Toni McMillan
Age Range: 36-49
Main source of information: Television and Radio
Television outlet mostly consumed: ABC, NBC, CNN (world news and political news)
An assistant principal at Forest Park Elementary School in Boynton Beach, Florida, Toni McMillan communicated her definition of news.
“Current events that appeal to different audiences such as community, local, city, state and country, world,” McMillan said.
McMillan believes the news is important to the community and does recognize how people are interdependent.
“News is very important to society. It keeps people connected on different levels. It helps us to understand where society stands at any given time. It allows people to be aware of their surroundings and act accordingly,” she said.
The news media is a powerful tool in society and has the capability of swaying the public’s opinion on a variety of issues. The news media world has made improvements in the news media, but said it still has strides to go.
McMillan recognized those improvements, especially more diversity of anchors on the broadcast side, but highlighted that Black people living in the United States aren’t represented well.
“There appears to be more Black journalists and news anchors in news in the past decade. However, many people who are featured as witnesses or subjects of news sometimes tend to be uneducated and come across as illiterate, using improper grammar,” she said.
The news has a responsibility to represent the reality of Black America, but seems to have failed this duty.
“I feel that it does not match reality. It is skewed. There are many successful Black men and women, but they don’t make the news for being average. Only the negative stereotypes make it in the news. They are the ones that are sought out to be featured in the stories,” she said.
As previously mentioned the news is influential and holds power. McMillan discussed how the news reinforces stereotypes about Black America.
“I think that racism is still alive and well in society. I think that successful Black men and women are not always appreciated; yet they are tolerated. Blatant racism would be questioned, so instead, if the news constantly shows Black people in a negative light, then society will ignore the contributions and positive experiences and contributions,” McMillan said.
Throughout the interview, McMillan emphasized how representation matters, especially for younger girls of color. One positive story here and there doesn’t cut it. The youth need consistency and someone to aspire to be like.
“I think it is important to discuss because having equity in representation shows them as role models. It is important for society’s future for children, male and female to see people that look like them in all positions,” she said.
Not only is representation important, but the way Black women are presented is almost more important.
“They (Black women) are never in charge. They are usually subordinates. They have small roles, usually to meet a quota. Rarely are they asked questions to demonstrate their knowledge in a meaningful way,” McMillan added.
When watching news, McMillan said she feels understood as a woman, but not as a Black woman. She feels she needs to tailor her feelings and image for society.
McMillan's statement:
“As a Black woman I feel underappreciated in television news.”