Hearing of the House Judiciary Committee - Opening Statement of Rep. Nadler, Hearing on Diversity in America: The Representation of People of Color in the Media

Hearing

Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) delivered the following opening remarks, as prepared, during a hearing on "Diversity in America: The Representation of People of Color in the Media":

"In recent months, our country has engaged in a much-needed reflection on the role that race and ethnicity play in our society. This reckoning is echoing in the halls of Congress, in our streets, and in board rooms. As with so many industries across the country, it has also generated self-reflection in the entertainment industry.

"Today, the Committee continues its examination of race in America, with a focus on the representation of people of color in the media.

"I am fortunate to represent a district that touches nearly every aspect of the entertainment industry in some way. I have seen first-hand the many economic and cultural benefits that the performing arts deliver to communities across the country, and I hope that today's discussion will help further our shared goal of fully representing the rich diversity of American society, both on screen and behind the camera.

"The media plays a particularly important role in our society. Movies, television and, increasingly, content available through streaming services are the mediums by which Americans are inspired and entertained. Motion pictures and television programs are also the means by which Americans are exposed to ideas and representations of life different from their own.

"When the entertainment industry has diverse faces in front of the camera, the viewing public sees stories that resonate with their lives, and it understands that these stories and experiences are valued and appreciated. It is important, however, that we are also mindful of the power that visual media has to reinforce negative images of racial and ethnic minorities when there is inadequate representation.

"To be clear, it would be wrong to draw a direct connection between what is portrayed on screen and the racial divide that is reflected in society. After 250 years of slavery, 100 more years of Jim Crow, and 50 more years and counting of structural racism in our country there is plenty of blame to go around and work to be done--in all levels of government, in the board rooms, in our schools and our criminal justice system. And there is no doubt that the divisive rhetoric and fearmongering that emanates from the White House every day is making things worse, not better.

"But without accurate representation of racial and ethnic minorities in the media, negative stereotypes and tropes may be perpetuated in society, which can ultimately lead to dehumanization and demonization.

"Unfortunately, studies that have reviewed diversity in the media highlight the challenges that we face. In 2019, people of color accounted for only 27% of actors in lead roles in nearly 150 major films. While this number has almost tripled from 10.5% in 2011--representing a significant improvement on the part of the industry--it does not match the 40% that minorities represent in the U.S. population overall, which should be seen as a floor, not a ceiling.

"The entertainment industry can, and should, do better.

"Talent has no race or gender. Creativity is a gift that, when matched with hard work, can lead to enormous economic and social impact. It is incumbent on the entertainment industry to ensure that opportunities are afforded to all who wish to pursue their talents.

"Studies show that the best way to improve representation in front of the camera is to have diversity behind the camera, but sufficient diversity is lacking off-screen as well.Ultimately, it is the directors, writers, producers, and executives who determine what stories are told, and who is featured in these stories. The lack of adequate minority representation is an industry-wide problem and it should be a collective effort to make improvements.

"I appreciate that the industry is aware of the problem and it is focused on fixing it. A number of industry leaders and groups are working together to address basic pipeline problems, and they are also focused on further diversifying the industry.

"For example, just earlier this month, in a positive development, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced new criteria that will require, beginning in 2024, that films hoping to qualify for the best picture Oscars category meet specific diversity standards in front of, and behind, the camera. Hopefully, these actions by the Academy will help set a standard, going forward, for all films to prioritize diversity throughout all aspects of a production.

"I recognize that our discussion today comes at a time when the entertainment industry is facing an existential threat--COVID-19--which is challenging and threatening every element of its business. This disease has had a devastating economic impact across the nation, not to mention the human toll of hundreds of thousands of lives lost.Within the entertainment industry, it has shut down theater productions in my district indefinitely, and it has dramatically curtailed film productions throughout the country.

"This is impacting all those who work in the motion picture industry. Of particular concern, the pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on people of color who work in the industry, and who do not have jobs that can be easily transposed to a laptop. Moreover, the pandemic is particularly impacting people of color who are women, LGBTQ, and/or disabled.Their already limited participation in jobs in the film industry has been hampered now even more.

"As I have made clear throughout this crisis, I am committed to working in partnership with the entertainment industry to ensure that its economic revival is stronger than ever. As productions return to work, however, I hope the industry will take the opportunity to renew its commitment to diversity on-screen and off.

"I want to thank the Congressional Tri-Caucus--the Hispanic Caucus, the Black Caucus, and the Asian Pacific American Caucus--for their leadership in bringing attention to this important issue and for spurring action to address it.

"I look forward to hearing from our witnesses about their personal experiences and about how we can best move forward together."

Source