Wittenborg Lecturer Joins Panel Discussion on Representation Challenges

08.04.2025

Amy Abdou Takes Part in Debate Organised by University of Amsterdam

Academics and industry professionals gathered at the University of Amsterdam’s SPUI25 on 24 March for a panel discussion titled ‘Representation in Entertainment Media and Technology’. Wittenborg Senior Lecturer Amy Abdou was one of the panellists, together with Jelani Isaacs, Esther Uduehi and Irene van Driel.

The debate addressed the misrepresentation of marginalised groups across various platforms, such as video games, virtual reality, music, film and other forms of media, and explored how both the industry and academia are actively addressing these representation challenges. Additionally, the panel examined best practices and innovative approaches that can help guide the development of more inclusive technology design. The activity was aimed at fostering a productive dialogue on the intersection of technology, representation and inclusivity.

Abdou highlighted the dual role of media and technology, noting their potential to facilitate both inclusion and exclusion. She added that this was an important debate in an era where people are increasingly wary of describing feelings about race and gender in public forums. “This discussion broke through the taboo without minimising the impact of recent efforts to eradicate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies. It generated practical tips about ensuring that underrepresented groups are given a platform within our respective academic disciplines and that technology helps empower these groups to express their creativity.”

According to the Senior Lecturer, one sector where exclusion persists is the music industry, where women and people of colour face numerous challenges made worse by classism, ageism, homophobia and sexual harassment. “The current structure of the music industry labour market requires not only academic credentials but also multiple unpaid internships and affiliation with a major musical product. This excludes a lot of people from participation. In addition, economic crises tend to impact vulnerable labourers in the creative industries more harshly as they often lack permanent employment contracts. The result of which, post-COVID-19, has led to many artists having to forgo their musical pursuits.”

Abdou concluded by underlining that tips to address these inequalities include the integration of role models, promotion of entrepreneurship and the extension of empathy to all, as well as "leaning into uncertainty and learning from those around you".

For University of Amsterdam Assistant Professor Irene van Driel, who organised the debate, collaboration is key to breaking the cycle of misrepresentation and invisibility in various media industries: "By bringing together creators, users and researchers through participatory and evidence-based design, we can challenge assumptions and create products and narratives that reflect a broader range of experiences. Shifting design from being purely profit-driven to value-driven, with inclusivity at its core, can foster innovation that benefits more people, not just the imagined 'default' user."