Representation of Ethnicity continued…

Learning Objectives… To discuss the way that African Americans are represented within different media texts To understand two new media theories related to ethnicity in the media To textually analyse one media text in terms of representation of ethnicity

What do these characters have in common?

Recap - What stereotypes are often associated with African Americans?

Alvarado Theory (1987) Four Key Themes in Racial Representations: Exotic Dangerous Humorous Pitied

The Exotic Ethnic groups are seen as exotic or being ‘the other’ and are represented as being strange or unusual. It is assumed that the dominant reading of the audience will be from the point of view of white people, referred to as the ‘white eye’ (Hall 1990).

The Dangerous Minorities are sometimes represented as a threat to society. The news and other media may present these groups as taking advantage of a society and exposes, in some cases, an underlying institutional racism.

The Humorous In the 1970s, race was a major vehicle for comedy. Programs removed the threat of different races by making them the butt of the jokes. There is evidence of a more positive change.

The Pitied Representation of ethnic groups may be as deprived groups or victims of natural disasters like, famine, floods, and sometimes conflicts. Images of children are often used by charities to gain sympathy.

Tokenism Tokenism is a practice of limited inclusion or artistic and/or political representation of members of a traditionally marginalised group, usually creating a false appearance of inclusive practices rather than discrimination. These characters are often represented as blue collar workers. E.G – Purposely including a member of a minority race such as a black character in an all white cast

Also worth considering… Middle Eastern origin

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