The mass media measures its images and programs in seconds and frames per second, always with the goal of getting our attention and making the sale. In order to depict and portray groups, particularly religious or ethnic groups, it often resorts to the use of iconic imagery, nonverbal dress, and ritualistic actions to quickly but effectively refer to a specific religious group.
Reducing a group to a brief set of images hardly captures its culture or complexity—and can easily run the risk of a stereotype, making it appear that all people share these traits when nothing could be farther from the truth. Presenting members of a group with a story of tragedy or violence can quickly create an association where none exists.
In this Discussion, you will consider a group of your choice. Then, explore its depiction, portrayal, and what we can do to address stereotypes and bias in the media.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCE
To prepare for this Discussion:
- Read the Communication Program Discussion Guidelines.
- Review the Learning Resources for this week.
By Day 3
Post a response that addresses the following questions:
- Find and post a positive and a negative representation of your own ethnic group or religious group.
- Based on your personal experiences, why do you feel that each of the representations was positive or negative?
- What can we do to combat the negative representations and advocate for positive social change?
Refer to the Week 4 Discussion Rubric for specific grading elements and criteria. Your Instructor will use
- Critical Media Project. (2017a). Bias in mainstream newsLinks to an external site. [Multimedia file] Retrieved from http://criticalmediaproject.org/bias-in-mainstream...
- Critical Media Project. (2017b). Dispelling stereotypes through #blackgirlmagicLinks to an external site. [Multimedia file]. Retrieved from http://criticalmediaproject.org/dispelling-stereot...
- Liao, S. (2018). 2018 saw record growth in LGBTQ roles on televisionLinks to an external site.. THE VERGE. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/26/18028908/glaad...
- Smith, J. (2019). The revolutionary power of black pantherLinks to an external site.. TIME. Retrieved from http://time.com/black-panther/
- Perception Institute. (n.d.-a). Black male re-imaginedLinks to an external site. [Multimedia file]. Retrieved June 10, 2019, from https://perception.org/representation/black-male-r...
- Perception Institute. (n.d.-b). Representation: Culture and perceptionLinks to an external site.. Retrieved June 10, 2019, from https://perception.org/representation
- Yang, R. (2018). Constance Wu: “Crazy Rich Asians” would have had an impact even if It wasn’t successfulLinks to an external site. [Multimedia file] Retrieved from https://variety.com/2018/film/news/constance-wu-cr...