#lejuanjames

Viewing multicultural media as a white person offered me an opportunity to expand my cultural empathy and broaden perspectives, while requiring active reflection on personal bias.

When choosing the topics for my Tumblr blog, I wanted to choose diverse ethnicities to be highlighted. In my television choice “Never Have I Ever”. An Indian American girl torn between her family’s Indian culture while trying to be an American teen, was the first time that an Indian American female was featured as a protagonist in a show.

In “Get Out”, I viewed the microaggressions and fetishizing of black culture by white people claiming to not see color. Racism was portrayed not by stereotypical “racists” but those who hide behind “color blindness”.

LeJuan James, a Hispanic author and social media influencer shows deep pride for Latino families through humor and shared experiences. James, L.[@lejuanjames](Instagram) In the current climate of our country, this pride is necessary for Hispanic communities that have been targeted.

LeJuan sharing memorable moments for Hispanic Heritage month

Each of these choices opened my eyes to how representation of cultures matters, how I need to confront my personal blind spots and how equality is still not equal.

Citations:

James, L.[@lejuanjames].Instagram.https://www.instagram.com/lejuanjames

Peele, J. (2017). Get Out. Universal Pictures.

Kaling, M., & Fisher, L. W. (Executive Producers). (2020–2023). Never Have I Ever [TV series]. Universal Television; 3 Arts Entertainment; Original Film.