This document discusses representations of ethnicity in media and provides examples of common ethnic stereotypes portrayed in television. It asks key questions about whether representations are stereotypical or counter-typical, positive or negative, who is doing the representing and to whom. Common stereotypes discussed include portrayals of black and Asian people as criminals or immigrants, and white upper-class individuals. The document also asks students to consider stereotypes challenged in television and provides a task to analyze positive and negative ethnic representations in TV shows.

1. AS MEDIA STUDIES
Representations of ethnicity

2. Family guy Come Fly
with me
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zfV-ZTOWqs
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=dCk6fSQ21rY
• The Guardian - Come Fly with me
• http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/
2010/dec/28/come-fly-with-me

3. Representation - key
questions
• Is it stereotypical / counter typical?
• Is it positive / negative?
• Who is doing the representation?
• To whom?
• What messages and values are attached to
this?

4. Ethnicity
• What is ethnicity?
• Are these typical
representations?
Ext: Why do we
have these
stereotypical
views?

5. Ethnic stereotypes challenged
5

6. What is ethnicity?
• Racial stereotypes - the stereotypes are
based often on ‘social myths’ perpetuated
over time;
• There may be a grain of truth but many
stereotypes have been over generalised and
exaggerated
• Many are racist and offensive
• Different minority ethnic groups are generally
under represented in TV Dramas.
• Are racial stereotypes reinforced or
challenged in TV drama?

7. What stereotypes can you think
7
of?
• Can you think of any instances where film or
TV has challenged those stereotypes?

8. ETHNIC REPRESENTATIONS
Gang culture and black people is a frequent stereotype
Black and asian people as immigrants are featured
Working class black youths are commonly stereotyped as criminal, a
stereotype which is spreading to Asian youths too.
With black youth in particular, we often see heavily Americanised
characteristics through language, dress and musical tastes for
example.
White wealthy upper class is a frequent stereotype
You may also get white racist characters featured

9. ETHNIC REPRESENTATIONS
The most negative stereotype, of Muslim Asian/Middle Eastern characters, is
actually very similar to an old stereotype of the Northern Irish: violent,
backwards, religious, fanatical.
Since 9/11 certain ethnic groups - Muslims - have been negatively represented.
Religion is often involved in ethnic representation – look out for religious figures
being negatively represented and non-religious figures being treated more
positively.
The whole question of Britishness and citizenship is often
featured.
Indeed, Western v non-Western (in terms of clothing, social attitudes – eg
towards women and alcohol – religious practice, music etc) can be a key binary
opposition to look for.

10. TASK
• To create on a word document 3 positive
ethnic representations and 3 negative ethnic
representations from TV.
• For homework :
• How are these three characters represented
and why.
• You must refer to the 5 key questions.