May 12, 2020

Have you watched the new Netflix movie "Uncorked?" It's a refreshing family drama that showcases a young African American mans life, where he balances his dream of becoming a master sommelier with his father's expectations that he carry on the family's Memphis BBQ joint. While the story of a son reluctant to follow in his fathers footsteps is familiar, the juxtaposition of the world's of wine and barbecue lend the movie a fresh spin.

A classic watch-any-time movie, "Bend it Like Beckham," explores the world of female soccer (football) while addressing important issues such as cultural identity, racism and the divide between old and new traditions and values. Set in and around London, it follows the story of two teens, one of whom comes from a very traditional Indian family, both intent on scoring professional careers in the competitive sport and the challenges they encounter along the way.

Mass media has huge reach in society and is a key filter through which people learn about each other. They play a potentially significant role in shaping collective identities and inter-group attitudes and, by typecasting certain individuals, distort the picture that audiences see of different groups. There is evidence to suggest these skewed media representations can not only promote public hostility toward other ethnic groups, but also lower these individuals self-esteem. A study by Common Sense Media found that children who are fed gender stereotypes may internalize those roles, shaping their behavior for years to come.

We no longer need to settle for dated narratives for ourselves and our children. If youre looking for something to watch this month, here is a short curated list of inspiring media that challenge the norms and defy stereotypes:

Movies/Documentary:

  • Hidden Figures
  • Korean: Parasite
  • Hindi: Chak de India, Dangal, English Vinglish
  • Spanish: Roma, Pans Labyrinth
  • Portuguese: Aquarius
  • German: Solaris
  • French: Laurence Anyways
  • Wonder Woman
  • Black Panther
  • A League of Their Own
  • Billy Elliot
  • Moonlight
  • Little Women
  • Erin Brockovich
  • Oceans 8
  • A Raisin in the Sun
  • Hillary

TV Shows:

  • BlackAF
  • The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Books:

  • Meaty, We are never meeting in real life, and Wow, no thank you. - Samantha Irby
  • Bossypants - Tina Fey
  • Youll grow out of it - Jessi Klein
  • Make Trouble - Cecile Richards
  • Becoming - Michelle Obama

Game to watch foreign language movies with sub-titles? Try these:

And theres something for the kids and teens too:

Books: All are Welcome, Different is Awesome, "The Push: A Story of Friendship," "Happy in Our Skin," Love, Hate and Other Filters, and The Crossover.

Movies: Moana, Brave, Tangled, Bethany Hamilton, Wild, and Mulan.

Any others to add to the list? Do share them with us on this link!

Enjoy and #stayathome.