What do you think about the impact of television programs on ethnic or cultural groups? Is the show funny, because it shows some individuals who are crazy wacky misfits, (but you know the majority are just fine) - like the Kumars, or does it undermine an ethic or cultural group who cant defend themselves because they are caught up in misconception bought about through skilful portrayal of an individual as representative of the group? That is the question some Tongans are asking about the show Jonah from Tonga. They feel their kids are being undermined by the show. For example, in the show Jonah explains that his actions are based on his ethnic and cultural identity, (Im Tongan Miss!) therefore making it justifiable to think all Tongan kids have the same thoughts, behaviours and actions as Jonah because they are Tongan. If you didnt know better, and saw Jonah from Tonga for example, would you consider giving a Tongan kid a chance or a job? Some Tongans are so concerned about the impact on Tongan kids self esteem they have a petition asking for a rethink on the show. The question is, if it were Jonah from Aotearoa, and aimed equally at Maori, would I as a Maori feel comfortable? No. I dont think I would, because Maori, like Tongan, already suffer from misconception and bias, as indicated by unemployment figures, and the fact that Maori and Tongans who do the same job as other New Zealand ethnic groups are paid less. Maori slightly less. Pasifica even more. So if Maori and Tongan already have less opportunity, simply because of bias against their Ethnic and cultural background, making a television program that appears to support inappropriate misconceptions as the normal identity of a whole ethnic or cultural group is a step in the wrong direction.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 22:22:39 +0000
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