---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It's important to see yourself represented."
description: "\"It's important to see yourself represented.\" — Okieriete Onaodowan"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/586/okieriete-onaodowan-21844_important_it-s-important-to-see-yourself-represent_2076308.jpg"
---

#  It's important to see yourself represented.

![“It's important to see yourself represented.” quote by Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/586/okieriete-onaodowan-21844_important_it-s-important-to-see-yourself-represent_2076308.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/586/okieriete-onaodowan-21844_important_it-s-important-to-see-yourself-represent_2076308.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/586/okieriete-onaodowan-21844_important_it-s-important-to-see-yourself-represent_2076308.jpg)

> “It's important to see yourself represented.”

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Stresses the value of representation, noting that seeing similar people in media validates identity and inspires confidence.

**In simple terms:** Seeing similar people matters.

Key Takeaway

Support diverse representation in media.

Themes

identity representation inclusion

Mood

hopeful affirming

Type

social cultural

When to use this quote

- television
- education
- workplace
- community events

Key Concepts

media studies social identity

Questions to Reflect On

- How does representation affect your self‑image?
- What groups are still under‑represented?

A Different Perspective

Representation alone doesn't solve systemic bias.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

## Related quotes

> [What was important to me was that I represented Nebraska.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jordan-larson/what-was-important-to-me-was-that-i-represented-nebraska/)

[Jordan Larson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jordan-larson/)

> [“If people are honest with themselves when they choose a tattoo, the art will represent them better than anything that will ever come out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/troy-holloway/if-people-are-honest-with-themselves-when-they-choose-a-tattoo-the/)

Troy Holloway

> [“the inconvenience she represented.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-lukeman/the-inconvenience-she-represented/)

Alex Lukeman

> [Our model of politics is one that it is inclusive of all members of the society; all should be represented. That is the nature…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colin-powell/our-model-of-politics-is-one-that-it-is-inclusive-of-all-members-of/)

[Colin Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colin-powell/)

> [It was just amazing to finally see yourself represented. That's why I carry so much pride about being on this show. I'm excited to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leisha-hailey/it-was-just-amazing-to-finally-see-yourself-represented-that-s-why-i/)

[Leisha Hailey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leisha-hailey/)

> [I have represented people in book deals.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gloria-allred/i-have-represented-people-in-book-deals/)

[Gloria Allred](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gloria-allred/)

> [“Her self, then, was represented in her books.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/claire-messud/her-self-then-was-represented-in-her-books/)

[Claire Messud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/claire-messud/)

> [People want to be represented on television.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lenny-henry/people-want-to-be-represented-on-television/)

[Lenny Henry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lenny-henry/)

> [When I was skating I felt I represented not just my family and the people who helped me make it to that point, but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-hughes/when-i-was-skating-i-felt-i-represented-not-just-my-family-and-the/)

[Sarah Hughes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-hughes/)

> [In a democracy everybody has a right to be represented, including the jerks.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-patten/in-a-democracy-everybody-has-a-right-to-be-represented-including-the/)

[Chris Patten](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-patten/)

> [I have stood up and I have represented my constituents to the best of my abilities, and I'm very proud of that.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hillary-clinton/i-have-stood-up-and-i-have-represented-my-constituents-to-the-best-of/)

[Hillary Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hillary-clinton/)

> [Each character represented a trait that resides in me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-jones/each-character-represented-a-trait-that-resides-in-me/)

[Chuck Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-jones/)

> [“What is the point of being represented if it is only our image that is invited to the table?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mariam-khan/what-is-the-point-of-being-represented-if-it-is-only-our-image-that/)

Mariam Khan

> [I didn't really see anyone like myself ever represented on the screen.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lauren-ridloff/i-didn-t-really-see-anyone-like-myself-ever-represented-on-the-screen/)

[Lauren Ridloff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lauren-ridloff/)

> [I represented the people of Hawaii and this nation honestly and to the best of my ability. I think I did okay.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-inouye/i-represented-the-people-of-hawaii-and-this-nation-honestly-and-to/)

[Daniel Inouye](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-inouye/)

## More by Okieriete Onaodowan

> [I knew nothing of American History because I didn't pay attention to American History in school. Because I did not see myself in American…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/i-knew-nothing-of-american-history-because-i-didn-t-pay-attention-to/)

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

> [It was just really exciting to see dark people in white people's clothing, or what is perceived as white people garb.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/it-was-just-really-exciting-to-see-dark-people-in-white-people-s/)

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

> [I played Pierre, a white Russian aristocrat, and my co-lead was Denee Benton. Two black leads playing not black people - it was an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/i-played-pierre-a-white-russian-aristocrat-and-my-co-lead-was-denee/)

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

> [I just loved listening to hip-hop, I love the words. The angry words resonated with me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/i-just-loved-listening-to-hip-hop-i-love-the-words-the-angry-words/)

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

> [I never worry about whether or not I'll find a job.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/i-never-worry-about-whether-or-not-i-ll-find-a-job/)

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

> [You have to cultivate diversity for it to work, and I feel the 'Great Comet' didn't take the time to cultivate it. They didn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/you-have-to-cultivate-diversity-for-it-to-work-and-i-feel-the-great/)

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

> [Despair is despair, sorrow is sorrow, death is death. It's not about who is experiencing it; it's about building a bridge of empathy across…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/despair-is-despair-sorrow-is-sorrow-death-is-death-it-s-not-about-who/)

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

> [The finances of a smash hit do not affect the actors in any way shape or form, it's the attention that comes with it.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/the-finances-of-a-smash-hit-do-not-affect-the-actors-in-any-way-shape/)

