oohhhh interesting! would you be open to rambles about representation too? Because I have a LOT of thoughts about it

huh that's a cool project idea!

First of all, do you prefer stories centering around representation ("rep") or having rep woven into the story? I think I prefer when the rep is woven in, it feels more natural and interesting. I do think centering around the rep has it's place though, if it's accurate.

1. What do you think is an appropriate amount of diversity for any given story/media, and are there any reasons it should vary? I like natural stories (with rep woven in) and sometimes it feels a little artificial if everyone is completely diverse and that's emphasized. I guess it depends on the point of the story (if the plot is revolving around rep or not) and the mood; like does it feel like different rep is just a checklist or if it's actually interesting. I don't have specific examples though.

1. Should writers/people creating/producing media go into the project thinking about plot or rep first? Plot! Just focusing on rep feels artifical to me, although I'm sure it could be done well.

2. How do you think rep should be subtly woven in? What do you want to see? (eg: scars, symptoms, etc) Some mention of how it affects daily life/character development without making whatever the rep is solely a reason for differences and trauma. I don't like it when a specific issue becomes the only personality trait for a character.

3.  

   1. Do you think there is accurate representation in media today? Yes and no. I think there are definitely places with great accurate representation and also some without. To a certain extent, I think sometimes diversity goes to far: if your entire set of characters is a certain identity, it feels manufactured to me. I think I see this most often with queerness: while I understand maybe people gravitate towards others sharing identity aspects, often all the characters are some flavor of queer. And maybe that's the point of the story, but it can frustrate me.

1. What are some of your pet peeves when it comes to portraying diversity/rep in media (being as specific as possible is greatly appreciated)? Ugh I just really hate it when a specific identity trait is all I ever see of a character. If someone's entire personality is that they're [x identity], or if their personality/actions is entirely trauma-focused and that is a result of [x identity] it's very annoying. One-dimensional characters are the worst.

1. What groups do you think media has enough rep of? I don't know if there is a sense of enough. I read/listen to/watch things that are skewed to identities I'm part of, so even if it feels like there's enough of some of that it's not representative of everyone.

1. In your opinion, which has more rep (disability version) I think invisible/neuro? But mostly inaccurate representation, so idk?

2. Thinking about a minority group as a whole, there are typically subsets of that group (eg: LGBTQIAP2-S+ has many identities, neurodiversity has a wide variety, etc). What specific subset(s) do you think needs more recognition in media? I'd say not specifically any group, but an intersectionality of various identities. That's harder to find well-developed imo.

1. What types of stories/plots do you want to see more of (Could be for stories that have good rep, but not necessarily)? Ones without miracle endings. Like I don't think [oh i struggle with this random thing] -> [wow i fixed my life with the power of friendship turns out its not a real issue i am happy now] is realistic or helpful. I'd rather have [oh i struggle with this random thing] -> [hm maybe i still struggle but [xxx plot thing]].

Examples of books/movies/TV/podcasts/other media with not-so-great rep and why? (You can spoil the story, I don't mind) um a lot of kids shows/movies/things? Like this is a random example because I saw someone's (Rainbow's maybe?) post on Random Thoughts/Things but Phineas and Ferb has a TON of clichés (like Baljeet). In the same vein, a lot of Disney stuff. A lot of kids stuff sugarcoats everything in my opinion; like even if it's not misrepresentation, even just lack of representation/diversity is also bad.

1. 21. Examples of books/movies/TV/podcasts/other media with good rep and why? (You can spoil the story, I don't mind) I like Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive a lot; it's primarily plot-focused, but the characters have actual depth. And while they definitely have trauma stemming from various mental illnesses/whatever, it feels more realistic than manufactured. I think it has a pretty good depiction of depression, for example. I also like Alice Oseman for queer representation: it might be a little overdone but still mostly accurate. I also have a very foggy memory of reading these for school like five years ago but The Pants Project and Watch Us Rise were both books where the plot was basically representation of some identity which I thought were good.

