The Straight White Man’s Desire for Oppression
An article written by Sienna Young
Have you ever met someone who has so passionately debated that their opportunities have been taken away by minority groups?
Have you ever had to sit that moment of silence, as you both stare into each other’s eyes, them with a smug look of proudness and you with utter appal?
Did you then burst out into spontaneous laughter as you realised that they were not in fact pulling your leg, and that to them, women, ethnic and homosexual people being shown on TV was in fact as scary as the worry of WW3?
A brilliant way to approach this often difficult and controversial topic is to narrow the festering place of the issue to a smaller sector.
So, in this article, we will be approaching the topic through the lense of “wokeism in media”.
The inspiration to write this had difficult and painful beginnings. As a white person myself, I had always known the privileges my race receives, especially in regard to representation and opportunity. However, after an appalling conversation with a white, heterosexual man, I came to face abruptly the true scale of the brainwashing embedded in white supremist culture.
I want to preface this by saying that I am fully aware of the privileges I have in even being able discuss this topic this way. I know that when I shut my laptop and go about my day, I won’t have to deal hands-on with the prejudice and discriminations of this world.
However, what I believe I can do, is use my privilege to spread awareness about this issue and call for a reformation of wokeism as far and wide as I can reach.
A Background Check of Media and Representation of Minorities
Before getting into the pulp of the conversation and debating whether or not white people have the right to complain about the growing representation of minorities in film and media, I think it’s important to take a step back and look behind us into the history of representation in media, and the statistics that are fundamental to our argument.
To do this in an orderly fashion, we should break this section into three, painfully broad categories. (These will not cover the full scale of the issue, but it’s a scaffold to start with and I’m more than happy to go into further detail on each of these if asked)
- Women’s representation in media
- Non-white peoples representation in media
- LGBTQIA+ peoples representation in media
Women as the object of desire.
It’s a sad truth that women systematically have been presented as ‘sexual beings’.
And while it is not a lie that women are, it would be doing a disservice to men as well if we say this. As men are equally, if not more (biologically) sexual then women. Humans are sexual beings, not just women.
However, media and films since they were first conceptualised would have you disagree with this entirely.
Here I will insert a photo of a movie poster from an early 1960s film:
There is no doubt that upon seeing this it becomes obvious how the film might pan out; a story in which the desirable lady is expected to comply, cry and thank profusely. The three golden rules a woman must follow on screen if she is to be palatable.
Stereotypes at this point are no doubt our greatest enemy. They are sly and often appear in one’s mind unconsciously. But they are shaped by our society, and especially in 1960, when misogyny was floating through the air like an infectious disease, the ‘stereotypical’ white, thin, female was to be expected on every screen.
The idea in this time that a woman could be anything other than this norm was abhorrent -until later in the 1990s when the ‘girlboss’ image was pushed heavily, she was again, sexualised. And again, into the 2000s, this ‘sexy feminist’ movement was continued.
No matter what a woman does do in her life, she is sexualised. If she is fair skinned and pretty, she is sexualised. If she confident and powerful, she is sexualised. If she has the qualities of a child, with supple skin and a hairless body, she is sexualised. (This will be another article as it’s a topic of further discussion that I would like to tap into at some point)
And every woman, since childhood is aware that her body is something to be looked at and desired. And the way that a young girl sees her idols on screen solidifies this notion almost permanently.
Not to mention the detrimental effects that this has on young boys, and the ideologies that they carry into adulthood and then reflect in their own outlets -perhaps their own films.
Can you begin to see the cycle?
Now, besides this never-ending glitch that actresses are stuck in where they are caged as objects of desire, for the female filmmaker, matters are just as bad.
In this conversation that I mentioned, he had told me, “Guess the gender. Of course it’s a woman.”
He said this quite confidently when discussing how because of ‘wokeism’ women are getting more opportunities than men, and that this will affect how many opportunities he will be presented. (I know, try to take a deep breath while reading this.)
