This study examines the effects of race-neutral narratives with diverse casts on perceptions of attitudes towards Black People among media consumers. Given the historical context of racial bias and stereotyping in media, the study explores whether race-neutral representations can mitigate these biases and foster positive attitudes towards Black individuals and minority individuals. Drawing on Self-Categorization Theory and Contact Theory, the study hypothesizes that exposure to race-neutral narratives featuring Black characters will lead to more favorable evaluations of Black people. Additionally, the study investigates the role of narrative engagement, specifically transportation and boundary expansion, in moderating these effects. The initial hypotheses were not supported in this study; however, findings suggest that race-neutral narratives hold potential for enhancing the self-perception of minority groups, highlighting the importance of diverse media representation beyond race-centric narratives. This research contributes to the broader discourse on media diversity and its implications for societal attitudes towards racial minorities.
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