2. idk I kind of rambled and said the same things over and over again but maybe this was helpful :)

This is such a cool survey!!! :DD I have to get to school soon but I will fill it out sometime later hopefully!

1. I am back! :)

    

   First of all, do you prefer stories centering around representation ("rep") or having rep woven into the story?

   1. I honestly love stories centering around rep. I mean, if you're going to include it, you might as well go all the way! Ofc, it's really good to have books that just have rep woven in too, and, hey, if it's a good book, no complaints here!

2. What do you think media is doing now rep-wise, and do you think it's good/working? Why?

   Well, I think media is trying to diversify more, which is great :D I do think it's working, because... well, there is more representation out there, and it's accurate representation! I will say that some animated Asian characters in recent movies and tv shows could definitely look more Asian... as mentioned above, if you're going to do it, go all the way!

1. What do you think is an appropriate amount of diversity for any given story/media, and are there any reasons it should vary?

   Huh. I guess just whatever fits for the story. If you can put diversity in, put diversity in!!!! But if not, then that's fine, but don't be hateful, and if you need to be, then somehow acknowledge/make clear that that's wrong. Sidenote: I love how Hamilton has such a diverse cast even though in reality, they definitely weren't as diverse :D

1. Should writers/people creating/producing media go into the project thinking about plot or rep first?

2. How do you think rep should be subtly woven in? What do you want to see? (eg: scars, symptoms, etc)

   For like ethnic representation, definitely culture!!! :D food is amazing :)

1. Is the current representation in media playing too much into stereotypes?

2. Adding onto the previous question, explain your answer.

1. Do you think there is accurate representation in media today?

2. About the previous question: Why?

What are some of your pet peeves when it comes to portraying diversity/rep in media (being as specific as possible is greatly appreciated)?

as I said, Asian people can definitely look more Asian... :/ 

1. How far should people go in regards to representation?

Specific groups

1. What groups do you think have the best/most rep?

   Black communities and Asian communities. And lgbtq+, actually. Besides those... eh, I'm probably not the best person to ask for this :)

1. What groups do you think media has enough rep of?

I don't think you can have enough rep of something, in the sense that if there's a story waiting to be told, then tell it! But it can definitely have more rep of other groups.

1. What groups do you think media lacks in rep of? (Doesn't mean what you want to see, but in general)

   I think people with different body types, people with disabilities, and neurodivergent people

   What groups do you want to see more of in media?

Asian and lgbtq+, always :P

1. In your opinion, which has more rep (disability version)

   1. I think that there's so much diversity in invisible/neuro and physical disabilities, so you can't really have enough rep. The media tends to just focus on like one tiny part of all of that, I think, soo... I have to go do homework ahhhh

2. Thinking about a minority group as a whole, there are typically subsets of that group (eg: LGBTQIAP2-S+ has many identities, neurodiversity has a wide variety, etc). What specific subset(s) do you think needs more recognition in media?

Stories

1. What types of stories/plots do you see a lot of (Could be in stories that have representation like this, but not necessarily)?

Hardships related to rep, dealing with hate/injustice, lots of numbers (for OCD, and maybe others)

1. What types of stories/plots do you want to see more of (Could be for stories that have good rep, but not necessarily)?

Examples

1. Examples of books/movies/TV/podcasts/other media with not-so-great rep and why? (You can spoil the story, I don't mind)

Ooh might answer this one later... for now though, Eleanor and Park! Never read it, so I can't exactly judge, but from what I've heard... o_O no thank you.

1. 21. Examples of books/movies/TV/podcasts/other media with good rep and why? (You can spoil the story, I don't mind)

1. First of all, do you prefer stories centering around representation ("rep") or having rep woven into the story? 

   1. Rep woven in! I like it when it feels just like a part of the story and not directly broadcasted. Like just having a character be without making it a big deal.

