Race and Gender Stereotypes

 

2-21-09. 8:20pm

Warren Theater—Moore, OK

Film

Taken

Two girls go to Europe and are swooned by a man and ultimately kidnapped by a group of Eastern Europeans.

Gender Stereotypes

 

2-22-09— HBO(On Demand). 2:00pm

Film

Guess Who

Movie is a comedy about white man dating a black girl and she is introducing him to her parents

Racial Assumptions/Racial Stereotypes

 

2-22-09—ABC Network. 10:00pm

Television

Oscars—Sean Penn's acceptance speech

He discusses the issue of gay marriage

Gender stereotypes

 

 

2-23-09—12:30pm

Personal Conversation with Arliegh XXXXX. Friend.

Café Plaid

Discussion about the large amount of female teachers in elementary schools

Gender Stereotypes

 

 

2-23-09—MTV (Tivo).11:00pm

Television

TV Show: From G's to Gents

One of the black cast members is pushed into a pool and is unable to swim

Racial Stereotype

 

 

2-24-09— CW Network.  8:00pm

Television

90210

A black character who is dating a white girl attends an all black party in Beverly Hills

Racial Stereotypes

 

 

 

 

2-24-09. 11:15pm

Film (DVD)

Welcome Home Rosco Jenkins

One of the black family members brings home a white girl to the family event

Racial Stereotypes

 

2-25-09 Class: Juvenile Justice.

Dale Hall,  1:30 T TH

Classroom Experience

Discussion about gender and juvenile delinquency

Gender Stereotypes

 

2-25-09, 7:30pm

Personal conversation with Mary XXX.  Random woman with Child next to me in line.

Café Plaid

Talked to woman with baby and she stated that she was looking after the baby while her husband was at work.

Gender Stereotype

 

2-25-09, VH1. 10:00pm

Television

TV Show: Black to the Future: The 80's (Check out Black to the Future on VH1.com)

Discussion about blacks and break dancing and how Jewish kids are actually surprisingly good break dancers as well

Racial Stereotypes

 

2-26-09,--TNT Network. 1:00pm

Television

TV Show: Law & Order

Female on the stand at trial makes a statement that men like to hide their feelings

Gender Stereotype

 

2-26-09--HBO. 11:00pm

Television

Movie: Bad Boys

Interaction between two black police officers and two Cuban police officers

Racial Stereotypes

 

 

Were you surprised with the amount of stereotyping that exists in media today?

 

            I was not really surprised with the amount of stereotyping that exists in the media today.  First, although stereotyping is generally a negative way to view the world, especially when it comes to race and gender, it can also be used in parody.  Numerous films and television shows play off these stereotypes for comical relief and the reason it is comical because many people do recognize certain stereotypes regarding race or gender.  However, stereotypes can also be taken too far and have a more detrimental effect in more personal interactions.  Secondly, I feel that stereotypes are often used for marketing purposes because it is easier to market or advertise to a category of people and stereotypes provide a system for categorizing different audiences. 

 

 

How did you feel if you experienced racial or gender stereotyping in personal or social experiences?

 

            I do not like to be judged based on a stereotype because I do not categorically fit into every stereotype about women.  Although I do happen to fit into some of those stereotypes I appreciate people developing their opinions about me based on actually knowing me as opposed to trying to haphazardly throwing me into some general stereotype.

 

 

Do you see how the continuous or cultivation of images affects representation and individual perspectives of different ethnic groups and women? 

 

            I do see how the continuous or cultivation of images affects representation and individual perspectives of different ethnic groups and women because when those images change, so do the stereotypes.  In regards to women, I feel that the old notion that women should never work and stay at home all the time is ridiculous.  Although some closed-minded people still believe adhere to this notion, I feel that it is gradually subsiding in our society due to many women going out into the working world and being successful and even running for president!

Big Twelve Schools-Race Based?

Initially, I found this assignment to be quite frustrating and confusing because I could not seem to get a clear answer on the question of which schools actually considered race in their admissions process.  My first thought was that I would be able to make a list of all the Big XII universities and simply check "yes" or "no" next to each one but as I began my research I found that things just were not that simple. 

 

            So I started my research with a few phone calls thinking I would call, ask a question, get an answer and do it again at another school.  I first called the Kansas State admissions office and when I asked if race was considered in their admissions process I received a very timid response.  The woman stated, "No…not really.  Well, kind of….I mean, we try to promote diversity in our student body".  That was not really the clear-cut answer I was looking for but I took it as a "yes".

            Next, I spoke with Nebraska University and I was told that race was definitely not considered in their admissions process.  Check. 

            Then I spoke with Texas Tech and my answer was a little less clear.  I received an answer much like that at Kansas State.  Essentially, my understanding was that race is kind of considered and kind of not considered and it's more about diversity. 

