Media representation changed a lot during the 20th century, and this had a big effect on how people saw each other. Let's look at how this happened over the decades.

Early 20th Century (1900-1920s)

• Silent Films and Newspapers: At the start of the 1900s, silent films and newspapers were the most popular ways to get information. These media often showed people in stereotypical ways, especially when it came to race and gender. For example, women were usually shown as homemakers, and people of color often had negative roles or were left out entirely.
• Impact on Perception: This narrow way of showing people shaped how society thought about gender and race, keeping old beliefs alive.

1930s - 1940s

• Radio and Propaganda: In the 1930s, radio became important, especially during World War II. Governments used radio to spread propaganda, which made their enemies look bad and pushed ideas of national pride.
• Impact on Perception: This way of using media changed how people felt about the war and the people involved, affecting their ideas about what it meant to be a patriot.

1950s - 1960s

• Television’s Golden Age: The rise of television was a major shift. Shows started to show different life experiences. For example, "I Love Lucy" introduced a Latina character, which challenged some stereotypes.
• Impact on Perception: Because of this broader range of representation, people started to see society in a more complex way, especially regarding race and gender. This period also supported the Civil Rights Movement through its media representation.

1970s - 1980s

• Countercultures and the Media: The counterculture movements from the ‘60s and ‘70s continued into the next decade. The media began to include the voices of groups that had been ignored before, such as women’s rights advocates and the LGBTQ+ community.
• Impact on Perception: This change in representation helped people to be more accepting and aware of different identities and civil rights issues.

Late 20th Century (1990s)

• Diverse Perspectives: With the growth of cable TV and the internet, there were more ways for people to tell their stories. This led to richer and more varied representations of different cultures and lifestyles.
• Impact on Perception: As communication became more global, people began to understand issues like multiculturalism and social justice better. This helped create a more informed and engaged society.

Conclusion

Overall, the way media represented people throughout the 20th century reflects the changing beliefs and values of society. From censorship to diverse storytelling, these changes not only influenced how different groups were viewed but also sparked bigger social movements. Understanding this evolution helps us grasp the complexities of identity and representation today, making it important for our study of history.