Half of his argument I will discuss later in the article, but for now I want to focus on the first part, ‘Guess the gender.’
The idea that a female filmmaker is something to throw an eyeroll at, makes my heart feel as if there is a hole gaping in it. Why should women being represented in an industry that actively corners them into a box be something that we should criticise?
Not only is ‘guess the gender’ an extremely disrespectful, narky comment to make, it unfortunately sums up pretty much everything these white men believe about gender equality.
That they ultimately will see women (no matter how progressive they might feel) as objects of desire. And this trap, set up by the patriarchy, is one not only men, but the entire world is ensnared in, and has been since patriotist ideologies became societies norm.
However, simply seeing a woman as an object of desire isn’t the main issue, the main issue is the attitude towards women it creates.
This sense of objectivity hardwires the male brain to think that women are ‘not human’.
Okay, as absurd this may sound, think about it for a minute.
Object refers to ‘something material that may be perceived by the senses’
By focusing on this definition, and then linking its meaning to the view of women in media, it can be concluded that women are often curated on our screens to be seen as ‘not sentient’. Perceived but not interacted with on a intellectual or deeper level.
Which means;
Not in charge of her own feelings, thoughts or actions.
Not alive.
Not conscious.
Not smart enough to understand.
Not human.
And it’s because of this forced mindset -one that’s often unintentional on the thinker’s part- that women are undermined in this industry, and that their achievements, goals and wins are being minimised to ‘pity privilege’. And from this we see men say things like, “Guess the gender? Of course, it’s a woman”.
Because to them, the idea that a woman can receive opportunities and have wins in the film industry (whether on camera or behind it) because of pure talent or skill, and not what they perceive as ‘luck’ or ‘privilege’, may be hard to conceive.
So, for the ‘gender’ section of this argument, this is the core of the issue.
“Non-white people have massive privilege” -Why this is absurd
The fact that I am even here debating why this is insane is beyond disappointing. The idea that people of ethnic backgrounds that aren’t white/Anglo-Saxon, hold superior privilege over white people is completely false.
This part is big, as there are a lot of subtopics to look at, so it’ll be divided into three parts.
White people hate that non-white people are getting a chance
The white desire to be oppressed and pitied is what fuels this, and the idea that many of them hold that “ethnic people are taking away from our jobs”, is a direct reflection of the comfortability of the king when he is forced to look at his throne.
For the first time in history, white, Anglo-Saxons are being de-throned and made to reflect on our ourselves. It is now socially acceptable for one to bring up the topic of racism and criticise one’s actions.
Naturally, in this case, the whites are uncomfortable. No one likes being held responsible, and especially not a kind that has been the ‘top-dog’ for thousands of years.
So, when a white person sees -for example- a black person in a role that they believe they could ‘play better’, jealousy and insecurity are the biggest monsters.
To simplify it and put it into perspective, let’s look at an example through a childlike lense -directly reflective of the manosphere that is arguing this exact point.
If a young child, let’s call them child A, is playing on a playground and given an ice-cream by a teacher they would be happy. If they were given this ice-cream every single day for many months, they would be less happy and more in a state of expectance. They would expect this ice-cream every day. This is just basic psychology.
Now let’s have a look at child B. They have never been given an ice-cream before. And now, on a random Tuesday, the teacher walks past child A and gives the ice-cream to child B -lets observe the natural reactions.
Child B is immensely grateful and savours each bite of the ice-cream with a happy disposition. While child A is fuming, upset and crying. They cannot understand why child B has suddenly been given this ice-cream instead of them, especially after they have been given one every single day for a long time.
Now, in this analogy I am not making excuses for child A -who hopefully by now you can discern is a metaphor for white, Anglo-Saxons- I am simply looking to display the situation from both sides.
To analyse and synthesise this, white privilege is offended as it has been handed opportunities for a long, long time. And now, from their perspective, these opportunists have been given ‘suddenly’ to minorities for what they see as ‘no reason’.
