Abstract

In this paper I’m addressing what is missing in representation in films today. I take the shows Avatar: The Last Airbender, Steven Universe and Fairy Tail to explain what proper representation should look like in the media. I look at this with the perspective of rhetoric as a communication major. Providing my comment on the shows. I’m examining this show with three factors. Do they have women in roles of leadership? Are characters overcoming adversity? Are there male characters experiencing complex emotions? I’m comparing these shows with most western films. That would usually tell stories through the white cisgendered straight male. I take examples from each show to how these characters are a step in the direction of proper representation. The paper addresses characters such as, Steven, Garnet, Pearl, Lapis, Rose and Greg in Steven Universe. Aang, Katara, Zuko, Iroh, Teo, Katara and Toph in Avatar: The Last Airbender. Erza, Mirajane, Gildarts and Gray from Fairy Tail. I conclude with my take on why these shows are a step in the right direction but where we need to go from here.

Date

Fall 2020

Citation Style

APA

Included in

Communication Commons

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