2. What do you think media is doing now rep-wise, and do you think it's good/working? Why? 

3. I think media is doing well in diversity and rep in general and just trying to include more, which is good.

1. What do you think is an appropriate amount of diversity for any given story/media, and are there any reasons it should vary?

2. Enough to make it noticeable but natural, like as I said before, not broadcasting it

1. Should writers/people creating/producing media go into the project thinking about plot or rep first?

   1. Plot! Rep in my opinon should in most cases not be the main point of the story, instead simply be an important aspect

2. How do you think rep should be subtly woven in? What do you want to see? (eg: scars, symptoms, etc)

3. Like Celine said, culture and food! Symptoms also work, like not broadcasting it nor hiding it.

1. Is the current representation in media playing too much into stereotypes?

   1. Between neutral and agree

2. Adding onto the previous question, explain your answer.

3. Although media has tried to step away from it, which is nice, there are often still stereotypes within stories and things like that, either with or without meaning to.

1. Do you think there is accurate representation in media today?

   1. somewhat

2. About the previous question: Why?

3. Like I said before, the media tries to do its best to do an accurate representation, but generally it doesn't really represent the entirety of it, which is understandable, but still, it would be nice if it included more minorities and less mentioned groups that need rep

1. What are some of your pet peeves when it comes to portraying diversity/rep in media (being as specific as possible is greatly appreciated)?

The character with the diversity/rep being purely about the rep and the whole plot being just that. It's okay sometimes, but I generally prefer rep when its subtle and only a part of it. also when words or terms in different cultures, etc. are used incorrectly.

1. How far should people go in regards to representation?

2. enough to make them feel represented :) 

1. What groups do you think have the best/most rep?

2. I think races like Asian and Black in general have the most rep

1. What groups do you think media has enough rep of?

2. is it possible to have that? idk

1. What groups do you think media lacks in rep of? (Doesn't mean what you want to see, but in general)

2. Neurodivergent people (especially nonverbal or severe) and indigenous people

1. What groups do you want to see more of in media?

2. same as Celine :) disabilities (physical and mental) as well

1. In your opinion, which has more rep (disability version)

   1. maybe physical more? since they tend to have more accomodations

2. Thinking about a minority group as a whole, there are typically subsets of that group (eg: LGBTQIAP2-S+ has many identities, neurodiversity has a wide variety, etc). What specific subset(s) do you think needs more recognition in media?

3. maybe those who are multiracial, nonverbal autism, or those who belong in multiple groups

1. What types of stories/plots do you see a lot of (Could be in stories that have representation like this, but not necessarily)?

2. racial representation and women in power

1. What types of stories/plots do you want to see more of (Could be for stories that have good rep, but not necessarily)?

Neurodiversity and disabilities and lgbt and also Taiwanese characters!! There's a lot of Chinese and I would love to see more of Taiwanese (and its differences).

1. Examples of books/movies/TV/podcasts/other media with not-so-great rep and why? (You can spoil the story, I don't mind)

2. Music by Sia, which I've never watched but I've heard the summary and it's pretty bad, especially since it used a neurotypical actor to play an autistic character

1. 21. Examples of books/movies/TV/podcasts/other media with good rep and why? (You can spoil the story, I don't mind)

2. I'm not entirely sure about good rep (unless I'm part of it) so I'll just list books that I thought were good (but i dont really know) And I would totally recommend any of these books!!

3. - Amari and the Night Brothers (Black rep that is woven in well and a fantasy/magic story!) and A Taste of Magic (same as Amari, highlights more Black rep with food)

4. - Inside Out and Back Again + When Clouds Touch Us (asian, especially vietnamese, which I dont see as much, rep)

5. - Hummingbird (disability, and although it was a big-ish part of it, it still has a plot to it and is pretty good, especially the ending!)

