepresents the realities of American diversity.
To improve diversity in the media, it is important to become proactive. First, we need to expose negative stereotyping and misrepresentation by responding to them in the media. We can contact the media stations and their sponsors and warn that we will withdraw our viewership and support unless they present American diversity in a balanced way. Second, we can pressure media stations to increase their ethnic staff, so that ethnic and racial minorities as well as women participate actively in producing reports about American diversity. This will ensure that potential stereotyping...
And third, we need to challenge the quality of reporting. Keith Woods (2001) provides a good blueprint for evaluating the quality of reporting. The following questions can be asked: does the story provide context? Does it embrace complexity? Do we hear the voices of the people? And does the story have the ring of authenticity? These steps can help improve diversity in the media. But these are secondary steps that can be expanded. The most important thing is to start acting and demand that media stations listen to all voices.
