Miscast and Seldom Seen How well do television shows reflect the diversity of our society?

What are your favorite shows? Comedy Drama Reality Movies?

Media are constructions that represent reality What? All media are created. Every part of media is the result of a decision made consciously or unconsciously What to include or exclude How do you present it

A documentary is a broad term to describe a non-fiction movie that in some way "documents" or captures reality. We accept them as a representation of reality But, the director had to make decision about what to include or leave out, what camera angles to use, and what soundtrack to include. Has reality changed?

How might a media producer’s decisions and assumptions influence their work? They might believe a certain character must be black, female, married, etc. The media they create might be based on their own experiences, which might not include minority groups.

Media communicate values and messages. These values and messages have social implications. We base our view of the world in part on the media we consume everyday. The portrayal of certain ethnic groups in media can influence how we see the world. We might have an inaccurate view of certain groups and associate them with stereotypes.

Activity On your own or with a partner; look at the groups of shows on the white board. Develop a list of characters for each show. Label each character as a Lead, Major, or Minor Lead – show is about them or their group Major – a secondary character Minor – lesser role, doesn’t fit in either above

Diversity Portrayal Handout Analyze your list of characters using the handouts.

What did you find out? What there a medium with a wide range of characters? Which groups are represented the most? Are there any groups not represented at all? Do you feel that the diversity that exists in society is accurately represented in the media?

Where there any minority Lead characters? Were the characters portrayed as well-rounded characters or in a stereotyped way? How might a member of that group feel about the character’s portrayal? How would it feel to be unrepresented in main stream media? Read Voluntary Industry Diversity Codes Handout

Media Log - Letter to the editor Write a Letter to the Executive outlining possible ways to improve all groups representation in today’s media. Is it possible to get “everyone” into the media? Any shows today? Do you have any ideas that might work?