Ethnicity & Fashion in Film

According to one study on cinema audiences' opinions, films are perpetuating out-of-date and harmful gender, racial, and sexual stereotypes. We have seen racial stereotypes being depicted through clothes and even in dialogue. Even though a large number of people from the targeted races may fit these stereotypes, those who don’t fit usually get offended and feel disrespected.

Fashion in films has not been spared either, and there are only a few shows that are realistic and diverse. A majority of them try to depict some races as being superior to others. Below are some ways in which stereotypes have been incorporated into fashion in film over the years.

Caucasian Stereotypes

The trend in Hollywood is to depict white people as richer and more sophisticated than other races. In many cases, actors from minority groups who land roles in Hollywood films are asked to play stock characters. This includes sidekicks, thugs, and maids with no lives of their own.

Latin Stereotypes

Hollywood often stereotypes Hispanic women as people with dark hair, brown skin, and a sultry vibe. This is despite the fact that the Hispanic race is very diverse. They like to show the women with curly hair, long nails, and some large gold hoop earrings. Hispanic girls are stereotyped as sultry and loud beings.

Asian Stereotypes

Many movies depict Asians as people who are shy and have introverted personalities. They are shown as people who are always studying with their dainty spectacles on and in conservative clothes or school uniforms. Most films depict Asian women as people who don’t wear makeup and are usually in full-length skirts or high-necked sweaters.

Black Stereotypes

Black men who appear on TVs are stereotyped as gangsters who wear thick gold chains and loose clothing, along with funny caps on their head. Black women, on the other hand, are shown to have traditional braids, outrageous jewelry, and body-fitting outfits. Their accent is also thick and often laced with slang.

However, things are moving in the right direction because there is a global awakening on matters of racial and other forms of stereotypes. Many activists have come out to oppose them publicly and this has resulted in some positive changes in the fashion film industry. It is also worth remembering that these stereotypes in fashion in films are just perpetrated by a few individuals and may not be supported by the majority.