 

            After these few phone calls I felt like this issue was getting more complicated so I did some research on the Internet to find out some background information about race-based admissions and affirmative action programs.  After digging around for a while I learned that this issue was very controversial and there have been numerous lawsuits about it (which put into perspective some of the unease I felt when I made my phone calls).  Basically, there appear to be two major Supreme Court decisions regarding race-based admissions.  One decision states that it is ok to use race as a factor in admissions so long as it is considered with other factors and used generally to promote diversity.  The other decision stated that using a point system for race was taking it too far and was unconstitutional. 

            So with this in mind I found that basically every school in the Big XII desires to promote diversity in some form or fashion.  Also, I get the feeling that race-based admissions policies are something that nearly all schools have (to one extent or another) but they try to keep them relatively vague and not to specific because if they articulate the specifics, they might end up getting sued!

Miss March = No Good

I found that the movie “Miss March” was a major depiction on what college life is.  I believe the movie to be targeted towards the young high school crowd as well as college students, in order to find the “college humor” amusing.  My personal opinion, I was so surprised with each positive response that was triggered from the audience when hearing the dirty jokes and comments that were said throughout the film.  Especially when it came to comments that degraded women so badly.

 

I however, see the movie as a piece that objectifies women from the beginning to end.  The movie was based on a young man in high school who missed the opportunity to have sex with his girlfriend and she later became a Playboy bunny.  A basic generalization throughout the movie consisted of how women of today should obtain the supermodel body, which only 5% of women in the world actually have.  Every single actress was a size double zero.

 

I also couldn’t help but notice the spoof on rapper’s music videos that was in the film.  The parody had about 10 girls, barely dressed in next to nothing, grinding all over the rapper, while he continued to “bump and grind” singing dirty lyrics that referred to the women as sexual objects rather than human beings.  The audience’s reaction was utter laughter and that’s when I realized how overly welcomed this bad example is to the general society.  When people witness something like this it amounts to today’s normalcy.

 

The media today definitely has an effect on men’s views of women.  When young teenage boys grow up watching movies such as Miss March, thinking this is an ok way to interact with women and be “cool”, how can it not have an effect on their sense of what’s right and what’s wrong?

White Privilege and Male Privilege

I like how the author of this paper began with the analogy of white privilege is more or less the same as male privilege, maybe not the same, but definitely similar.  It immediately started to change my outlook on each word that I read.  The article helped me view and compare myself as a woman to others who may be in a different scenario but are still living with the same issues when it comes to the position people are placed in with “privilege.”

The list of 46 points opened my eyes tremendously.  The majority of things on the list are so simple, but for some reason to my dismay I have never even thought about most of them.  I first thought to myself, “Now why is this?”  Could it be because of “privilege.”  I found number 18 worthy of note.  “I can swear, or dress in secondhand clothes, or not answer letters, without having people attribute these choices to the bad morals, the poverty, or the illiteracy of my race.” 

Women get sick and tired of male privilege.  But as a woman, when I do or don’t do something, it doesn’t fall on the entire women species like it does on minorities.   Until this Race, Gender and Media class I have not even begun to really wrap my head around such issues.  I always knew there was an underlying “privilege” throughout our society but I never stopped to think: Who? How? Why?  I find this to be sad and strange, given that I am a 22-year-old senior in college.  What I find even more ridiculous is that it is 2009 and privilege is still around.  Whether you're black, white, purple, male, female, almost everyone struggles with privilege.  Will it always be around?  Not if we start to make adjustments to our thinking and re-shape the minds of the next generations to come.

 

Kelsey Wray's Grammy's Opinion

For starters, I am very interested in the entertainment industry as well as the fashion industry therefore I am always excited about watching the Grammy's.  I believe the show is a great combination of my two interests.  Also my brother is a jazz musician trying to break in to the music industry and has the option to attend the Grammy's event every year.  Two years ago  he blessed me with the opportunity to attend the major Grammy's concert with him, as a birthday present.  To this day it has been one of my favorite birthday gifts, memory and concert I've ever experienced.  This year I think I was more critical due to not being there in person and recognizing the different "spin" television creates than real life.

Best Performance

Jennifer Hudson's performance wasn't just about a girl singing a song.  Yes, she did an amazing job and her voice sounded fabulous as usual but considering everything she has been through with the tragedy throughout her family in the past year, she still continued to remain strong and finish to the end.  At the end of her performance she began to get emotional.  One could witness the struggle and emotions she was going through while singing performing but rather than backing out of the show, she continued to power through the struggle and held her obligation.

Worst Performance

When Stevie Wonder performed on stage with The Jonas Brothers.  I think I was so surprised due to the fact that I don't like The Jonas Brothers.  I often wonder if this is a generation thing?  I feel their main audience consists of screaming thirteen year olds.  Stevie however, I view as timeless.  He is such an unbelievable long established musician that places him many moons away  from the same category as The Jonas Brothers.  The Jonas boys could be on there way to "Stevie status" but as for now, I think Stevie Wonder is better off performing alone.

Kelsey's Perspective on the "Seven Great Debates in the Media Literacy Movement”

In regards to the “Seven Great Debates in the Media Literacy Movement” I -feel that I have some insight from my experiences with media literacy in K-12.  Below I address each of the seven questions based on my past experiences. 

