Concurrent Panel Session Nine
Representation in Romantic Comedies
Start Date
8-4-2018 11:00 AM
End Date
8-4-2018 11:50 AM
Abstract
Interracial romantic relationships receive little to no representation in the media today, specifically in romantic comedies. This is an issue, as the lack of diversity onscreen causes same-race couples and individuals belonging to a racial majority to view interracial couples as an “othered group,” therefore damaging how that couple is perceived by society. To combat this issue, more romantic comedies need to feature interracial couples. In my paper, I will be using The Big Sick as a model to show that the representation of interracial couples in romantic comedies is not equal to the estimated percentage of interracial couples in society today, and also explaining why that discrepancy needs to be corrected.
Representation in Romantic Comedies
Interracial romantic relationships receive little to no representation in the media today, specifically in romantic comedies. This is an issue, as the lack of diversity onscreen causes same-race couples and individuals belonging to a racial majority to view interracial couples as an “othered group,” therefore damaging how that couple is perceived by society. To combat this issue, more romantic comedies need to feature interracial couples. In my paper, I will be using The Big Sick as a model to show that the representation of interracial couples in romantic comedies is not equal to the estimated percentage of interracial couples in society today, and also explaining why that discrepancy needs to be corrected.