April 21 - Think about a film that represents your culture (or a culture you identify with) in a positive and meaningful way. Explain how the film represents the culture and why this portrayal matters. Be sure to include specific examples from the film.

Response: Spider Man: Into the Spiderverse was the first film I watched that had a main character representing both of my cultures. Miles Morales is half Black and half Puerto Rican, just like me, and struggles to fit into both of his cultures while also attending a private High School. At the time this movie came out (2018), it described my life perfectly by highlighting the struggles of fitting into a group while being multiracial. In the film, Puerto Rico is represented accurately by featuring dishes and slang that most Puerto Ricans are familiar with (my mom was very happy about this). African American culture is represented the most in this film, featuring many hobbies/activities and cultural aspects of African Americans living in New York. Also in the second movie, Spider Man: Across the Spiderverse, there is an alternate version of Miles Morales that is more in touch with his Puerto Rican side because of his father’s early death. I feel like I can relate more to that  version of Miles Morales, as I am not that in touch with my African American side as opposed to my Puerto Rican side. Watching this film made me realize that it is possible to have accurate representation of cultures in a film without the use of many harmful stereotypes. Inclusive movies and stories like these make it possible for harmful stereotypes of the past to slowly fade away, and I think that’s beautiful.

Summary: Today, we worked on our presentation for stereotypes in certain cultures.

Reflection: Inclusive movies like Spider Man: Into the Spiderverse that feature accurate representation of cultures in media may just be the key solution to helping dilute stereotypes.

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