STEREOTYPING

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Television and film producers have editorial control over their media products; they control all aspects of the TV program and/or movie with the intent to impart a specific set of values to the viewing audience. This is especially true for character development. Certain characters are made to look attractive, smart, kind, generous, and altogether likeable. Others, less so. The characters, likeable or not, are automatically associated with their lifestyle choices and, importantly, the outcomes those choices produce. People tend to like the characters whose decisions lead to desirable outcomes. TV and film producers can develop characters whose appearance and lifestyle choices reinforce familiar stereotypes (e.g., the careerist female who, having forsaken marriage and children, seems destined to live a lonely life). In this way, TV and film producers convey messages about what kind of people we should aspire to be and what sort of lives we should aspire to live.

Examine stereotypical portrayals in TV or film.

 

Sample Solution

  • The Strong Black Woman: This stereotype is often seen in films and TV shows about African American women. The Strong Black Woman is typically portrayed as being independent, strong, and capable of handling anything that life throws her way. She is often shown as being the backbone of her family or community, and she is rarely seen expressing weakness or vulnerability. This stereotype can be harmful because it reinforces the idea that Black women are not allowed to be seen as anything other than strong and capable.
  • The Nerdy Male: This stereotype is often seen in films and TV shows about young men. The Nerdy Male is typically portrayed as being socially awkward, intelligent, and physically unattractive. He is often shown as being bullied or ridiculed by other characters, and he rarely gets the girl. This stereotype can be harmful because it reinforces the idea that being intelligent and bookish is not attractive to women.
  • The Dim-Witted Blonde: This stereotype is often seen in films and TV shows about women. The Dim-Witted Blonde is typically portrayed as being unintelligent, ditzy, and vapid. She is often shown as being more interested in fashion and shopping than in anything else. This stereotype can be harmful because it reinforces the idea that women are not as intelligent as men.
  • The Lazy Mexican: This stereotype is often seen in films and TV shows about Mexican Americans. The Lazy Mexican is typically portrayed as being unintelligent, unmotivated, and content to live off of government handouts. He is often shown as being lazy and good-for-nothing. This stereotype can be harmful because it reinforces the idea that Mexican Americans are not as hardworking as other groups of people.
  • The Angry Asian: This stereotype is often seen in films and TV shows about Asian Americans. The Angry Asian is typically portrayed as being short-tempered, hot-headed, and prone to violence. He is often shown as being angry at the world and at everyone in it. This stereotype can be harmful because it reinforces the idea that Asian Americans are not as calm and collected as other groups of people.

These are just a few examples of the many stereotypical portrayals that can be seen in TV and film. These stereotypes can be harmful because they can lead to prejudice and discrimination against the groups of people that they represent. It is important to be aware of these stereotypes and to challenge them whenever possible.

In addition to the stereotypes listed above, there are many other stereotypes that can be seen in TV and film. These stereotypes can be based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and other factors. It is important to be aware of these stereotypes and to challenge them whenever possible. We can all play a role in creating a more inclusive and equitable society by challenging stereotypes and promoting positive portrayals of all groups of people.

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