Media Studies - A Guide for Students

Stereotype Activity

	African-American		White		Other (Specify)
Questions	Female	Male	Female	Male	Female	Male
1. How many major characters are there?
2. Who are the heroes/heroines?
3. Who are the villains?
4. Who is smart and capable?
5. Who creates problems?
6. Who solves problems?
7. Who is brave?
8. Who is afraid?
9. Who seeks help from someone else?
10. Who fights?
11. Who is successful?
12. Who is passive or reserved?
13. Who leads?
14. Who follows?

After the students have completed the questionnaire, discuss their findings. Here are some sample questions:

How were the different groups (e.g., race, sex) portrayed?
Based on the portrayals, of which groups would you want to be a member?
Do the different portrayals represent your view of that particular group?
How would you feel if you were a member of one of those groups negatively portrayed?
Were you shocked at any of the representations?
Do you think someone's opinions about other groups of people might be influenced at all by the TV shows and movies they see? How about you? Might yours?
Are you concerned about the way certain groups of people seem to be portrayed? Why?
How can this be changed?
Are there any movies or TV shows that you watch, which challenge these stereotypes?