6. - Blended (mixed rep)

7. - Out of My Mind (more severe, nonverbal cerebral palsy rep)

8. - George (lgbt/trans rep) and Alice Austen Lived Here (nb rep) and Different Kinds of Fruit (lgbt rep in general)

9. - Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy: A Graphic Novel, a modern retelling with more representation and is little women but in the modern days. I really enjoyed the touches they added to it which made it seem both like rereading a good book and fresh and new. It has lgbt and racial rep that is more woven in, and it erases the stereotypes that were in the original little women. 

General

1. If they're done well, either one is fine.

2. Media seems to be doing both a lot, and very little, rep-wise. It's like everyone's bending over backwards trying to throw in characters of various skin colors and orientations and so on, but when you come right down to it, there's hardly any representation of different personalities and ideas. And most main characters are still "classic" Americans anyway - it's like all the different ethnicities and so on are just minor characters on the side. As for whether it's good - in general, no. Most of the media plays too much into stereotypes, misrepresentation, lack of real diversity, glamorization, etc.

3. An appropriate amount of diversity would be exactly as much as comes naturally to the author. It shouldn't be artificial, in other words, because that decreases the value and genuinity of the work - and it makes it all meaningless, because the very idea of diversity becomes something artificial. The audience's age range should also be taken into account.

4. Plot. Always. Or whatever else is inspiring for the media creator. Creativity has to flow from a natural place; it's like C. S. Lewis said, when you're writing, you find out what the message of your story is as you go along. Otherwise, the other aspects of your story will suffer. Personally, I'd much rather have a good story. You definitely can be motivated by the desire to help and uplift minority groups, though, so maybe it varies by situation.

5. If you're going to have rep, it should be naturally woven in - like if the main character's best friend is Asian American, it should be because the author naturally imagined the friend as Asian. If the author isn't naturally thinking along those lines, then let's dispense with the rep altogether. It's not so important that the author should fiddle with the story just to include it. One nice thing would be to have descriptions of a character's physical appearance, instead of stipulating that the character is of a particular group. As for scars and symptoms, those had probably better not be subtly woven in at all, because context would be important, especially for highlighting the negativity of violence and illness.

6. Strongly agree. I wouldn't be qualified to answer this question about all groups, but for Hispanics specifically, absolutely YES. Sometimes it's not even steretypes, it's just whatever weird thing the author imagined about Latin culture. Male dominance and family strictness are two myths that are completely untrue and that people need to get over. If anyone dominates in Latin society, it's women, and families are actually really caring and supportive. Meanwhile, other important fundamentals of Latin culture, like Catholicism and humor/color/enjoyment of life, are never included - and those are the positive, important aspects that people could actually benefit from! Seriously. 

7. No. Absolutely not. Take Mexican representation, for instance - everybody always seems to be carrying on about ghosts and graveyards and the spirits of the dead and escaping the border patrol, and that's just silly and weird. Mexican culture isn't about that at all. It's about parties, and flowers, and colors, and food, and Catholicism, and family, and friends, and spending Sunday afternoons in your bedroom reading a book or doing nothing, while doves coo outside and the sun shines through your window, and having breakfast in a hotel restaurant with your grandparents and cousins, and making fun of the political system with your friends, and so much else.

There's another aspect of this, which is that the media is kind of steretypizing diversity itself. They include ethnicities and disabilities and orientations galore, but what about personality? What about worldview? What about new morals/beliefs, like socialism? (Haha, if the media really want to be diverse, they should feature a Marxist main character, but they're never going to do that, which just shows you how "inclusive" they really are.)  While they glamorize outer aspects of a character, like appearance, they don't go any further. I personally would love to see a strong, friendly, confident, fun-loving, enthusiastic, caring (ahem, all you egotistical modern heroines) heroine, but I've never encountered one. I've related to characters only rarely, regardless of their ethnicity or gender - and being the partly-Latina one here, I'd technically be benefited by greater rep, but it honestly doesn't make that much difference. Instead, it's the deeper aspects of a character that really define him or her, and the media is completely ignoring that. There's a real lack of new, original voices in the media. The media should include authors from other countries (as opposed to just Americans) - or authors who refuse to do product placement, or who want to write about climate change, or who want to portray ordinary happy families.