 

Should media literacy education aim to protect children and young people from negative media influences?

 

            No, media literacy education should not be aimed at protecting young people from negative influences.  Parents and teachers should limit the types of information children have access to during media literacy education but the main goal. 

 

Should media production be an essential feature of media literacy education?

 

            Yes, media production should be an essential feature of media literacy education. I think people tend to learn more when they actually have to create something as opposed to having someone just tell them how to create something. 

 

Should media literacy focus on popular culture texts?

 

            I think it is important for media literacy to focus on both popular culture text as well as more traditional texts.  Integrating more popular culture in to media literacy education can be good for making the educational experience more interesting and fun but at the same time, traditional texts provide quality substance that is important to a child’s general education. 

 

Should media literacy have a more explicit political or ideological agenda?

 

            No, the media literacy movement should not have a more explicit agenda.  Media literacy education should not acquire any particular agenda.  The goal of media literacy education should be to make people more media literate, not as a method of pushing an agenda.

 

Should media literacy be focused on school-based K-12 educational environments?

 

            Yes, the K-12 educational environment is a great place for media literacy education.  Providing children with media education during the K-12 years is crucial to their ability to participate in the fast paced media world we live in as college students and adults. 

 

Should media literacy be taught as a specialist subject or integrated within the context of existing subjects?

 

            It should be integrated into the context of existing subjects because I believe by doing so it would enhance the media literacy education as well as the existing subject.  Also, it is more efficient and many schools have limited resources as it is and this cuts down on additional costs. 

 

Should media initiatives be supported financially by media organizations?

 

            I do not think that they should be but I think it is a good idea for media organizations to support these media initiatives because it would serve their self-interest.  By financially supporting these initiatives it would expose their product to thousands of children and by exposing it to them at a young age they will be more likely to use and purchase that brand of product later in life.  

Kelsey Wray's Top 5 Spring Break Vacation Spots

As the snow is melting away I've noticed more and more students anticipating the sunny "spring weather."  There is a constant buzz in the air looming around campus about where the perfect spring break spot would be for 2009.  I've considered myself to be a well traveled "spring breaker" and have created a list of my favorite top 5 spring break hot spots.

 

1.) Bahamahs  

  Why so great?   Staying at the famous Atlantis offered many options of things to do throughout the early morning, noon and night.  The resort was enormous.  It had multiple large salt-water fish aquariums that one could admire and over six different swimming pools along with multiple cobannas.  It even had its own water park located in the hotel's backyard as well as a beautiful beach.  My ultimate favorite attribute of the Atlantis and overall vacation was the dolphin adventure.  The resort offers two different dolphin experiences, both which include up close and personal interaction with the amazing creatures.

 

2.) Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

        If one is looking for a "spring breaker" atmosphere that includes a massive crowd of people who are 18 and up with constant late-night party places, this is the place to be!  It is a great place to siesta when tired from indulging in a long night of the fiesta scene.  For instance, during the day one can enjoy relaxing on the beach or when hot, cool off with a beverage at a swim-up-bar that several hotels offer. 

 

3.) Destin, Florida

  This hot spot offers a two-sided vacation experience.  I have been to Destin with my parents and also just with my friends and both vacations were completely fun but in totally different ways.  I recommend staying at Green Reef Condominiums.  There is always a family atmosphere but it becomes a much more loud and younger place to be during spring break so no matter who you're with there is always the best of both worlds.  The condos are located right on the beach. I've been to many wonderful beaches but I believe Destin's beaches are the most beautiful of all.  The sand feels and looks like sugar and the water is crystal clear.  If one gets tired of the beach routine there are several local clothing shops and fashion malls. There are many more cozy eccentric towns that surround the town leaving room to explore more of Florida.  My favorite part about vacationing here is the seafood cuisine.  I haven't eaten anywhere that has an ocean-view and disliked the food.  If you like sushi, I recommend a restaurant called Harbor Docks.  If you sit outside you have a perfect view of the ocean and everything on their menu is killer! 

 

4.) Las Vegas, New Mexico

  Vegas made the list because of the obvious, party! Party! Party!  You have the chance of feeling alive by taking a risk at the millions of beautiful hotel casinos.  Each building has a new and exciting environment with several bar and club options allowing you to party all night.  I've found myself to become very fond of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.  I feel that out of all of the hotels offered, it has the younger vibe by crawling with college students.  For those who don't like taking chances, there is always the sure thing route.  Las Vegas is full of shopping opportunities from everything shops to couture shops.  For those who want to just relax, hangout, meet new people or just want to keep the party going, there is the pool scene.  Most of the casinos are complete with multiple exquisite pools that are always over flowing with beach bodies. 

 

5.) Breckenridge, Colorado 

        This is my favorite ski spot.  What I also love about Breckenridge is it offers various slope runs ranging from easy to hard so if friends who aren't the best well-rounded skier or snowboarder come it's not a problem.   Why I am mostly fond of this vacation spot is because of the quaint town that it offers.  The town is not too small or too big so it's easy to get the ropes of it quickly. It is very cozy but still offers many places for fun nightlife.