It’s no mystery that representation in entertainment is lacking. While there have been strides, studies have shown that the depiction of underrepresented communities continues to be lacking. Jessica Alba recently spoke out about the lack of diversity within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sure, there are new characters like Shang Chi and America Chavez bringing new representation, but, according to Alba, there is still a long way to go.
Alba spoke openly about how Marvel is still putting primarily Caucasian actors and characters into their movies, a driving force in entertainment right now.
“Even if you look at the Marvel movies – that’s the biggest driver of fantasy and what’s happening right now in entertainment because it’s sort of the family thing – it’s still quite Caucasian,” Alba told Glamour UK. “I would say I was one of the few back in the day… And it was before Marvel was sold to Disney… but it’s still quite… more of the same.”
The reason, Alba explains, is because of the people who are in charge and making the casting decisions. As she puts it, if the people on top and making the calls are not diverse or from different backgrounds, you will keep getting more of the same. This is true whether it is about representing minorities or women in a statistically accurate way.
As the social consciousness changes, companies and creatives must keep up. By hiring a more diverse workforce and including women at the top in more significant numbers, we could start to see a more accurate portrayal of the world around us. Hopefully, the Hollywood executives are listening.