We know Canada is multicultural in makeup. So why are racialized people always missing or misrepresented in journalism? Tyee reporter Christopher Cheung, who writes on diasporas and urban issues in diverse Vancouver, decided to pause his reporting to tackle this big question.
Follow along this series of essays as Cheung unpacks popular news tropes, from “model minorities” to coverage of “ethnic” celebrations to the disdain of racialized neighbourhoods until white businesses like craft breweries open up. If you’re wondering how journalists can strive for more reflective reporting, don’t miss this series.
“Under the White Gaze” was originally published as a Tyee email newsletter that ran from October to December 2021. Over 5,000 subscribers joined in to read and dialogue — and now we’re publishing the full series of essays on our main site for all to read.
In This Series
Under the White Gaze of Today’s Media
Who’s a ‘mainstream Canadian'? And more on how today’s journalism can be truly inclusive. First in a series.
Victims, Villains and Model Minorities
When it comes to race, too many reporters fall back on tropes.
Reporting on People of Colour? Mind the Intersections
Each person reflects an overlap of systems of power: race, class, gender, sexuality, age, religion, and more. How can journalists reflect this?
When Media Erase Places of Colour
What are journalists really saying when they talk about ‘emerging neighbourhoods’?
When Reporting about Race, Searching for the Right Words
The effort can strain, but it’s necessary if journalists are to avoid harm. Fifth in a series.
When Food Writers Promise ‘Exotic’ Adventure
A friendly guide to how to avoid slighting folks who run ‘ethnic’ eateries and what they serve.
Museums Are Full of History Holes. How to Fill Them
An inspiring example is New Westminster. Perspectives were missing, so the city took creative action. Latest in a series.
When I Write about Race, This Is What I’m Told
Many say that doing so is itself ‘racist,’ so quiet down. Here’s why I disagree.
Thanks for Reflecting on Media ‘Under the White Gaze’
Our series has invited journalists to look deeply at truly inclusive coverage. We’ve made it a free PDF.