The role of television regarding issues surrounding social justice is one that has been heavily debated and continues to be a topic of discussion within popular media.
“Television, and popular culture more broadly imagined, has always been a space for addressing issues of social justice. Even when TV doesn’t explicitly address these issues, if you look below the surface, media narratives can uphold or challenge take-for-granted beliefs about power and equality,” said Associate Professor Dr. Lori Bindig Yousman, Department Chair in the School of Communication, Media and the Arts.
On March 7, CBS broadcasted a primetime exclusive interview where Oprah Winfrey sat down with Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. During the interview, they discussed social justice issues including mental health and race. Markle talked about her own personal struggles with mental health.
Markle also opened up about the racism she has experienced within the Royal Family. Specifically, she mentioned the “treatment by the British tabloid press, the lack of support from ‘The Firm’ to counter racist media narratives and purported concerns from a royal family member over the color of their son Archie’s skin before he was born” during the broadcast.
“With talk show mediums, and opportunities such as the Oprah and Meghan Markle interview, there is the opportunity to reach large audiences through celebrity voices. The fact that Meghan Markle shared her experiences with racism on national television was huge, and provided a space to talk about an important topic,” said Communications Professor Alexis Walker. “With that, media has a great opportunity to make a difference, and given the high rates of television viewership, television has a great opportunity to contribute to social change.”
Another example of a conversation surrounding racial inequality happened recently with ABC’s “The Bachelor.” The incident occurred within the most recent season that aired its finale on March 15.
According to an article from Associated Press (AP), “Chris Harrison’s journey with ‘The Bachelorette’ is over, at least for now, after a controversy over racially insensitive comments. The longtime host of ‘The Bachelor’ reality franchise will not be back to guide the next ‘Bachelorette’ on her search for love, producers announced on Twitter late Friday.”
The article continued and said, “Warner Horizon and ABC Entertainment released a statement after regarding the firing of Harrison, saying, ‘As we continue the dialogue around achieving greater equity and inclusion with “The Bachelor” franchise, we are dedicated to improving BIPOC representation of our crew, including among the executive producer ranks.’”
According to AP, “Harrison temporarily stepped down as host in February after making controversial statements during an interview with Rachel Lindsay, a current ‘Extra’ host and 2017’s ‘Bachelorette.’ Harrison defended a current contestant who was reportedly photographed at an antebellum plantation-themed fraternity formal in 2018.”
Emmanuel Acho, a former NFL player and current Fox Sports Analyst/author of the book “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man,” took over for Harrison and hosted the “After the Final Rose” segment that aired after the season finale.
“This was very important to have, because of the controversy with contestant Rachael Kirkconnel who had racially incentive pictures come up from her past. It is so important to have these conversations that might be uncomfortable for us because we need to learn and grow together,” said sophomore Rachel Petti. “We have to keep growing and becoming educated about social injustice and do the best we can in being an ally.”
“I think it’s good that Rachael is holding herself accountable. When you have a platform like that, it’s important to learn from people who follow you and use your platform to educate others,” said senior Mickey Pirro. “I also think the way Chris Harrison handled the situation undid everything she did to apologize because all he did was come after people who called Rachael out. I don’t think Rachael should be canceled because no one is perfect and I think being held accountable and learning from your mistakes is important, whether or not you have a platform on social media.”
James Gallagher contributed to this article.
