Is the Media Influencing Me, or Reflecting Social Progression?

The other day when I was watching TV I noticed a new commercial for a car. In the ad a white male is driving his new car and while driving different things appear in the car with him based on his future. A dog appears in the back, and then a woman appears in the passenger seat. The woman just happens to be Asian. A baby then arrives in the back seat and the assumption is made that they are married and have kids. The message of the ad was to show that their car is something that you would have for your lifetime and can be used for everything in your life.

I did not think much of it but then the very next ad was for a bank, I believe to be HSBC. In the add a white male and an Asian female who appear to be married for some time discuss their financial situations for retirement.

The question I asked myself was is the media now telling me that it is all right for to date outside of your race and that it is acceptable? Or is it just the media is reflecting the social progression of the global village?

Further research showed me that not only is it in commercials but some of the latest TV programming and movies are showing similar views on its relationships. The movie Hitch, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?, and TV shows like ER, Lost, My Name is Earl, Grey's Anatomy and Will & Grace have all included interracial couples in their casting decisions.

From my point-of-view this is a reflection of how society has changed. Most of the media is targeted and 16-35 year olds, those who grew up with diversity and multiculturalism in their day-to-day routine. I actually appreciate the media’s attempt to show more and more colour-blind character roles as it helps educate the narrow minded!