Abstract

This paper explores the diverse nature of Asia, encompassing a wide array of cultural, religious, and personal identity choices, and linguistic communities. Such diversity often coexists in an environment of tolerance or conflict. However, the representation of Asia in First World and influential countries has been disproportionately asymmetric over an extended period, leading to contemporary issues of underrepresentation, misrepresentation, and dissemination of misinformation. Consequently, this biased portrayal fosters harmful and prejudiced attitudes of bias, neglect, and intolerance among global audiences. The conventional media depiction of "Asian" individuals predominantly hailing from South-Eastern nations results in the neglect of major geopolitical countries like India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Israel, etc., in the broader "Asian" narrative. The correlation between inadequate representation and, in extreme cases, improper representation, creates a sense of indifference towards these nations. This indifference can manifest as insensitive behavior, particularly concerning humanitarian aid, thereby exacerbating crises and even leading to victim-blaming for their inability to maintain higher living standards, positive development, and education. The article focuses on the promotion of apathetic sentiments and the exclusion of Central and Southern Asian countries from the broader "Asian" narrative. As a result, these nations are deprived of global recognition and humanitarian support. Despite numerous treaties and the signing of conventions, politics and monetary benefits take priority over providing security to war victims. This article advocates for a comprehensive evaluation and correction of the current distortions in media representations of the varied nations and peoples of Asia, emphasizing the need to address the consequences of biased depictions. Furthermore, there is an immediate need to address the neglected war crimes and humanitarian crises in multiple Asian countries and the lack of enforceability of International Organisations and their conventions.

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