Activity 4: Media Analysis

RACE, GENDER, ENCULTURATION, AND THE MEDIA

STEP 1: RACE, GENDER, AND THE MEDIA-
First, watch the following short video that outlines the Bechdel Test that was developed to look at the issue of women in motion pictures. Pay particular attention to the portion that explains how the test works and then also how the test can be applied to examining people of color in films.
http://www.feministfrequency.com/2012/02/the-2012-oscars-and-the-bechdel-test/ (Links to an external site.)
(Links to an external site.)
STEP 2: INDEPENDENT RESEARCH
Select an American television show, cartoon, or movie. (Note: you are welcome to use non-American shows if you prefer). As you watch or view your subject matter critically analyze the messages about gender and race being transmitted. Also, utilize the Bechdel Test to examine the roles and characters portrayed by people of different social races and genders. TAKE NOTES!

Remember you are examining this media source from an etic perspective. Your job is to critically look at the messages being presented about gender, race (and ethnicity), and sexuality. You are meant to look at how these contribute to our larger social constructs.

STEP 3: ANALYSIS
Think about the various messages conveyed about gender and race by your subject matter. Be sure to explore if this film passes the Bechdel Test as applied to gender and race. Also be sure to discuss messages about gender and race that are present in the film or TV show youve selected even if it does pass the test.

Remember to utilize critical thinking to deconstruct messages about gender and race. Think about what is being implied or directly stated about these topics by what people do, how they act, what clothes they were, and what character traits they are shown to posses. Think about if certain racial groups are portrayed with particular stereotypes or generalizations.
NOTE: The information you are looking for is not just in what characters or models say, it is also in what they wear, how they act, and the situations in which they are presented. Try to record as much as you can from your subject matter.

STEP 4: DISSEMINATION
Answer the following questions (typed/ double-spaced) and provide examples to support your interpretations. (approximately 1-2 Robust paragraphs per response)
1. What subject matter (show/film) did you select for this activity? Briefly name and describe it in a short paragraph. Also address which group (or groups) are targeted by this particular show/film?

2. Does this show/ film pass the Bechdel Test as applied to gender? Does it pass when applied to race? (Rather than just a yes or no answer, provide some thoughtful discussion of how it either passes or fails.)

3. What messages are presented regarding different genders and races? How are these ideas conveyed? How overt or subtle are the messages about gender, race, sexuality?

4. Do you think this form of media contributes to our concept on gender, race, and sexuality in the United States? Why or why not? How powerful do you think media is in shaping ideas about race in our society?

5. Was there anything that surprised you about this content when you viewed it for messages about race? Do you have any other significant observations related to this activity and your subject?

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