The 21st century is one of the most bewildering times in human history. With unprecedented access to both truth and deception, secrets once buried by our ancestors, governments and media or suppressed through conditioning, we find ourselves in an era of fear and overwhelming uncertainty.

In the midst of all this chaos, we often seek escape in films, music or any source of entertainment, only to find a mockery of ourselves on the screen.

In the past few years, social media has brought even more attention to an important conversation: representation matters. Many were left haunted by the interpretation of genders and races from past pieces of media and demanded change immediately, but this urge from the public actually did more harm than good. 

Stereotypes ruin our understanding of one another. Yes, there are stereotypes for a reason, but there comes a time when this oversaturated interpretation of real people dehumanizes them, humiliating and ripping their story to shreds.

People who will go onto X or any social media platform for that matter, to advocate for change are not usually the ones who genuinely care for what they are asking for. When movies like “Emilia Perez,” a film that has garnered controversy for portraying Mexicans ignorantly, come into play, these people remain silent. To them, it wasn’t about advocating for the little guys, but rather performative activism.

By definition, performative activism is when someone supports a social justice cause to increase their social capital. Generation Z and younger generations most likely grew up with access to social media from a young age. This access has conditioned them to believe that if you have a social media account and do not repost or talk about a political issue that the majority agrees with, you will be shunned.

You see, about half of people who repost an image or post on their stories, frustrated and annoyed at the world and our leaders, feel that they have done their part. Why wouldn’t they? These people are letting their friends know that they care, empathizing with those whose voices are unheard. But yet again, when the media and rich are the example for everyday folks, why wouldn’t they?

Instead of listening to one another, empathizing with their story, their past and truly, freedom, online trolls decide to make you feel ashamed.

With admiration, they believe that their favorite companies and public figures are incredible, that they care as they post a black square on their Instagram, donate money to organizations who are actually not helping those whom they’re advocating for and attend protests solely for their Instagram stories.

Real representation matters.

People do not want to be forced into a space just so the masses can applaud and move onto their next victim; no, they want to be allowed the opportunity to be considered and accepted in forms of entertainment, not for the color of their skin, but for their character and talent.

Michael Jackson was the first Black artist to have a music video in heavy rotation on MTV in the 1980s. MTV did not want to air him or any Black artist for that matter, as they believed they didn’t fit their aesthetic. It was the people though, the MTV audience, that pushed heavily at MTV, which eventually led them to play “Billie Jean,” which led to a variety of Black artists projected by one of the biggest channels of its time.

Throughout history, racism and sexism have fueled a war of hate, but real change comes from the people who push those in power to be inclusive and just. The media may claim to be listening and evolving, but take a look at your screen—have they really?

It is time. Let this moment in history be a reminder that you were chosen to be the change.

Follow the Daily Wildcat on Instagram and Twitter/X

Valeria Nalani is a student at the University of Arizona studying Business Management.