360-Degree Storytelling

Universally’s 360-degree storytelling series produces stories of American life that promote positive representation, combat harmful stereotypes, and cultivate a shared sense of identity across diverse American communities.

Studies show that counter-stereotyping and counter-stereotypic imaging are effective ways to raise reduce the occurrence and impact of negative biases. Counter-stereotyping occurs when individuals are exposed to information that is the opposite of the stereotypes they have about a group. Counter-stereotypic imaging occurs when a person receives sufficient images of a stereotyped group such that they can rely on an opposite image to challenge their bias and make a positive association. Both can be achieved through general or abstract ideas, interactions with people, or observing real people.

We believe that as we share more about everyday life among everyday people—we will not only combat stereotypes, but we will also help people identify with each other and see themselves in each other.

360 Degree Storytelling Series – General Information

The 360 Degree Storytelling series builds on counter-stereotyping and counter-stereotypic imaging by presenting positive, real-life imagery and lived experiences of stereotyped groups in documentary films, video vignettes, and other broadcast formats. 360 Degree Storytelling is a multimedia complement to our Bright Ambassadors program, which creates real, in-person connections between diverse groups and across communities. The stories are shared through social media, streaming platforms, and other production outlets.

The series shares the stories of racially and ethnically diverse Americans, e.g., African Americans, Asian, Americans, Latino Americans, Caucasian Americans, multiracial Americans, and more from each region of the U.S. the Census Bureau’s 9 regional divisions. The 360-degree perspective gives sightlines beyond sensationalized headlines featured on news, entertainment, and other programming and focuses on real family- and community- life. Further, the series captures the nuances within these communities and dispels oversimplifications that are represented by racialized demographic terms and language. Most of all, the series will show us that Americans share more in common than we do differences.

Here are few examples of groups that are featured in the series.

African Americans. Did you know that most African Americans are middle class? If you said no or are struggling to wrap your head around this fact, you’re in the company the vast majority of Americans, including many African Americans themselves. The inaugural production in our 360 Degree Storytelling series, Made in the Image of My Own Blackness, pursues factual information over hyperbole and fiction to help us understand the nuances of African American life, including middle class American American households, as a representation of all-American life in the U.S.

Latino Americans. Most Latino Americans living in the U.S. were born in the U.S. and have lived here for 10+ years. Most are not from immigrant or migrant households, though we appreciate that part of the Latino American experience. Moreover, some Latino Americans identify as white Americans. Does or should this change perspectives and representation of Latino life in America? What parallels are there between Latino Americans’ lived experiences and other demographic groups experiences, and what does it tell us about the American experience? A great way to explore answers to this and other questions is to visit with Latino American families and dive into more authentic representation of their American stories.

Asian Americans. Asian Americans trace their roots to more than 20 different countries of origin, and a fast growing segment of Asian Americans are Hispanic Asians–that is: Asians from Latino countries, Latinos from Asian countries, and Asian Americans of mixed race background. This begs the question, what does “Asian American” even mean? You can imagine the answers to this question are as diverse as the plethora backgrounds represented by Asian Americans, and yet, so many of their answers are probably the same as yours, mine, and any other group when it comes to defining their American experiences.

White Americans. What does it mean to be a white American especially when (1) white Americans descend from a number of different backgrounds, including many of racially and ethnically diverse Americans who self-identify as and look white, and (2) the meaning of being white in America has changed many times over time? Is there truly a shared “white” experience in America? These are complicated questions with even more complex answers, and there are implications and lessons for all Americans, American life, and our lived experiences. We will explore these topics in a limited 360 Degree series through exploration of the lives of socioeconomically and ethnically diverse Americans who self-identify as white Americans.

Multiracial Americans. Experiences with being an American of mixed racial background, like all racial identities, are based on a combination of how people see themselves and how others view them. Moreover, a range of factors affect mixed racial identity and experiences–genealogy, family ties, physical appearance, culture, and more. In a country that’s both a mixing bowl and a melting pot, and that has significant geographical, socioeconomic, and other forms of heterogeneity, multiracial Americans’ lived experiences mirror many of ours. Join us in exploring how these Americans’ experiences provide a window into our own lives.