Anyway, coming back to the Mexican representation, it's totally understandable that people can't represent it properly. To understand a culture, you have to have lived in the place and spoken the language and all the rest of it. So they should stop with trying to "represent" us! If only the media would realize that Mexicans aren't just feeble dependents who can only do things if they read books about people who look like them. It's condescending.

8. By now you probably have a pretty good idea of my pet peeves, but here's a specific list:

-Ghosts, spirits of the ancestors, supernatural things in general, and the border patrol in Mexican-American stories. 

-Glamorization of lesbian and gay characters, which seems to happen a lot in romcoms.

-Dividing people up into specific subgroups and labeling them, making it seem as if your label is the only thing that defines you.

-The pure egotisticalness of it all. Yes, it's lovely to include many voices and all that. But it makes you think so much about yourself, yourself, yourself - instead of thinking about others, and what you share with them, and how you can help them.  Diversity, as it's currently being handled, individualizes society. Which is not good, because people need to work together as a team and look beyond themselves. And it distracts from what is right - the notion that there is also a standard of behavior and morals that everyone should aspire to.

9. So probably things like mental illness should be handled with caution, if at all. It's not that you want to make mental illness seem wrong or sinful, but you don't want to make it seem positive, either. Compassion, rather than admiration or hatred, is the middle balance that the media should try to create. As for violent or perverted characters, they shouldn't be included at all (except as villains or whatever).

Specific groups

1. Americans have the best rep. Girls of all nationalities are very common as well.

2. Capitalist, selfish, disagreeable, unpleasant characters of all types are represented quite enough :/

3. Groups that are lacking rep: People who are facing difficulties or speaking out against the status quo. For instance:

-climate activists! Even Greta Thunberg has completely disappeared from the news, perhaps because she's a serious person who's saying things that the media might not want people to hear.

-people who get sick from Covid. Honestly, there are so many people battling illness and isolation, and nobody ever talks about them. If anything, those who wear masks are ostracized, and it's horrible.

4. Honestly, I really don't know...

5. I don't really know for that question either...

Stories

1. Stories commonly seen in the media:

-Romantic storylines or subplots 

-Main character tries to achieve something for her/himself

-Dark, violent plots where there isn't any reference to what is good or right, it's just glorification of violence

-Unhappy, sad, destructive narratives

2. Stories I'd like to see more of:

-Stories featuring strong, charismatic, enthusiastic, caring heroes/heroines whom one can actually relate with.

-The main character tries to achieve something for others

-Plots that glorify goodness, as opposed to Things Improper For The CB

-Positive, helpful, happy narratives

-stories with beautiful, skillful writing

Examples:

1. Not-so-great rep: well, there are lots of media with mainly European-American, straight characters, but like I said, it makes absolutely no difference to me. Still, if you want examples, Kasie West novels and adventure movies are fairly good ones.

2. Great rep: again, how are you defining rep... if you mean skin color/orientation/all that, then practically everything these days seems to include it. Literally, out of all the romcoms I'd read since June 2023, only one or two have purely straight characters. If you mean minorities who are fighting for their very lives, trying to speak up about a world system that isn't letting them be heard, then there's practically nothing. Wonder is really good, though! So's The Rose Maker, a French movie. And then there are nonfiction works like Native: Dispatches from an Israeli-Palestininan Life, by Sayed Kashua, which is really good at portraying the Israeli-Palestinian situation.

Hopefully this was helpful! My views on representation aren't the most conventional... (but then again, that means they should probably be represented lol). If I wasn't clear about something, feel free to ask :) And thanks for posting this survey, it was very interesting!