Stereotypes in the media both assist and detract from the cause of diversity in the media. The media can at times promote diversity, but the media can also give diversity or particular stereotypes a negative connotation.
For example many middle eastern people are not portrayed in a positive light in the media. This detracts from support of diversity. Also different political groups are negatively portrayed, and this detracts from the cause of diversity. There are times when the media recognizes stereotypes and shows that they are false. For the most part stereotypes are displayed in a negative light.
Many news shows will shun people because of their political views. Sometimes the media seems like it wants to promote assimilation instead of celebrate diversity. Many news broadcasts cater strictly to certain political stand points. Many political campaigns slander and degrade other political views in the media. These stereotypes promote assimilation instead of diversity, and this can be harmful to society.
The effect of media portrayal on diversities consciousness in the workplace can be both positive and negative depending on the form of media or the subject portrayed. For instance when talking about a crisis or conflict the subjects may be looked upon in a negative light for being diverse. If the media is reporting or portraying a positive event or news story, then diversity might be positively emphasized.
Diversity in the workplace is portrayed in some areas of the media such as promotional areas. I think the marketing area of the media portrays diversity as common place, and this is probably beneficial to their goals. Marketing experts know that diversity is reality and they cater to diversity to sell products. Many commercials show diverse cultures, races, and genders. This positively impacts their goals of consumerism.
Although marketing in the media may portray diversity like it is common place they also assist in assimilation. These commercials assert some sort unity through consumerism which is a form of assimilation. Unity is a positive idea, but an individual should not have to give up personal culture in order to bring about unity.
The media assists and detracts from cultural diversity in the world and the workplace. In many ways the media and the stereotypes used by the media detract from diversity by adding negative connotations to certain groups or cultures. The media also promotes diversity in order to sell products, but there is an underlying tone of assimilation. Assimilation is not as powerful or productive as celebrating and welcoming diversity, and stereotypes are harmful to the world and workplace.
