Does the portrayal of minority groups and women in films/books etc affect the way that society sees them?

I would think it is a factor. Especially for someone who doesn’t interact with those groups on a daily basis in real life.

Of course.

I don’t know it can be otherwise?

There is a documentary on Netflix called Reel Injun. It’s the history of the ways American Indians have been portrayed in Hollywood for the past 100 years. It’s absolutely fascinating. Almost everything we think about Native Americans comes from Hollywood and most of it is totally bogus.

If you want to see a good honest movie about modernAmerican Indians, watch Smoke Signals. It was written and directed by a Spokane who grew up on a reservation. It’s not only considered one of the only honest portrayals of reservation life, it was also really funny and bittersweet.

In your research, make sure to include Uncle Tom’s Cabin.