Topic Three: Media Stereotype

Task 3:

Please read through this interesting article on media stereotype.

Give a very short basic explanation of what media stereotype is? From your personal experience, what other media stereotype (besides from the example from the article) you have seen either on TV or in the movies?

IMPORTANT: Do not take other people's words as your own. Please state your source when quoting someone or article.

DEADLINE! 12 midnight, Sunday, 15th March 2009

Each student must post at least 2 critical reflection on topic given (4%), 1 personal reflection on the media culture class (1%), over a period of 5 days to 7 days.

Critical Reflection on Media Stereotype

First of all, what is media stereotype? Based on my understanding about the article attached above, I think media stereotype acts like a code to give audiences a quick common understanding of a person or a group of people. Media stereotyping cannot be avoided especially in advertising and entertainment. Usually media stereotypes are relating to their classes of life, ethnicity or race, gender, sexual orientation, social role or occupation.

Example one:


The popular American TV cartoon series 'The Simpsons' shows us one example of media stereotyping. In this TV series shows us the typical characteristics of females and males gender roles where the man (Homer Simpson) is portrayed as a drunken, obese ogre who is stupid and does not know how to behave properly or show a decent and proper manner towards his children whereas the woman (Marge Simpson) is portrayed as a sensible, musically orientated and fun-loving person.

Example two:

Opps please do not get me wrong. This picture of Pamela Anderson is another example of media stereotyping. Stereotypes are commonly given to people with blond hair.The popular saying about blonds is that "all blonds are bimbos" is commonly associated to blond haired women and being assumed as a young, sexy girl with long blond hair, large breasts, long legs who is stupid and superficial. Isn't that what we always think about Pamela Anderson? Ohh yes!