The process of growing up as a biracial woman led me to seeking out my identity in media through movies, tv, and even influencers. I wanted to find a person who shared my physical appearance and experiences. Growing up South Asian and white means, you are constantly navigating two cultures and two worlds. When I looked at the media for stories that matched my own, I barely would find them.
Representation to me is important because it validates your experience and existence in this world. In mainstream media, South Asian women are portrayed through stereotypes, usually traditional or socially awkward just to name a few. Meanwhile, whiteness is seen as the cultural norm. For those of us who intersect with both, it causes an identity gap. We are almost rarely shown the blended households or emotional complexities of belonging to more than one culture. Growing up connected to my Indian side, I struggled to fit in because I felt I didn’t look “Indian enough”, but I also never felt “white enough”. For young girls similar to me, the absence of representation can make individuals not understand where they may belong. While representation is still limited, people like Charlie XCX, Avan Jogia, Kissy Duerre, Rowi Singh have made a space to reclaim their narrative through self-expression. Digital storytelling allows biracial voices to reclaim their narrative space.
Public Relations plays a critical role in shaping media narratives and cultural storytelling. When we prioritize diverse storytelling, it challenges stereotypes and helps the public understand. Very often, diversity can be treated as a marketing trend rather than just a core value. Strategic messaging should prioritize representation, not just one-time visibility.
As a biracial young woman pursuing a career in PR, I see this as a responsibility but also an opportunity. Inclusive PR is not just diverse casting, but it is thoughtful about storytelling and a long-term commitment to representation. Representation is advocacy. I want to help shape narratives and be a part of a campaign that amplifies voices that are underrepresented.
As media continues to evolve, through PR strategies and storytelling, we have the power to create a media landscape where no one feels they are still in search of others like themselves.