Abstract
Representation in literature, popular culture, and media has been shown to influence identity development and belonging as exemplified in the enduring hashtag #RepresentationMatters. However, mixed race representation on television has received little attention in research and scholarship. Hence, this essay examines how multiracial characters are portrayed in coming of age and young adult storylines from four TV series (All American, Charmed, Trinkets, and Dear White Peoples) representing two different networks (Netflix and The CW). Through a close reading of dialogue within the context of larger story arcs, we identify and critique common tropes in order to further multiracial literacy and inform pedagogical practice in the classroom. Specifically, three analytical themes are explored: (a) the perceived promise of racial mixing toward transcending Blackness, (b) the boundaries of Blackness, and (c) the grappling with identity and what it means to claim Blackness. Our discussion illuminates the need for more deliberate considerations when constructing mixed race characters on TV so that their portrayals reach the full potential of multiracial representation. We conclude with recommendations for more critical portrayals of multiracial young people and the intentional usage of such media in pedagogical efforts within college classrooms.
Recommended Citation
Johnston-Guerrero, Marc P. and Combs, Lisa Delacruz
(2023)
"Mixedness Comes of Age: Learning from Multiracial Portrayals in Young Adult TV Series,"
Dialogue: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Popular Culture and Pedagogy: Vol. 10:
Iss.
1, Article 3.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dialogue/vol10/iss1/3
Included in
African American Studies Commons, American Popular Culture Commons, Community-Based Learning Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Curriculum and Social Inquiry Commons, Educational Sociology Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Commons, Social Justice Commons, Television Commons