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

> [Hip-hop was born of people who did not have a voice. They were not heard. And those people exist and are a part of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/hip-hop-was-born-of-people-who-did-not-have-a-voice-they-were-not/)

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

> [There's something to be said about seeing your face represented. There's just something really important about that. It just draws you in more.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/there-s-something-to-be-said-about-seeing-your-face-represented-there/)

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

> [If people feel strongly and passionately about something, I'll let them speak strongly and passionately - I'm not going to tell them not to.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/if-people-feel-strongly-and-passionately-about-something-i-ll-let/)

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

> [Young kids who are out there who are upset and angry, they can watch this and realize that you can speak out through your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/young-kids-who-are-out-there-who-are-upset-and-angry-they-can-watch/)

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

> [I want to exercise all my muscles. I want to do plays. I want to do everything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/i-want-to-exercise-all-my-muscles-i-want-to-do-plays-i-want-to-do/)

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

> [As you get older, you grow and you revaluate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/as-you-get-older-you-grow-and-you-revaluate/)

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

> [The arts was always a place where I could be present.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/the-arts-was-always-a-place-where-i-could-be-present/)

[Okieriete Onaodowan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

[Explore all 28 Okieriete Onaodowan quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/)

## More Important quotes

> [There is something more important than any ultimate weapon. That is the ultimate position-the position of total control over Earth that lies somewhere out…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lyndon-b-johnson/there-is-something-more-important-than-any-ultimate-weapon-that-is/)

[Lyndon B. Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lyndon-b-johnson/)

> [I wanted to write about voodoo tradition that I feel has been very important to survival of black people here: people of the African…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jesmyn-ward/i-wanted-to-write-about-voodoo-tradition-that-i-feel-has-been-very/)

[Jesmyn Ward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jesmyn-ward/)

> [Fiscal prudence is very important.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/smriti-irani/fiscal-prudence-is-very-important/)

[Smriti Irani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/smriti-irani/)

> [Regardless of the criticisms I receive from the left, the right and the middle, I think it's important to maintain a prolific writing jab,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ishmael-reed/regardless-of-the-criticisms-i-receive-from-the-left-the-right-and/)

[Ishmael Reed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ishmael-reed/)

> [In some circles where very heavy people think they have very heavy brains, words like "charming" and "clever" and "pretty" are all put-downs; all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-warhol/in-some-circles-where-very-heavy-people-think-they-have-very-heavy/)

[Andy Warhol](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-warhol/)

> [I can skate beautifully. While performing on ice I always try to please the audience and to win as well. Being artistic is very…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evgeni-plushenko/i-can-skate-beautifully-while-performing-on-ice-i-always-try-to/)

[Evgeni Plushenko](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evgeni-plushenko/)

> [It’s so important to create in your own voice, to hold onto what makes you unique, and have faith in your vision.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-lasseter/it-s-so-important-to-create-in-your-own-voice-to-hold-onto-what-makes/)

[John Lasseter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-lasseter/)

> [The image of blacks usually is one of people who are suffering from hunger, unemployment, and poverty. The idea of them as agents and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/grace-lee-boggs/the-image-of-blacks-usually-is-one-of-people-who-are-suffering-from/)

[Grace Lee Boggs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/grace-lee-boggs/)

> [If I had learned how to get along in the quotidian world while keeping up the search for the hidden realm, I might have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-woodring/if-i-had-learned-how-to-get-along-in-the-quotidian-world-while/)

[Jim Woodring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-woodring/)

> [Modeling is more important than the talking we do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wayne-williams/modeling-is-more-important-than-the-talking-we-do/)

Wayne Williams

> [There are more important things to focus on in life than how you look.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arden-cho/there-are-more-important-things-to-focus-on-in-life-than-how-you-look/)

[Arden Cho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arden-cho/)

> [Doing the right things is more important than doing things right.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ko-wen-je/doing-the-right-things-is-more-important-than-doing-things-right/)

[Ko Wen-je](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ko-wen-je/)

> [To me, Caribbean food is about fresh, seasonal produce - using what's in season to create vibrant and great tasting food. The spicing is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ainsley-harriott/to-me-caribbean-food-is-about-fresh-seasonal-produce-using-what-s-in/)

[Ainsley Harriott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ainsley-harriott/)

> [Boys and boys' body image and clothes have become just as important an issue for boys as for girls.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rosalind-wiseman/boys-and-boys-body-image-and-clothes-have-become-just-as-important-an/)

[Rosalind Wiseman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rosalind-wiseman/)

> [I think when you’re dying you start looking for important things in the corners. You can’t let anything that seems even semi-important pass, because…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-crutcher/i-think-when-you-re-dying-you-start-looking-for-important-things-in/)

[Chris Crutcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-crutcher/)

Browse all 30,993 Important quotes

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "It's important to see yourself represented.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Okieriete Onaodowan"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/it-s-important-to-see-yourself-represented/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Important"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/it-s-important-to-see-yourself-represented/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/586/okieriete-onaodowan-21844_important_it-s-important-to-see-yourself-represent_2076308.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/586/okieriete-onaodowan-21844_important_it-s-important-to-see-yourself-represent_2076308.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/586/okieriete-onaodowan-21844_important_it-s-important-to-see-yourself-represent_2076308.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“It's important to see yourself represented.” — Okieriete Onaodowan",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Okieriete Onaodowan",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/okieriete-onaodowan/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "It's important to see yourself represented.",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/it-s-important-to-see-yourself-represented/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/okieriete-onaodowan/it-s-important-to-see-yourself-represented/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