I will cycle back to touch on this issue with greater detail, however, let’s now look at racism in media as it is also sadly just as prevalent as misogyny.
The archetypes that make us sigh
Racism is a word that we hear a lot in the 21st century. I would say this is a good thing, as it brings more awareness to the issue. However, many would argue that it’s overused.
The word racism means by definition the belief that some races are better than others, or the unfair treatment of someone because of his or her race.
So, to accompany this word, lets include prejudice. An unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially when formed without enough thought or knowledge.
Now, by putting two-and-two together, many examples should come to mind. Perhaps at first these examples may be obvious and profound.
Of racial slurs being stated in films, non-white people being the butt of many jokes, and the stereotypical archetypes ethnic men and women are forced into when finally allowed into films.
This was such a prevalent issue in the 20th century that, to gain representation and act or preform a role ‘suited for one’s ethnicity’ one would have to be forced to comply with the infamous archetypes. For example, ‘the sassy black woman’ was a prevalent character in 2000s Disney channel,
This archetype has systematically forced black women into the roles of an entertainer. Whose voice, speech patterns and colloquial language was morphed into a sceptical to be observed but never interacted intellectually with. This goes hand in hand with the “comedic relief” archetype often been reserved for black men.
It strips away the nuances and details that goes into the human personality and restricts these people into a conformity that wasn’t created by them -all in the name of ‘opportunity’.
For example, in the 1980s, if a young black woman was to search for an acting job with the hopes of fulfilling her acting dreams or starting a career in film, she would be pushed most likely to comply with the previously discussed ‘sassy black woman’ archetype. This would be if she were given a role at all.
While currently…
In the face of the argument where a white, heterosexual man is telling you that the current representation of non-white people is a negative thing, we should then have a look into what exactly representation of non-white people looks like in our current 2026.
We have seen a massive change in the way non-white people are represented in media. Most representations have shifted from immensely negative and offensive, to empowering and inspiring. And for this awesome change, we must thank the people behind the camera.
The number of non-white directors in Hollywood has increased immensely in the past 100 years. This, as expected, has directly led to the crushing of harmful archetypes, stereotypes and just straight-up racism in the films we consume.
This has helped lead to the age we are in now, where conversations around what is acceptable to say and show are being had much more frequently and we are finally seeming to move a step forward in the right direction towards a world where media is all-inclusive and accepting.
But guess who hates this? Guess who disagrees?
Coming back into the topic after taking this breath of fresh air and seeing the field of hope certainly feels like thumping directly onto hard concrete.
And it’s honestly just sad to remember that despite all the good change that is occurring in the film industry, that so many -mostly white men- are throwing hissy-fits in response to this news.
LGBTQIA+ peoples representation in media
This side of the argument is an interesting one as we are currently experiencing what many would describe or define as ‘the reformation itself’.
Gay marriage and rights have only just been legalised in my many countries in the last twenty or so years. For example, it was legalised in the US in June of 2013. (ConsitutionU.S.com, 2022)
So, we are quite literally witnessing first-hand what making social change looks like in our society.
This is, of course, not to discredit the history of oppression the LGBTQIA+ community has had to painfully endure. However, unlike the feminist argument or if we where to look at racial divides, the queer communities fight seems to have only just taken off.
So naturally, the others are afraid.
This fear is what has caused the intense and insane pushback from ‘hating-heterosexuals’ in the past 50 years. They were hating before, now they are only louder.
The representation the LGBTQIA+ community should be looked at through a few lenses as well, simplify to gain a more in depth understanding of some of the problems we are facing and how they apply to a few of the many communities in the queer world.
Gay Men, Lesbian Women, and Our Trans Folks: Their Representation.
As by the grace of male privilege, representation of gay men in films has been around for a while. For example, the German film “Different from the Others’ (1919) centred around a homosexual violinist, and his romance with one of his male students. However, the film ended with the protagonist being exposed, exiled from society and then later committing suicide.
