I remember when Disney’s Moana came out. Finally, we can see ourselves represented on the big screen. In almost eighty years of Walt Disney Animation Studios, there have been few non-white main characters in its 54 movies. 

Only 11 of those films feature a main character that is of another race. Sure, there was Aladdin, Pocahontas, Mulan, Princess and the Frog, Lilo and Stitch but none of those really represent us, our stories. Thankfully we have Moana. More recent diverse stories include Raya and the last dragon and Encanto. Finding characters that we can relate to is very important and even more so for our children.

One of the most powerful forms of representation comes in books and movies, beginning with children’s picture books and cartoons, as images of all types of people and cultures activate the imagination and help foster respect for diversity and empathy for others. In this way, books and stories can make an enormous difference in dispelling stereotypes and prejudice and building community. Furthermore, as children get older, books become a way to teach history and supplement the often-unsung heroes and stories of those whose voices are typically not heard (Haner, 2015).

Today, more and more children learn through other media, not just books. I’m sure every Samoan is proud when they see ‘The Rock’ on the big screen because he represents us. We should have superheroes that look, talk and think like us. Why not? We’ve grown up with mostly palagi heroes and black or Russian villains in movies. Diversity is always a good thing. A good story to go along with diverse characters is even better.

As children get older, they look to parents, teachers and media images for evidence that they are lovable, smart, capable and worthy of being seen. If they do not get this proof for validation and a chance to see themselves positively depicted then low self-esteem may develop. This message can be communicated just as strongly when children do not see themselves and people who look like them equitably represented in stories and literature (Pernberg, 2017).

So, really, it is our role as parents to instil confidence and help our children develop self-esteem before they venture out into the world. We shouldn’t expect media to solely teach our children everything. We cannot be on autopilot all the time and let electronics babysit our children. This is happening everywhere. A baby cries, a phone is turned on to keep them silent. A toddler throws a tantrum in public, they’re handed an ipad. Teenagers become bored; they’re given all sorts of gadgets as presents that are supposed to help them. We have to be actively involved and have to make time for our children despite being tired after work and many busy mornings.

Representation everywhere matters. Having our own people as everyday heroes, setting examples for the next generation is vital. If our children can see others like themselves succeeding in all areas of life, they will believe that they too can be in the same or better position in future. If all we see in the news are criminals, fraudsters, child molesters and wife beaters that look like us, what does that say about the everyday role model? Something to think about.

While we have another peaceful Sunday Samoa, let us share more of our stories. Write more books and make more videos that uplift and show positive role models. Let’s share those stories, support those projects. Have a great week ahead.