Faceoff: Does forced inclusion exist in pop culture?

The Messenger debates whether pop culture forces inclusivity

Graphic by Disha Kumar, features editor

Yes

Sanjana Gopu, Staff Writer

As the topic of inclusivity within media and pop culture becomes a rising issue, companies and streaming platforms such as CW or Netflix have been forcing a reputation of inclusivity, when in reality, they do these stunts in order to earn a trophy from their audience or a panel of critics. 

Inclusivity means equal, representative, and most importantly, treating one as part of a whole. And while streaming platforms and media may seem like they’ve been inclusive, in reality, they aren’t quite there yet.

Netflix, perhaps the most popular on-demand streaming platform, created new sections on their page, with titles such as “Women Who Rule the Screen” or the “LGBTQ+ collection.” Disregarding their failed attempt at a creative title, these collections are distinguishing a female-lead or a gay person in media as “different” or “abnormal,” which isn’t treating them as inclusive. These TV shows are made with a normal storyline in which the identity of the character is not relevant but randomly emphasized, which is forced inclusivity - giving the impression that the character is there to check off diversity.

Don’t get me wrong, inclusivity needs to happen, and I’m not saying that hiring actors from minorities is a bad thing - but there is a difference between inclusivity and forced inclusivity. There are plenty of shows with a great diverse cast, but don't force diversity. Shows like Netflix’s “Sex Education” or “Grey’s Anatomy” have great casting and well-written characters, who are given a life outside of their race or sexuality. This kind of inclusivity doesn’t make being a minority something weird or something that requires a whole collection in Netflix to seem loved, but normal. On the flip side, forced inclusivity sends the message that being a minority is something to point out. 

But it’s not whether forced inclusivity is bad or not. It’s whether it exists. 

And the answer is quite simple. Unless you’ve been completely disconnected from recent pop culture and media, it’s easy to tell that the media has changed over the past couple of years, and has become more “inclusive” in name only. You could look at hit sitcoms and notice the lack of diversity in the cast, such as “Friends”, which has an all-white cast. But now, in things like modeling campaigns, you’ll see that majority of models are white, but then there’s a single person of color. It could be one or two, but that’s enough to be pegged as “inclusive.” 

The audience praises these few instances where a minority is represented in media, and thus platforms or media in general are given a boost in terms of diversity. All of a sudden the media is so inclusive, and we’re doing amazing in terms of diversity and representation. This can also be defined as tokenism. Tokenism is an instance in which small amounts of underrepresented people are hired in order to achieve one thing for the media, to appear as if they treat all races equally. 

We can track back to where I defined inclusivity in my perspective. Based on these examples, I’d say inclusivity isn’t something pop culture necessarily takes part in. Inclusivity has to be genuine for it to be called as such, anything other than that is forced. The media’s definition of inclusivity is one person from any minority being part of something for a reason that isn’t “inclusive” - it’s to not seem completely exclusive.

No

Mekayla Upton, Staff Writer

In the past few years, forced inclusion has become an important matter of debate, especially in pop culture. Since the 2010s, the industry has become more and more inclusive. However, companies need to step up their game when it comes to diversity. For example, despite the fact that most companies celebrate pride month, the simple display of a rainbow flag for one month is not enough, even though it may be seen as a symbol of diversity. The additional merchandise sold associated with Pride Month does not help said group either. As a result of this phenomenon, some people might argue that this newfound diversification seems forced. However, the deeper you look into it, the more you realize this involvement is completely natural.  

With the rise of race and sexuality acceptance in society the last few decades, we have started to see a great deal of variety. This helps artists of different backgrounds gain popularity rather than being put aside automatically due to social factors. Historically, there existed much judgment towards individuals of other backgrounds. Inclusion, although a new concept in pop culture, is very significant to members of marginalized communities and helps them feel accepted.   

Even within mainstream media, there exists a great range of styles and artistic formats, like the music and television industry. As a result, pop culture happens beyond the screen, but instead, in our everyday lives. Differences between industries also contribute to diversity, although a different kind. Stylistic differences also help promote individuality inside and outside of artists’ lives. The effects of the entertainment industry are present all around us. It can influence many different peoples' viewpoints on others. Streaming companies are part of this industry's umbrella and as a result, have a duty to promote values that praise inclusion. In streaming platforms like Netflix, shows are organized into sections. The LGBTQ+ community, for instance, has its own section. Netflix’s ways of incorporating diversity help inspire other companies to do the same, which would in turn create a domino effect. Netflix notices a group that lacks recognition then takes the proper means to include said group. Other companies, however, do not do so well at enforcing inclusion into their content. For example, Starbucks put out annual products for the LGBTQ+ community during June. However, this is not enough. Although a rainbow cup is nice, it does not bring enough recognition to the community. If anything, the company should have the cup year round as a symbol of LGBTQ+ inclusion.  

Pop culture does not force inclusion because the diverseness we perceive in pop culture is already around us. The amount of diversity we currently see is good and is not forced. As time goes on, streaming platforms, for example, will need to have additional inclusion to match the mass majority of their viewers. Through this, society will become more open to newer concepts. This welcoming helps groups feel safe and ensures that they are being appropriately represented in the media. The diversity we see in pop culture today will help us become a more open and welcoming society. It will do this because of the lack of force when it comes to inclusion in pop culture.