Though a tragic storyline, this film was a step in the right direction. Making people aware of the existence of homosexuality and painting it as something beautiful that had been shunned and othered by society, it caused many people to have a moment of self-reflection of their values.
But for many gay men today, the idea of prejudice in film now haunts them in the form of the once again infamous ‘gay best-friend’ archetype.
While now a lot of people have tried to make this archetype into a positive thing by celebrating straight female and gay male friendships, some would say it has now crossed into the territory of stereotyping all gay men to act this way.
It should also be questioned that there is no female equivalent for this. There is no “lesbian best-friend” archetype for the male consumer. And for this we only have internalised misogyny to blame. (I plan on writing a full article on this topic alone, so stay tuned for that.)
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When someone says the word ‘gay’, often times we feel inclined to think about the stereotype of the hyper-feminine diva, often in drag.
While there is certainly a plethora of gay men who would identify with this description, it leaves the rest of the community in the dark, and many people forget that gay men can be masculine, calm and not naturally flamboyant or wanting to wear makeup or traditionally feminine clothing.
The same could be said in reverse for lesbians. The idea pushed that a lesbian must have short hair, a masculine body and a tomboy-ish attitude is an idea we are all too familiar with. And parallelled, there are many lesbians who are genuinely like this -and there are many, many others who are not.
So, when a white, heterosexual man complains that there are too many gay/lesbian narratives or couples in media, one can only wonder what this says about him? Because he might have adopted these ideals not from his own thoughts and values, but what he’s been sold online. And that being ‘the ideal couple is a man and a woman’.
Furthermore, the idea conveyed about transgender or gender non-conforming peoples by white, heterosexual men is very often negative.
Currently we are living through one of the hardest times for transgender peoples, especially in conservative countries and the administration in America. We are seeing a social push-back against the rights of transgender peoples, and because of the online world, hating and spreading hate has never been easier.
So, in solidarity with the ‘wokeists’ and their humanitarian views of equality, many media outlets are now making the active choice to include trans stories and characters in their products.
But it’s not this simple.
There are still far more new films and movies that are not including these diverse narratives -this detail is just not shown online.
What is shown online, is the movies and TV shows that do include these narratives, mostly as a way to leverage backlash and hate to them for this.
So, to the everyday consumer, or for our example, the white heterosexual man, it looks like this representation is everywhere. While in reality, the percentage of trans/queer representation in films is actually quite small still.
Moving on…
Now that we understand the factors that effect this argument, we can start to look at the point being argued by the Anglo-Saxon, heterosexual men themselves.
The White Man’s Argument — The “Diversity Quota”
“Filling the diversity quota” to me and many other normal people sounds like a beautiful thing. Who wouldn’t want minorities to have amazing opportunities in films and media?
However, coming out of the white man’s mouth, “Filling the diversity quota” has suddenly had a sarcastic twist in meaning.
They believe that by including minorities stories in media, the outlets are only complying to remain on the good side of media.
What does this say about the men, however? That being kind, has now coined its own special name? How backwards are we running in this society that representation, good representation, diverse representation, has its own nickname used to shun and belittle? How is it that despite us moving forward in our laws and social policies, that it feels like we are falling backwards onto old ways of thinking?
Or is it that we just need to be louder than them. Perhaps we should retaliate with more force and fill that diversity quota to its brim.
The White Man’s Argument -Revised and Reverbed Additon
“All of the films made by women and minorities are bad and they only get attention because they are minorities.”
This is an extremely difficult topic to discuss, as it is not only multifaceted, but it is unlike many prejudice ideologies like it, as it simply has substantial and factual evidence on either side.
There is no doubt that many films that feature minorities or that are produced by minorities, gain more attention in our current time period. However, in this age of wokeism this is expected to be the case. In history though, this was never the case.
