Assignment: Bullying in the Media
Find 2 examples of bullying portrayed in the media
? One example from TV shows, movies, videos, news.
? One example a news report of a bullying incident.
Example 1 - TV show, movie or video:
Review and include the following in your writing:
? Include name of show & brief description of the storyline.
? List show details - which network produces the show? Date/time show airs? Popularity of the show? Target audience?
? Discuss how bullying is portrayed in the program.
? Is the bystander effect included in the story/program?
? Is the depiction of bullying situations realistic?
- Include specific storylines used.
? Do you note use of stereotyping? Provide examples of characters.
? Are characteristics like income, social class, sexual orientation and interests used to marginalize cast members?
? Is bullying used as a humorous plot device meant to simply entertain the audience?
- What do you think of this portrayal of bullying?
? Does the program feature a significant challenge to a bully and his/her message? Explain some specific examples.
? What do you believe the impact these shows have on bullying and society's perception?
Example 2- News Report of Bullying Incident
? Include name of news program or media source & brief description of the story.
? Media outlet details - network producing the program? Does the media outlet have a slant in coverage (left or right?)
? Discuss how bullying is portrayed in the report.
? Is the bystander effect part of this news story? Explain how.
? Is the depiction of bullying situation exaggerated? Downplayed?
? How is the bully described? How is the victim described?
? Do you note any stereotyping? Provide examples.
? Are characteristics like income, social class, sexual orientation and interests used in reporting the story?
? Do you believe the coverage of the story is accurate and sufficient?
? Should the report have included more or less information?
? Does the report include any other bullying situations?
? Compare news report coverage of bullying to the depiction in the TV, movie, video you selected.
? What do you believe the impact this news story has on bullying and society's perception?
Draft your assignment in a Word doc and upload to BB or create directly in BB (if you opt to create in BB, I suggest you copy/paste the text and save a copy in your computer. It's a good idea in case of any technical issues with BB.)
I'm looking for about 400-500 words. Use full sentences. Be sure to proofread before submitting (spelling and grammar matter ... this is a
journalism class!).