The Effects of Representation
Yes, there are different effects of Representation!
Different types of representation effects our youth in different, These effects are either positive or negative. Categorizing representation into these two groups helps us decide what and how to explain representation to our children.
Positive Representation
Positive Representation is Constructively Impactful
Young children are very impressionable. At young ages a child’s mind is constantly learning and taking in information. They try to make sense of what’s around them. If they’re being fed information that shows people who look like them in a “positive light” they’re more likely to view themselves better. Their self-image will grow as they become older.
Negative Representation
The damaging effects aren't up for discussion!
With such impressionable young teens being on the internet, the things they view impact them more than the average adult. Negative representation gives children a bad representation of who they are and the type of community they are in. Studies have shown that many children (Including Blacks) feel as though darker skin tones are “Bad”. This is because of the things they interpret on the internet.