So, by acting as though all-of-a-sudden ethnic peoples or oppressed peoples are breaking through the industry on their first try, one completely ignores and disrespects all the people that came before these trailblazers, who were rejected, shunned and ignored for their craft.
I think the basis of this argument comes from a place of emotional and opinions-based festering.
Additionally, it is known that throughout history that people coming from minority groups have had to work far harder than white counterparts for the same opportunities. So naturally, insecure white men are sceptical if an ethnic person gets an opportunity they think they could have had, and they might even become angry if they think the person is, for whatever reason, undeserving of this opportunity.
But if the person on the screen doing a ‘bad job’ at acting was white, quite often the scene would play out something like this;
“Oh, they’re kind of shit, aren’t they?”
Then they might interact or like a few videos online criticising the acting in a mild fashion.
However, the reaction when this person is queer, ethnic or doesn’t fit into the social norms of this patriotic society, the reaction seems to blow up.
“God, here these people go again! Taking away our jobs!”
This time they might comment, interact heavily with or even make their own posts criticising the actor in, sadly quite often, a much more abhorrent way.
What does the way we react to this say about our internal biases? Is this what many would term as ‘internalised racism?’ Or am I being too woke?
Either way, something about the difference and disparity in the reactions doesn’t sit right with me and many other genuine people. And I strongly believe that more people should be made aware of the ways in which the subconscious biases effect how we interact with others.
The Final Frontier.
What I think many people don’t understand about this argument is the structure of a reformative period like the one we are currently in.
In every social reformation there has been a period of extremism. Women on the streets burning their bras in the name of feminism and push for rights can be considered extremist (even though this never actually happened, and it was a narrative pushed by the media to demonise feminists).
So there has always been a tendency for a loud and proud opposition to exist, and with mainstream media, they are getting a bigger platform. Media companies want to stay up to date with the current opinions of the people -which happen to be more ‘woke’ than previous generations- so therefore they are inclined to hire and promote diversity.
As. They. Should.
The notion that this in any circumstance is ‘bad’ simply comes from, and I will restate myself clearer this time, a place of white insecurity.
We need to have diverse trailblazers to move forward. There needs to be a period like this where they are finally given a chance, because they were not given opportunities like this previously. And we need to be celebrating this change, not trying to undermine it.
The pendulum will swing back and forth again as it always does. So, now while we have swung quite far on the left side, and towards the smell of diversity, let us relish in this.
Because eventually, as it always does, it will come to an equilibrium.
We are already seeing this happen with feminism. Yes, the pendulum hasn’t evened out yet, and it won’t do so in my lifetime. Social reformations can take hundreds of years. But as women, our rights have gotten better with time in many countries. So, at some time in the far future, the pendulum will settle, and true equality will be found in this industry.
Some will even say, why can’t we share the ice-cream? Why can’t the equilibrium just settle, and we can meet halfway and not discriminate against others. In the case of war, why not just ceasefire?
But there is something that one side wants and something the other wishes to defend.
White Anglo-Saxons want to defend their comfortable throne and their pride. And the minority groups are wanting to break free of their oppression.
I say to this, we should be focused mostly on trying to reach that equilibrium, the centre of the pendulums, as fast as we can.
And for this to happen, white people need to put down the pitchforks and simply just comply for once in their life and let this period pass. Let the minority groups get their opportunities and feel happy for them as they do.
…but I can already hear it… the cries from the hills…
Yes, this is another counter argument from the white men. (sigh)
Did you really think that was the final frontier?
When it comes to debate, the opposition always seem to find something or other to comment or snap back with. Good thing, I always come prepared with my awesome brain. (I’ve been typing for a while, forgive me.)
“But what about me and my poor opportunities? Why should I have to just let them take my job and watch them as they do so? I deserve it just as much as them.”
Big-ol’ cry with this one, but let’s look at what they are saying here.
