Media Representations Flashcards
What are media representations?
Media representations refer to how individuals, groups, and issues are portrayed in the media, often reflecting societal norms, values, and ideologies.
What is symbolic annihilation?
A concept by Tuchman (1978) describing how certain groups are marginalized or omitted in media, erasing them from public consciousness.
How are women represented in the media?
Women are often stereotyped as housewives, sexual objects, or victims, reinforcing traditional gender roles.
What does Mulvey (1975) argue about the male gaze?
Mulvey introduced the concept of the ‘male gaze,’ arguing that women are portrayed as objects for male pleasure in films and other visual media.
What does Ferguson (1983) say about women’s magazines?
Ferguson claims they promote a ‘cult of femininity,’ focusing on beauty, romance, and domesticity.
What is Wolf’s (1990) view on the beauty myth?
Wolf argues that media perpetuates the beauty myth, pressuring women to conform to unrealistic standards of physical appearance.
How are men represented in the media?
Men are often depicted as dominant, independent, and aggressive, reinforcing traditional notions of masculinity.
What does Easthorpe (1990) argue about masculinity in media?
Easthorpe highlights how media idealizes hegemonic masculinity, portraying men as emotionally and physically strong.
How are ethnic minorities represented in the media?
Ethnic minorities are often stereotyped as criminals, threats, or outsiders, reinforcing negative societal attitudes.
What does Van Dijk (1991) say about ethnic representation?
Van Dijk argues that ethnic minorities are frequently portrayed as threats to social order, especially in news media.
What does Hall (1995) argue about ‘the other’?
Hall claims that media portrays ethnic minorities as ‘the other,’ using binary opposites to reinforce the dominance of white, Western culture.
How are the working class represented in the media?
The working class is often depicted as lazy, unambitious, or criminal, while their struggles are ignored or trivialized.
What does Jones (2011) argue about class representation?
Jones critiques the media for vilifying the working class, perpetuating the stereotype of ‘chavs’ as morally inferior.
How are young people represented in the media?
Young people are often portrayed as deviant, irresponsible, or rebellious, contributing to moral panics about youth culture.
What does Cohen (1972) argue about moral panics?
Cohen introduced the concept of ‘folk devils,’ where young people are scapegoated as threats to societal norms.
How are older people represented in the media?
Older individuals are often depicted as frail, dependent, or out of touch with modern society.
How are LGBTQ+ individuals represented in the media?
They are often underrepresented or stereotyped, with portrayals that reinforce heteronormative values.
What does Craig (1992) argue about LGBTQ+ stereotypes?
Craig identifies stereotypes such as LGBTQ+ individuals being seen as comedic or exotic.
How have LGBTQ+ representations changed over time?
Media has begun portraying LGBTQ+ individuals in more positive and complex ways, though biases and underrepresentation remain.
How are disabled people represented in the media?
Disabled individuals are often depicted as dependent, tragic, or heroic, reinforcing stereotypes.
What does Barnes (1992) argue about disability representation?
Barnes criticizes media for portraying disabled people as objects of pity or as heroic for overcoming adversity.
What does Roper (2003) say about telethons?
Roper critiques telethons for reinforcing stereotypes of disabled people as deserving of charity rather than equality.
How have media representations changed over time?
Media now includes more diverse portrayals of women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people, though stereotypes persist.
What role does new media play in changing representations?
New media empowers marginalized groups to create their own content, challenging traditional stereotypes.
