burden of representation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "burden of representation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about social justice, identity politics, or the responsibilities of individuals or groups to represent certain communities or perspectives. Example: "The burden of representation often falls on marginalized voices, who must navigate the complexities of being seen as representatives of their entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Such is the burden of representation.

The Guardian

They bear what James Baldwin called "the burden of representation".

The New York Times

But the burden of representation is an unfair one.

The Guardian

A Muslim sports star nowadays carries a burden of representation that black athletes have long since sloughed off.

The Guardian

It seems that only "ethnic" writers carry a burden of "representation" whether they want to or not.

The Guardian - Books

We have to recognise how diversity initiatives can make black artists feel ghettoised and, as some cultural commentators have argued, bear "the burden of representation".

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Outsiders could sometimes take bigger risks, because they were less constrained by the burdens of representation.

The New Yorker

I think so but I often don't like to put the burden of total representation within art.

The Guardian - Film

Ultimately, it seems a little harsh on Noah to launch an investigation into institutional race-and-gender diversity merely off the back of his appointment – the guy hasn't even started yet, and one doesn't want to risk handing him any sort of extra burden (including that of representation).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

No one, after Emerson, has taken up the burden of the literary representation of Americanness or Americans without returning to Emerson, frequently without knowing it.

The Guardian - Books

They say they are winning a victory for Asian-Americans, but they're also saying they don't want to have that burden of South Asian representation, for instance.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing the phrase in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by employing synonyms like "weight of representing" or "responsibility of portrayal" for stylistic diversity.

Common error

Don't assume the "burden of representation" applies solely to individuals. Institutions and media can also bear this burden when they are perceived as representing entire communities or ideologies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burden of representation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is used to describe the pressure and responsibility associated with representing a specific group or identity. This is evident from the numerous examples where it's used to discuss the challenges faced by underrepresented communities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "burden of representation" accurately describes the pressure and responsibility placed on individuals or groups to represent an entire community, particularly those who are underrepresented. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly used in news, academic, and scientific contexts to highlight the challenges and critiques associated with this expectation. To enhance clarity, provide specific context regarding the group or concept being represented and consider using alternatives like "weight of representing" or "responsibility of portrayal" for stylistic diversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weight of representing

Focuses on the pressure and responsibility felt when representing a group.

responsibility of portrayal

Highlights the accountability involved in depicting or portraying something.

onus of embodying

Emphasizes the obligation and difficulty of fully embodying a particular role or identity.

demand to symbolize

Underscores the external pressure to act as a symbol for a larger group or concept.

pressure to exemplify

Highlights the stress of needing to perfectly embody certain qualities or characteristics.

task of personification

Focuses on the challenge of representing abstract ideas in a concrete, personal way.

obligation to reflect

Emphasizes the duty to accurately mirror or represent a particular group or perspective.

duty of mirroring

Highlights the responsibility to serve as a faithful reflection of a community or its values.

encumbrance of symbolizing

Focuses on the restrictive and burdensome nature of having to symbolize something beyond oneself.

load of embodying

Emphasizes the emotional and psychological toll of having to embody a specific role or representation.

FAQs

What does "burden of representation" mean?

The "burden of representation" refers to the pressure and responsibility placed on an individual or group to accurately and positively represent an entire community or identity. It often arises when there is limited diversity in media or leadership positions.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "burden of representation"?

Use "burden of representation" when discussing the challenges faced by individuals or groups who are expected to speak for or embody the characteristics of a larger community, particularly when they are underrepresented.

What can I say instead of "burden of representation"?

You can use alternatives like "weight of representing", "responsibility of portrayal", or "pressure to exemplify" depending on the specific context.

How does the "burden of representation" affect individuals?

The "burden of representation" can lead to increased scrutiny, pressure to conform to stereotypes, and a feeling of being unable to express individuality for fear of misrepresenting their community. It can also contribute to stress and anxiety.