1. The Racial “Other”

2. Representations – People of Color
Earlier portrayals
Blackface
“attitudinal posture of White superiority”
Stereotypes
Stereotypes changed with time
Guaranteed improvements?

3. Examples of Stereotypes
People of Color
‘Preoccupation with simple ideas, low or nonexistent occupational status, poor speech patterns, inferior strategy in conflict, comedic foil, criminal behavior, sexual promiscuity, dishonesty, drug or alcohol abuse, low regard for human life
Native Americans
Savages
Black Americans
Servants, militant, ghetto, sassy Sapphire, aggressive men
Latinos
Lazy, unclean, Latin Lover, quick tempered
Asians
Crafty, devious, smart, sexy women, smuggling

4. Other Considerations Changing images? Quantity? Quality?
Types of programming?
Leading roles vs. supporting roles?
Profitability?
Behind the scenes vs. on screen?

5. This week’s focus: Memes
Images Today?
This week’s focus: Memes

6. Memes Internet memes… What is a meme? (Dawkins, 1976)
A cultural idea that replicates and mutates to survive
Viral spread of ideas
Internet memes…
Diaz (2013)
Can change form; not necessarily meaning
Must consider context
Known for interactivity and creativity
Goal: to be known well enough to replicate within a group
Hristova (2013)
Memes offer commentary on important issues
Memes may use known identities and dichotomies
Iconic images/memes use past and present images
Possible global media diffusion

7. Humor and Memes
Satire and humor used to attack status quo (Berger, 1993)
“meant to transform horrific images of abuse and torture into humorous satirical visuals” (Hristova, 2013, p. 91)
Laughter has social significance
Humor commonly tied in to discuss social issues (Shifman and Thelwall, 2009)
Danger of humor satire: will people get it?
Schulman (1992) discussed danger of satire (reinforcing bad ideas rather than combatting them)

8. ACT 1
With a partner, find an example of a meme that reinforces or debunks a stereotype about a group discussed in the readings
What does the meme communicate?
Ground your discussion in the reading
Explain the implications (positive or negative)
Create a PowerPoint; come prepared to present Wednesday (brief)
Bring print out for Dr. G