The main point of this -besides projection of fear and insecurity- is the belief that because other people who don’t look like them are getting opportunities, they will no longer be able to get any opportunity ever again.
You see, when you word it like that, you get to see just how insane some of these takes are.
So, there are many ways I could counter this argument, however, out of zero motivation to repeat myself, let’s just go with what I’d say is a sweet piece of evidence-based (factual) presentation.
Fear Fear Fear
If the argument is that the “jobs will go because of the ethnic groups” and that “no one wants white men anymore”, then I’m sorry (I’m not), I’m about to ruin someone’s day.
As a white man, you are currently yearning for oppression. You want to be that minority so bad. You want to be able to say that despite all odds, you still got that role! You want to safely put on the shoes of a minority group to cosplay being tied down, then quietly slip out of them and go about your day full of privilege.
Or maybe you don’t, and you just want to complain.
Either way, you’re in luck. Because no matter what you may have come to believe, there will never be a lack of demand for white, straight, men in Hollywood, or the general film industry. Never.
And not now especially.
Let’s look at some of the current hits in the box office -shall we?
Now, the list of films from 2026 will be taken from the top preforming in terms of sales.
(These will not include animated films and this information is taken from IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4154830192/ -full reference at the bottom of the article)
- Spider Man: Brand New Day -starring a white man
- The Odessey -starring multiple white men, directed by a white man, though has an arguably diverse cast within
- Michael -Good example of representation.
- The Devil Wears Prada 2 -starring a mostly white cast, directed by a white man
- Project Hail Mary -starring a white man, directed by two white men
- Obsession -co-stars a white man, directed by a white man
- Backrooms -diverse cast, directed by a white man
From this, it becomes extremely clear that no, sorry to break it to you, you’re not oppressed and your job will not be taken by a minority group.
There is still plenty demand in this industry for a white, male protagonist, and even more for white men in the main cast. And clearly quite a lot of initial credibility just for being a white director.
If we where to look at the two sides standing beside each other, this only becomes more apparent. Let me show you;
If a woman and a man where both applying for a gender-neutral position, historically and statistically, the man will be accepted.
If a non-white person and a white person where both applying for a lead role, historically and statistically, the white person will be offered the role.
And if a queer person and a heterosexual person auditioning for a role, historically and statistically, the heterosexual person will be accepted.
This is a matter of pattern and societal bias, and no white, heterosexual or male, will ever be discriminated against for their race, gender or sexuality.
White oppression is simply not real.
Perhaps it isn’t their fault…?
Maybe it’s not the white man’s fault, it’s the society we live in?
Of course that’s the case!
Biases and stereotypes stem from social issues and are reflective of the values of a society. We are fed narratives in schools, social media and analogue media, and even from our parents. Just the smallest of microaggressions can cause generational waves of prejudice thought patterns.
The only way we can stop this is to do what we can to educate far and wide, so that moving forward we can hold these men to full accountability. Once they know and are aware of these discriminations, if they continue to choose to think with a destructive mindset, and support ideologies like this, then it’s no longer the systems fault.
It’s their own.
And can they still believe what they want, and stay the same way?
Sure.
But can I still disagree?
Yes, and I will continue to, because I believe that a world full of equality is the goal, and if I can help us get there even by simply expressing my rawest opinions on this article, then I will never shut-up.
Thank you for reading, I hope to see you on my page again.
Until then, goodbye!
References:
Felio, G. (n.d.). 2026 highest grossing movies worldwide. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls4154830192
When Was Gay Marriage Legalized in the US? — Federal Marriage Rights. (2022, November 21). Constitution of the United States. https://constitutionus.com/law/when-was-gay-marriage-legalized-in-the-us/
to, C. (2024). Zuri Ross. Disney Wiki; Fandom, Inc. https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Zuri_Ross
Catwoman (film). (2022, March 30). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catwoman_(film)
IMDb. (2017, May 30). Wonder Woman. IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0451279/
