The Social Construction of Gender, Sexual Identity or Race/Ethnicity in TV or Film
One of the ways that gender, sexual identity, and race/ethnicity have been socially constructed is through the mass media. This assignment asks you to analyze an existing television show or film that contributes to the social construction of gender, sexual identity or race/ethnicity (this could be regarding any gender, sexual identity or racial/ethnic group). In your paper you will be documenting how gender, sexual identity or race/ethnicity is socially constructed in the television show or film you have chosen.You will also want to draw on the course material that has addressed these issues. Be sure that you demonstrate your understanding of what social construction means.
Write a 3-4 page essay that explores the social construction you have chosen. Your essay should address the following questions:
How has gender, sexual identity or race/ethnicity been portrayed in the media content you have chosen?
What is a competing social construction of this gender, sexual identity, or race/ethnicity that was not portrayed? Why might one portrayal or social construction have been chosen over another?
How do these portrayals relate to cultural norms, expectations, and practices?
What impact might these portrayals have? Are they beneficial? Harmful? To whom?
General Comments about Papers
Papers should be 3-4 pages (1.5 spacing and 12pt font).