Representation Project Part 1
3.3
Before you Start-
Social Group: Age
How is the group represented: Babies are represented as clumsy and innocent. Smaller
kids are represented as imaginative and creative. Pre-teens are represented as moody and
risk-taking but also starting to get more mature. Teens are represented as lazy or
rebellious. Adults are represented as mature and independent. Elderly are represented as
dependent and frail.
- Media representation has an impact on society by affecting the social perception of
ourselves/others.
- They exist to help others advocate for inclusion, authenticity and diversity.
- Their social group: age, gender, race, abilities/disabilities
Social Group Stereotypes Examples
Ethnicity
USA: adventurous,
patriotic, and generous BUT
materialistic, lacks cultural
awareness
Hispanics: assumed they
all speak Spanish, foods
(tacos), loud
USA: Legally Blonde (film)
Hispanics: Modern Family
(TV show)
Economic Status
High class: polished,
commanding, influential
Low class: laziness,
carelessness with money
High class: Mean girls (film)
Low class: Stranger Things
(TV show)
Occupations
Doctor: young or old,
experienced, richer
Teacher: young or old,
nerdy, warm or mean
Doctor: Grey’s Anatomy (TV
show)
Teacher: Matilda (Movie,
book)
Hobbies
Sports player: extroverted,
fit, loud, experienced/ not
experienced
Musician: introverts or
extroverts, appearance-
based (emo/rock,
tuxedo/classical)
Sports player: She’s the
man (film)
Musician: School of Rock
(film)
3.15-
Discussed with partner
3.16-
(Questions: Who created them? Who was the audience for them? When were they
created? How are they positioning the audience? What conclusions can you draw about
media representations?)
Patriarchy: Barbie (Patriarchy is presented by Ken forcing male-centered rules over Barbie
land. Stereotypes: Women are supposed to be nurturing, reliable, and caring, and men are
supposed to be controlling and dominating. Counter-Stereotypes: Barbie learns to be
independent while Ken respects gender equality and grows emotionally.)
Feminism: Legally Blonde (Feminism is shown by the character Elle Woods showing the
women can be bright and intelligent. Stereotypes: Dumb blonde, Women are viewed as
emotional and men as serious. Counter: Women prove that smarts are not limited by
gender or style.)
Multiculturalism: Dora and the Lost City of Gold (Multiculturalism is shown by Dora
bringing her Latin American heritage and adapting to Western norms. It also includes
indigenous tribes and Ancient Incan symbols. Stereotypes: Latin America is considered
untamed or wild and exotic, other students are considered “normal”. Counter: Dora ends
up becoming a leader and problem-solver as well as an influence on others.)
Classism: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Classism is shown by Charlie and his
family’s state of living in contrast to the other kids. Stereotypes: Each of the other kids
represents gluttony, entitlement, obsession, and media addiction. Counter: Charlie shows
humility and resilience despite poverty.)
Changing attitudes towards disability: Wonder (Changing attitudes towards disability is
shown by the characters at the end of the movie apologizing for how they acted.
Stereotypes: Bullies and popular people, disabled people are viewed as less than
compared to others. Counter: The character is not a tragic victim or a hero, but the movie
highlights relationships and experiences rather than extraordinary acts of overcoming.)
Ageism: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Ageism is shown by the misrecognition and
the social and romantic limits. Stereotypes: The old are frail and the young are naive.
Counter: Despites being old at birth, he directly opposes that stereotype showing his
physical agility intelligence and emotions.)
Racism: To Kill a Mockingbird (Racism is shown by the racial hatred towards Tom
Robinson. Stereotypes: Black characters face presumptions of criminality or moral
deficiency because of their race. Counter: Atticus defies racial stereotypes by treating
black citizens with dignity.)