Tuesday

How does the media represent a social group that you have studied?

Intro- Explain what a stereotype is, stating and linking to the social group of choice which will be women. Try to use appropriate quote.

Paragraph 1- Talk about how early representations of women were structured, for example, adverts such as shake n vac where women were largely portrayed as house wives and as only useful for domestic roles. Relate this to the zeitgeist when womens rights were not equal.

Paragraph 2- Talk about traditional stereotypes of women in historical texts such as psycho where the woman reflects the unequal gender roles in society at the time. Then go on to compare this to the way womens roles have progressed and become more equal to men through examples of final girl etc.. in contemporary texts such as Scream.

Paragraph 3- Discuss the way representations of women have adapted to the zeitgeist through exploitation and are seen as sex objects (Laura Mulveys Male Gaze) use quotes from mulvey. Talk about how phallic symbols connote women have gained some credibility however the presence of a phallic symbol is usually necesary in order to show that women have become less passive and have adapted to more active and strong roles. Talk about promiscuous behaviour in music industry how this gives women sense of dominance over men and power.

Do stereotypes change over time? Answer with specific reference to examples.

Intro - Define what stereotype is, briefly discuss the current issues surrounding womens roles in society and how they might have changed. include a quote.

Paragraph 1- Discuss examples from older historical films such as psycho where women are represented as weaker, explain how this reflects the zeitgeist.

Paragraph 2- Compare old version of TCM to newer version concentrating on how womens roles differ focussing on the final girl. I.e. inferior and passive in the first one, stronger and independent in the re-make.

Paragraph 3- Look at films such as bend it like beckham, and discuss the other side of the argument, how stereotypes of women might have remained the same.

Conclusion- Evaluate points made in the essay, state weather or not stereotypes have changed over time. Try to include quote.