Reference no: EM133530593
Homework: Media Representations of Diversity
Length: 1000 to 1500 words.
Instructions
Throughout this course, we have examined a variety of different dimensions of diversity, how diversity is represented, what role intersectionality and privilege play in creating and maintaining bias and discrimination, and how we learn our "single stories" about diversity. This final project in the course will require you to bring all of these ideas together as you analyze representations of diversity in the media.
You identified a fiction book, TV episode, or movie that you have recently read or watched and did an initial analysis of the representations of diversity in it. You identified two scholarly sources to help you extend your analysis of the work you chose. In this homework, you will build on those two homeworks to complete your analysis of diverse representations in your chosen work.
For this homework, you will take as your starting point the conclusion you came to on your homework: does this work provide a positive representation of diversity? You can maintain the position you took at the end of your homework or contradict it. You will then provide evidence from the work and from at least 5 scholarly or credible resources, including the two scholarly sources you identified on your Week 4 homework (the remainder can be course materials) to support your thesis. Please be sure to do the following:
Question I. Provide an introduction that includes the author and title of the fiction book, name of episode and name of TV show, or the title of the movie that you chose, as well as a thesis that tells the reader whether you think this work provides a positive representation of diversity.
Question II. Discuss whether you think the cast of characters in this book, episode, or movie is diverse. To back up your discussion, identify 3 characters from the work and do the following for each:
Question 1. Provide a brief (1-paragraph) description of the character, including what they do for a living, relationship status, role in the work (main character, minor character, comic relief, etc.), and anything else you think is important in understanding the character.
Question 2. Is the portrayal of the character stereotypical? Why or why not? Provide specific examples from their dialogue or actions.
Question 3. Does the character have privilege and in what circumstances? Provide specific examples from their dialogue or actions.
Question 4. Is this a positive representation of the group(s) that the character represents? Why or why not? Provide specific examples from their dialogue or actions.
Question III. Taking a step back, consider who isn't represented in this work. Do you think this/these groups were left out intentionally? In other words, would it affect the story to include them?
Question IV. If you were the author of this work (i.e., book author, movie creator, TV show writer), how could you improve diversity in this book/TV show/movie? Provide two concrete examples. What implications would these changes have for consumers of this media?
Question V. Finally, consider why representation of diverse groups is important. Draw on your resources to construct an argument for greater inclusion in the media and in two other areas of life (e.g., the workplace, education, healthcare, government).
Question VI. In your conclusion, reiterate your thesis statement and summarize the main points of your paper.