Racial and cultural discrimination is a major issue in Australia, which is surprising given the diverse nature of our population. The Foundation for Young Australians (Jenkins et.al 2009, p.1) undertook in a research report, on the impact of racism on young Australians, with the goal of encouraging, ‘systemic, behavioural and social change.’ The objectives of… Continue reading Racial and Cultural Discrimination Amongst Youth – How Can We Fix it?
How New Queer Cinema Influences Reality
Recently in Australia the LGBTQ community has become a major topic of conversation, with the same sex marriage vote currently occurring. This vote also brings up the issue of members of the LGBTQ community still not having the same rights as cisgender Australians who are attracted to the opposite sex. Being raised by lesbian mothers,… Continue reading How New Queer Cinema Influences Reality
13 Reasons Why – Romanticising Suicide or Preventing it?
After the release of Netflix’s controversial new teen drama 13 Reasons Why (2017), youth suicide has become a global topic of discussion among families and at schools. The binge worthy television series has been so scandalous due to its, ‘graphic depiction of youth suicide, as well as rape, sexual assault and bullying’ (Singer 2017). While… Continue reading 13 Reasons Why – Romanticising Suicide or Preventing it?
Sexual Assault and Media Portrayals
Even though victims of sexual assault often find themselves discourage from sharing their personal experience, due to a fear of stigma, disbelief and further harassment, film and television tend to address sexual assault head on. Of course, not all programs truly depict sexual assault, neglecting to show assault from the victims point of view, plenty… Continue reading Sexual Assault and Media Portrayals
The “Glamour” of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders and body image insecurities are major issues in Western countries (Thompson 2001, p.181), with media playing a large role in these issues. Whether it be television programs, music videos, magazines or movies, people feel societal pressure to look a certain way, leading to physical and mental health issues. There are a variety of… Continue reading The “Glamour” of Eating Disorders
Bullying and Film
Bullying is a form of harassment that is a plague in schools worldwide, with many films and television series attempting to depict bullying and the effects that it has on young boys and girls. Unfortunately, many of these programs have fallen flat, neglecting to show the realities of bullying and instead turning it into a… Continue reading Bullying and Film
Film, Television and Society 