I grew up never seeing myself on-screen, and it's really important to me to give people who look like me a chance to see themselves. I want to see myself as the hero of any story. I want to see myself save the world from the bomb.
Sandra OhRead
I'd be so fascinated to talk to a psychologist or sociologist about the deep psychological impact of seeing oneself represented. I don't think we've really touched the surface of what it does to the psyche of a people if the only image of you out there is negative. Or if it's never out there.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The representation of individuals in media significantly affects their psychological well-being and societal perception.
Sandra Oh emphasizes the importance of representation, particularly in media, and its profound impact on the self-esteem and identity of individuals belonging to underrepresented groups. She suggests that negative or absent images can deeply affect the psyche and self-worth of people, highlighting a critical discussion regarding visibility and its psychological ramifications.
Themes
RepresentationPsychologyIdentityMediaCultureVisibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on diversity in media, this quote can highlight the need for positive representation.
More from Sandra Oh
All quotes →Hollywood likes to put actors in boxes, and it likes to put Asian actors in really small boxes.
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Becoming an actor? If it's not a calling, don't do it. It's too hard.
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