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"You can't be what you can't see." - Marian Wright Edelman
Why Representation Matters?
The quote from Edelman emphasises the critical significance of visibility and representation, particularly for members of underprivileged communities. It highlights the strength of seeing oneself represented in roles of achievement, leadership and happiness, which can uplift and empower people who might otherwise feel constrained by social norms.
Rita, who grew up in a mostly white area, probably finds great meaning in this phrase. She acknowledged that she frequently felt different and found it difficult to find representation of herself in popular culture and the media. One may feel alone and as though their experiences and viewpoints are not respected because of the lack of representation.
However, as Rita also noted, things are beginning to shift gradually. More and more Black people are succeeding in a variety of sectors and the value of diversity and inclusion is becoming increasingly recognised. Young people may be greatly impacted by this greater prominence since it might demonstrate to them that, whatever their circumstances, they too can fulfil their dreams.
The significance of representation is demonstrated by Rita's narrative. She is contributing to the creation of a world where young Black people can see good and inspiring reflections of themselves by sharing her experiences. They may be motivated to work towards their goals and have faith in their own abilities as a result.
"You can't be what you can't see" is ultimately a motivational statement. It serves as a reminder that everyone may contribute to the development of a society that is more equal and inclusive. We can help to create a world where everyone feels like they belong and has the chance to realise their full potential by giving disadvantaged groups more visibility and representation.
In Her Own Words: Rita's Story
Dani: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today, Rita. I really appreciate you sharing your experiences. To start off, can you tell me a bit about your family background and where your parents are from?
Rita: No worries, Dani, thanks for thinking of me to talk about this topic. My parents were both born in Nigeria and came to the UK in the 1980s. I was born in Liverpool, but we moved to Formby when I was young – it's a small village about 30 minutes outside the city.
Dani: Growing up in Formby, how did you perceive your racial identity in relation to the broader community?
Rita: Formby is a predominantly white area, so growing up, I was very aware of being different. It wasn't really ‘til uni(versity) that I met a more diverse range of people. As a kid, I honestly just wanted to be white to fit in. I remember watching loads of Disney films and relating more to the princesses than any of the other characters.
Dani: Did you ever feel that your race affected your experiences in school or social settings?
Rita: Yes, definitely. In school, some kids would call me names of Black female celebrities. Looking back, I'm not sure how I felt about it. Part of me wanted them to know my actual name, but I also loved being compared to people like Zendaya or Nicki Minaj.
Dani: Can you give me some other specific examples of instances where you felt that your race was a factor in how you were treated?
Rita: Hmm, it's hard to pinpoint specific instances, but it was often more about the subtle things. Like being stared at in shops, or people assuming I was good at sports just because I'm Black. Sometimes people would touch my hair without asking, which made me dead uncomfortable.
Dani: Have you ever felt that you were treated differently in the workplace or in educational settings because of your race?
Rita: Thankfully, not really in work. But in school, I did feel like teachers had lower expectations of me. Like they wouldn't push me as hard as some of the other students.
Dani: Why do you think that was?
Rita: It's hard to say for sure. Maybe it was unconscious bias, or maybe they just didn't think I was capable of achieving as much? It's frustrating because it can really hold you back. I remember once in high school, we were choosing our GCSE options and I told my teacher I wanted to take higher maths. He tried to talk me out of it, saying it would be too difficult for me and I ended up taking it anyway and got an 8! So, yeah, I think sometimes people underestimate you.
Dani: Were there any instances of racial discrimination or microaggressions that you experienced while at university?
Rita: It was better in terms of diversity, but there were still moments. I remember once in a seminar, someone made a comment about an ‘African tribe’ because there were 4 or 5 Black girls sitting together, it was ignorant and offensive.
Dani: How would you describe the community you grew up in? Did you feel a strong sense of belonging within the Black community?
Rita: Formby is quite a small and close-knit community, but it's not very diverse. I didn't really have a strong sense of belonging within a Black community until I went to university and met more people from similar backgrounds.
Dani: Have you ever felt that you had to code-switch or adapt your behaviour to fit in with different social groups?
Rita: Oh, definitely. I think all Black people do to some extent, but I'd be more conscious of my accent or the way I spoke around certain people.
Dani: How do you feel about the representation of Black people in the media and popular culture?
Rita: It is getting better, but there's still loads to do. I think it's important to see a wider range of Black stories and experiences represented, not just stereotypes. We need to see more Black characters in positions of power, more complex and nuanced portrayals and as well more stories that reflect the diversity of the Black experience. Like, growing up, I rarely saw Black characters on the telly who weren't either the sassy best friend or the struggling single parent. It would've been great to see more characters who were doctors, lawyers or scientists just like people who looked like me and were achieving great things… And it's not just about quantity, it's about quality! We need to move beyond the stereotypical portrayals of Black people as being either aggressive or overly emotional. We need to see more characters who are intelligent, compassionate and successful… I think things are slowly starting to change nowadays compared to growing up, but yeah there's still loads to do.
Dani: That makes sense. What changes, if any, would you like to see in society to address racial inequality?
Rita: I think education is key. We need to teach children about different cultures and histories from a young age and in a way that goes beyond just ticking boxes. We need to have open and honest conversations about race and racism. And we need to challenge racism wherever we see it, whether it's clear or subtle
Dani: Do you feel optimistic about the future of race relations in the UK?
Rita: It's a complex question. There has been progress in some areas, but there's also a lot of work to do. On one hand, for example, social media… it has given a voice to people who were previously marginalised. But it has also it's created echo chambers and amplified the divisive voices in the world. I think… the key is to keep having those difficult conversations, to keep challenging the prejudices and to keep pushing for a more inclusive society. It won’t be easy and there will be setbacks, but I believe we will get there.
Dani: Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and insights with me, Rita. This has been really valuable.
Rita: You're very welcome, Dani. I'm glad I could contribute to the discussion.