Why is representation needed in this media?
Representation is incredibly important, as it allows people from marginalised communities to be seen within certain medias, and can make all the difference to anyone of any age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation. By creating shows with such diverse representation for those people to feel validated and seen, as well as incorporating their cultural heritage, traditions, and lifestyle and committing them to screen is something that isn’t talked about enough, and can be worthwhile as well as beneficial to those communities.
Why animated shows in particular?
Animated shows are typically good for immersing children (as well as anyone, really) into the multicultural world we live in, and with bright and lovable characters combined with engaging storylines and incredible animating, creates a wonderful learning environment mixed in with a little fun.
Amphibia
Amphibia, a show created by Matt Braly & made by disney, features a trio notably referred to as the Calamity Trio, venturing into the world of Amphibia, full of talking frogs, toads, & newts. The trio consists of Anne Boonchuy, Marcy Wu, and Sasha Waybright, all different yet unique which is what brings them together. The show continuously features positive representation of Thai-American & Chinese-American representation, as well as hinting at queer-coded & neurodivergent-coded characters. However, the show isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as the incredible plot reaches a far more twisted standpoint throughout the progression of the content released from season three so far.
The Owl House
The Owl House, created by Dana Terrace & produced by disney, features a latina protagonist Luz Noceda, who journeys into the world of the Boiling Isles, specifically a small town called Bonesborough. She meets a variety of colourful characters, such as academic rival Amity Blight, bubbly Willow Park, and optimistic Gus Porter. Luz is confirmed bisexual, and Amity is canonically lesbian. The show has a wonderfully engaging storyline, with various moments that’ll make you laugh and cry.
She-Ra & the Princesses of Power
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power created by Noelle Stevenson & produced by Netflix, is a reboot of the popular 80s show She-Ra, made to fit the more modern way of living. It features a friends to enemies to lovers dynamic, well-developed and well-written, over the progression of five seasons in this high fantasy - albeit slightly dystopian - series. Protagonists Adora and Catra battle out their emotions, and fight for opposing sides in a war between the grim Horde and the powerful Princesses. Many praise the show for its diverse cast as well as its developed story, keeping viewers hooked to the final moments of the incredible best-friend-squad adventure.
Writer - Isabella White
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