While these societal images focus on fear, punishment and crime, social science research shows that young boys of colour are deep critical thinkers and capable of profound emotion.

A wonderful article by researcher David Knight unpacks the negative stereotypes of young men of colour.

There is a wealth of research showing how media stereotypes contribute towards the violence and brutality levelled against young Black and Latin youth.

One young Latin boy says in Knight’s study:

“The world can be very tough and vast … You can feel so tiny in such a big place, and love is that connection that can make you feel not so small.”