Media and Reality
This term describes how media show the social world, which may differ from the “real” world.
What is representation
Researchers often study media messages using this method that systematically examines media content.
What is content analysis
Historically, mainstream U.S. media often treated this racial group as the “default” or norm.
Who are white people
Over time, media representation of racial groups has generally moved toward greater ______.
What is diversity
This concept describes the absence or negative portrayal of labor unions in mainstream media
What is the Union Taboo
These two types of media are often compared when discussing how accurately media reflect reality
What are fiction and nonfiction
One way researchers interpret media is by linking content to the intentions or backgrounds of these people who create media.
Who are media producers
One major issue researchers examine is whether different racial groups appear in media at all, known as this concept
What is inclusion
In early Hollywood films, Black actors were often limited to roles such as entertainers or this domestic worker stereotype.
What is a servant
The type of character who solves problems alone instead of working or organizing together
What is an individual hero
According to media scholars, representations are not reality because they involve this process of choosing what to show and what to leave out.
What is selection
Media content reflects the desires of this group who watches or consumes media
Who are audiences
When minorities appear in media but only in simplified or exaggerated roles, they are portrayed using these.
What are stereotypes
One reason diversity has increased is the expansion of media outlets like cable TV and these internet-based platforms.
What are streaming services
This is the only type of TV show where working-class people regularly appear, but are always selected for their most extreme and dysfunctional behavior
What is the tabliod talk show
This genre of media may be fictional but can still comment on real social issues
What is science fiction
Some researchers examine media as influencing these people’s attitudes or behaviors
Who are audiences
This Hollywood film won Hattie McDaniel an Oscar for playing the stereotypical “Mammy” character.
Even though representation has improved, this group remains significantly underrepresented in many U.S. media roles.
Who are Latinx people
This term describes the subtle, matter-of-fact sports coverage that normalizes male superiority without overt insults
What is "gender bland" sexism
The sociological idea that reality and categories like race or gender are created by society is called this perspective.
What is social constructionism
In this approach, researchers study media as a self-contained text whose meaning must be interpreted or “decoded.”
What is textual analysis
This type of racism avoids obvious hatred but reinforces stereotypes subtly and often unconsciously.
What is modern racism
When audiences divide into smaller groups that watch different kinds of media, this phenomenon occurs
What is audience fragmentation
In family sitcoms, working class fathers are consistently given this role, while middle class fathers are portrayed as wise and competent
What is the bumbling idiot/buffoon