Unit 9
Stereotypes and Role Models

In this unit, we look at the vexed question of media representation, an issue closely related to celebrity. Many people are offended at how television promotes stereotypes of ethnic minorities, and of that disadvantaged majority—women; but many of those affected consider invisibility a worse fate. We look at stereotypes, but also at how television actors provide role models for members of their own groups, and a vision of social peace and justice for the dominant culture. We close the unit with familiar questions: “What is the effect of representation on the dominant hegemony?” and “How can we possibly know?”

Objectives

After completing this unit, you should be able to

1. distinguish between role models and stereotypes on television, in terms of racial, gender, class, and professional backgrounds.
2. identify instances where television promotes the status quo in social relationships, and instances where television seems to promote change in those relationships.
3. discuss the degree to which television is a true mirror of current social relationships.