In 2-3 cogent paragraphs, max: Apply the concepts of “structure” and “agency” to television representations of race and gender. Assuming that “positive” representations of women and ethnic minorities are desirable, give examples of the structure that shapes TV portrayals and the agents that create or act upon those images.
Media & Politics Direct exposure – information Political elites Polls Fictional & reality TV Shaping of candidates
Political Elites Other politicians Big contributors Talk show hosts & news editors –also, Leno, Letterman, etc. Global leaders
Polls Gather opinion –Often unformed, uninformed –Create issues Pollsters –Many work for parties or candidates Push polling Spin
Celebrity Telegenic candidates Candidates as celebrities Celebrities as candidates
Learning from TV News Fiction –Modeling –Blurring –Cultivation