Racism, Sexism, and Stereotypes In Media Essay -- Media Essays

This essay discusses censorship and the way in which social media and consumer products affect and model an appropriate societal ‘literacy’ or view in particular regards to gender and race, to young children. A summary of the stereotypes displayed in several videos viewed on YouTube, as well as student’s own identified stereotypes, both in regards to race and gender, are displayed below (Alexander, 2011; BrokenXLoner, 2012; Lac, 2013; Walt Disney Pictures, 1998, 1994, 1992, 1967, 1955, 1953, 1941): Examples of ‘Frequent Racial Stereotypes’ Displayed in Popular Culture African American (examples: Disney crows, orang-utans in Jungle Book, The Lion King hyenas) American Indians (example: American Indians from Peter Pan) †¢ Athletic, often dancing – jive, hip-hop, break dancing, hustle, †¢ Slowed, slurred speech patterns †¢ Jungle Book – orang-utans singing about wanting to be like men †¢ Underdog – has to work hard to get somewhere, ‘sidekick role’ †¢ Criminal – ‘hood’, guns, gangs, ‘crooked/shonky’, poor †¢ Player - sexualise females in particular †¢ Loud, opinionated women who boss around their men †¢ Comedians – loud, funny †¢ Depicted as saying ‘woo woo woo’ whilst clapping hand over mouth, and saying ‘ugg’ †¢ Teepees †¢ Dancing – jumping and kicking with arms crossed without much knowledge or sequence to their movements Asian (examples: Siamese Cats ‘Lady and The Tramp’, Mulan) Caucasian †¢ ‘Asian Features’ – slanted eyes, buck teeth †¢ Cunning and manipulative †¢ Seen as sexist and oppressive societies – girls have no value if they are not married, women should obey orders from men †¢ Intelligent †¢ Fighting/tough †¢ Women can be sexualised and fragile †¢ Tough parental expectations †¢ Rich †¢ Preppy †¢ Dumb †¢ Blon... ...The Lion King [Motion Picture]. USA: Walt Disney Pictures. Walt Disney Pictures (Production Co.), & Clements, R. & Musker, J. (Directors). (1992). Aladdin [Motion Picture]. USA: Walt Disney Pictures. Walt Disney Pictures (Production Co.), & Reitherman, W. (Director). (1967). The Jungle Book [Motion Picture]. USA: Walt Disney Pictures. Walt Disney Pictures (Production Co.), & Geronimi, C., Jackson, W. & Luske, H. (Directors). (1955). The Lady and The Tramp [Motion Picture]. USA: Walt Disney Pictures. Walt Disney Pictures (Production Co.), & Geronimi, C., Jackson, W. & Luske, H. (Directors). (1953). Peter Pan [Motion Picture]. USA: Walt Disney Pictures. Walt Disney Pictures (Production Co.), & Armstrong, S., Ferguson, N., Jackson, W., Kinney, J., Roberts, B., Sharpsteen, B. (Directors). (1941). Dumbo [Motion Picture]. USA: Walt Disney Pictures.