Upgrading Media's Main Characters for a Balanced Perspective
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Chapter 1: The Need for Change in Character Portrayals
In today's world, it is crucial for the media to elevate its main characters to reflect healthier lifestyles and self-care practices. The current depiction often glorifies relentless work without considering the personal sacrifices that accompany such dedication.
Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash
As an avid fan of detective stories, I have enjoyed various series, particularly "Vera" on BBC-I Player and "A Touch of Frost" on ITV. Each series presents engaging mysteries, typically resolved within two-hour episodes. However, it is not just the narratives that captivate me; it is also the characters of Vera and Frost that resonate deeply. Both are portrayed as highly dedicated professionals.
Vera is depicted as a strong, independent woman in her 50s, fiercely protective of those around her, often at her own expense. She advocates for the vulnerable, embodying a sense of purpose that is both inspiring and aspirational. Meanwhile, Frost, also in his 50s, grapples with the loss of his wife and finds himself consumed by work, with personal connections eluding him due to his fears of intimacy.
These characters have long served as role models for me, representing strength, competence, and generosity. However, I have come to realize that their stories often overlook their personal needs. They seem to be so externally focused that their own well-being is neglected. While such selflessness is commendable, it raises questions about balance in life.
In the complex landscape we navigate today, the consequences of excessive work can be profound. Vera, for instance, struggles with health issues that she disregards, living alone in a secluded home with little time for personal care. She often resorts to grabbing food on the go, viewing self-care as unnecessary. Despite receiving recognition for her exceptional work, she dismisses it, believing she has only fulfilled her duties. Frost's situation mirrors this neglect.
Many of us have grown up with sayings like "hard work is the key to success" and "work is worship." While these sentiments have merit, focusing solely on work can lead to a loss of sight regarding other vital aspects of life. It may be time to reconsider this relentless productivity culture that often turns us into mere hamsters on a wheel, tirelessly working without pause. Instead, we should cultivate a mindset that encourages reflection, enabling us to recognize when we are overstepping boundaries or harming ourselves.
Both Vera and Frost use their work as a means to escape unresolved personal issues. Many compassionate individuals channel their energy into their jobs to keep their inner struggles at bay. Karpman identifies these people as "Rescuers," always poised to help others but often neglecting their own needs.
Such portrayals reinforce the harmful stereotype that glorifies excessive work without boundaries. They elevate the narrative of those who neglect their well-being in the name of efficiency, failing to provide strong role models for others. This also perpetuates the notion that having a life outside of work is a luxury reserved for the irresponsible.
What if the media presented characters like Vera and Frost who prioritize self-care and establish boundaries in their professional lives? We do not need to see characters depicted as foolish or entirely dependent on others to navigate their lives.
The media must evolve in its representation of protagonists. Currently, characters are often illustrated as fiercely dedicated but ultimately burned out and overwhelmed, while others are portrayed as mindless or selfish. Humanity is far more nuanced than these limited archetypes.
Even the depiction of motherhood requires a shift. Working mothers are often shown as frantic and overwhelmed, struggling to juggle their responsibilities, while stay-at-home mothers are frequently depicted as clueless or overburdened. Such portrayals, while intended to be humorous, fail to address the complexity of these roles.
It is time for the media to provide more diverse and realistic representations that offer positive role models for navigating work, parenting, and life with well-defined boundaries. Rather than relying on humor to initiate change, we need narratives that promote healthy limit-setting, seeking help, and valuing self-worth.
Kasia Urbaniak, author of "Unbound," highlights that women only gained the ability to obtain credit cards independently in 1978—a mere blip in history. As women begin to manage their finances and wealth, positive role modeling becomes increasingly important. Meanwhile, men have long been portrayed as the primary earners, often at the cost of neglecting their personal lives.
The relationship between media and social change offers an intriguing perspective on how deeply media influences societal norms and behaviors. Rather than recycling outdated narratives, media should strive to present well-rounded characters that inspire genuine change.
Chapter 2: The Role of Media in Shaping Societal Norms
By reimagining character portrayals, the media can play a crucial role in fostering a culture that values balance and well-being alongside hard work.