Representation in Advertising and Entertainment Media

By now, we have discussed a number of key issues with media (mis)representations, and the assigned readings provide numerous examples of avenues for critical analysis.  Like it or not, there is practically an endless supply of more recent examples just waiting to be unpacked.  This is where you come in.

      First, select a piece of online media contentit could be entertainment, advertising, or a similarly fictional representation.  (Note: It could be published in audio, video, and/or textual format. Regardless, DO NOT select a news article, documentary, or other content that is based on real-life events.)  Then, write a brief, critical analysis of the text paying attention to quality of representation as well as numerical representation and centrality of representation.  How were members of different social groups represented?  What forms of (mis)representation did you find?  Are there stereotypes being invoked, or other apparent instances of unequal representation?  How do these representations fit with stereotypes common in our media/society?

After presenting your analysis, reflect on the likely consequences of the representations you identified.  What would you say to critics who might respond by saying its just entertainment, or thats just how the world is?  Remember to ground your analysis in concepts and knowledge from course readings, and be sure to include examples as well as link to the content you analyze so the reader can follow along.