Who’s Telling My Story? Minority Group Stereotypes and Media ENG 12 - STEWART

Representations of Minorities in Media

Discussion  Each of the individuals previously depicted were best known for playing characters of a different ethnicity in the 1970’s  Would this be acceptable today? Why/Why not?  Keep in mind that the problem not only exists because the characters were being played by White actors, but also that these characters were usually very stereotyped  Do you think this might be an issue with the first examples given? (Glee/Little Mosque)

Shifts in Acceptance of Stereotypes  Immigration Act 1965 in US  American Indian Movement (60’s/70’s) Discussion How might these events have been connected to it becoming unacceptable for White actors to play Asian or Aboriginal characters?

Black Media Stereotypes  Popular entertainment in the 19 th and 20 th C.  White men would play black stereotyped characters using makeup Video Clip: Teachertube.com Blackface: Then and Now

History of Blackface  Gradually this form of entertainment became unacceptable toward the 20 th C. Discussion Why do you think this form of entertainment became unacceptable towards the beginning of the 20 th C.? Why was this form of entertainment ever acceptable?

Minority Stereotypes in Animation  Many members of visible minorities are often voiced by White actors in animation today  Example: The Cleveland Show (Cleveland) The Simpsons (Apu) The Simpsons (Apu) Is this acceptable? Why/Why not?

Assignment Read the article Cripface and using your completed Analyzing Blackface chart, respond to ONE of the questions below. HAND IN WHEN COMPLETE!!