Final answer:
Racial exceptionalism in storytelling is problematic as it perpetuates stereotypes, diminishes the dignity and humanity of individuals, and contributes to systemic racism in society and industries like entertainment. It leads to the exclusion and misrepresentation of diverse experiences and perpetuates harmful narratives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stories of racial exceptionalism are problematic because they contribute to stereotyping and a single-story narrative that can rob people of dignity and make equal recognition of humanity difficult. They often highlight the differences between people rather than their similarities and can perpetuate systemic forms of racism. The entertainment industry, for instance, has been accused of distorting or excluding the experiences of Black individuals from art, which in turn can teach audiences to dismiss Black perspectives, diminish their visibility, and perpetuate racist structures.
Films and media that leave out diverse characters and stories not only create a distorted narrative reality but also a real-world impact where the stories and experiences of non-white people are seen as less valid or profitable. Additionally, when certain perspectives are continually marginalized or portrayed negatively, they contribute to reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Movies that cater to a limited demographic and fail to tell a diverse range of stories may also help to uphold the status quo and maintain existing power structures.
The #OscarsSoWhite controversy highlighted these issues by questioning who gets to tell stories in Hollywood and whose stories are being told. It showed that historically, racial minorities have been underrepresented or misrepresented in the film industry, with narratives often written or directed by those who do not share the same lived experiences or perspectives, potentially leading to a limited and biased portrayal of these groups.