How the media and authority figures perpetuate false Asian stereotypes to new generations: an analysis.

By Divya Jayam

Authority figures—like parents, teachers, and political leaders—wield a vast impact on the beliefs and values of young people. As primary guardians, parents play a crucial role in instilling foundational values and perspectives, in turn shaping their children's early worldview. Teachers and educational authorities complement this role by influencing students through curriculum and the school environment thereby imparting certain ideologies and knowledge to the next generation. Meanwhile, political leaders and public figures can sway public opinion and generate societal norms through their speeches, policies, and public appearances. 

For instance, a political leader's stance on climate change can influence public discourse and priorities, shaping how people perceive environmental issues. Additionally, the media's presence in everyday life makes it a powerful tool for shaping public opinion. The influence of authority figures and the media is pivotal in shaping the beliefs and values of the next generation. A stark example is the spread of xenophobia during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by false accusations. This highlights the need for an increase in factually based media. 

News outlets, social media platforms, entertainment media, and advertising all contribute to the proliferation of information and ideologies. Positive media campaigns, such as those promoting public health or social justice, can lead to increased awareness and beneficial social change. However, the media can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and  misinformation. The constant exposure to incorrect narratives can normalize these stereotypes, posing challenges for individuals to distinguish between factual information and biased reporting. This phenomenon is evident in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, where a strong wave of xenophobia has permeated society. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation by certain media outlets and public figures contributed to a surge of racism, particularly against individuals of Asian descent. False claims about the origins and transmission of the virus led to increased discrimination and violence. This occurrence highlights the detrimental impact of irresponsible media reporting and the inadequacy of authorities to combat misinformation. Social media platforms have notably amplified the spreading of theories and unverified information, which in turn exacerbates the situation. 

University students, specifically those of Asian descent, have found themselves increasingly targeted and attacked for their identity during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This wave of xenophobia is the result of various factors, including the significant influence of media and the misuse of spaces like Chinatown as symbols of the virus. Moreover, the portrayal of COVID-19 in the media, often accompanied by images of predominantly Asian areas, has spread harmful stereotypes and fueled anti-Asian sentiment. Furthermore, the prolonged period of living with parents during lockdowns may have inadvertently exposed impressionable children to prejudiced attitudes and beliefs, as families navigated the uncertainties and anxieties of the pandemic. Additionally, certain phrases used by political figures, such as former President Trump's labeling of the virus as the 'Chinese virus' or 'Kung Flu,' further aggravated tensions and contributed to the covering of all Asian people under a blanket of suspicion. 

Furthermore, these Asian stereotypes, such as the perception of them as inherently intelligent and less in need of assistance, have become deeply ingrained in societal attitudes and are often internalized by students themselves. As a result, Asian students, as illustrated in an Oxford case study conducted in 2024, found themselves facing discrimination in academic and professional settings, where their achievements were sometimes overlooked due to preconceived notions of their abilities. Unfortunately, this prejudice can escalate into acts of aggression and bullying, as shown by the alarming rise in attacks against Asians reported in a PBS article in 2020. PBS conducted interviews with parents and children who directly faced the impacts of xenophobia during the COVID-19 pandemic and drew from research on the subject.

The study revealed that even high school students, who are shaping their identities and beliefs, have been influenced by perpetuating discriminatory stereotypes that emerged with COVID-19, particularly targeting their peers of Asian descent. Researchers attribute this behavior to the influence of parents and the echo chamber of social media, which amplifies and reinforces negative narratives about who is to “blame” for the virus. The language used by political leaders at the onset of the crisis only validated and spread these harmful stereotypes to the general public, thereby complicating efforts to foster understanding and create unity during an unexpected global crisis. 

The influence of authority and media operates through various psychological and social mechanisms. Repetition of messages, particularly through media channels, can strengthen beliefs and increase their perceived validity. Authority bias, wherein individuals tend to accept information from perceived authority figures, also significantly shapes public opinion. Emotional appeals, often used in media and political rhetoric, can sway public opinion by triggering strong emotional responses. Social mechanisms such as peer pressure and social proof further reinforce these beliefs within communities. Education systems have a crucial role in nurturing critical thinking skills and media literacy, enabling individuals to evaluate information critically and resist harmful influences.

In conclusion, the influence wielded by authority figures and the media in shaping the beliefs and values of the next generation is a powerful force with enduring consequences. The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent wave of xenophobia highlight the damaging effects of unchecked misinformation. Understanding these mechanisms of influence and prioritizing rigorous fact checking, we, as a society, have the opportunity to harness the power of media to cultivate a more enlightened and informed future for generations to come.

Citations:

Hwang, Jacqueline et al. “Asian American University Students' Experiences during the       . .  . . .  . . . . COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study.” Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) . . . . .  . .  .vol. 14,1 34. 3 Jan. 2024, doi:10.3390/bs14010034

Ostrovsky, Simon. “Parents fear anti-Asian racism as schools mull reopening.” PBS News, 22 June 2020, www.pbs.org/newshour/show/parents-fear-anti-asian-racism-as-schools-mull-reopening.

Cover photo from https://ar.pinterest.com/pin/307370743327017407/