MEDIA VS. THE REAL WORLD
For this assignment you will craft a 700-800 word (min) essay about gender depiction in the media. To complete the essay please do the following:
Pick a television show or movie with a gender diverse cast that focuses on a career that interests you and explore how it depicts gender in the workplace. Your assignment should include the following elements:
Introduction: Introduce the topic of the paper and name the television show or movie to be analyzed. Include information on where and when the show was originally aired. Describe the career being depicted and the specifics of the workplace as displayed in the show. Craft a thesis statement of how the show impacts the viewer’s concepts of gender.
Casting: What are the workplace demographics represented in the show? Who are the central figures, and what are their genders? What are their respective positions in the workplace by gender (e.g., boss, assistant, doctor, nurse, etc.). Note if there is anything remarkable about the casting relative to when and where the show takes place and was aired.
The set: Discuss how contemporaneous ideas of gender are reflected in the wardrobe, grooming, set design, etc. For example: What gender-related differences are there in clothing and grooming of the cast? Are there gendered spaces?
Find at least three examples that either enforce or challenge gender norms of presentation and explain their relevance.
The acting: Discuss how gender is represented in the behavior of the actors. Consider the specific tasks being completed in relation to gender. Was gender used as a plot device for conflict or empowerment?
Find at least three examples that either enforce or challenge norms of gender performance and explain their relevance.
The subtext: Discuss the subtler ways that gender was depicted in the show. Consider the body language, the word choice, the topics of conversation, the tone of voice, etc.
Find at least three examples that either enforce or challenge norms of gender and explain their relevance
Conclusion: Begin with a summary of your observations of how gender in the workplace was depicted. Do you feel that it is an accurate depiction of real life? What gender-based expectations of the workplace might a viewer internalize?
For example:
Did it reinforce or challenge common gender norms?
How would someone of a different gender than you interpret the piece?
What would change if the genders were cast differently in the show?
How would you change the show to produce better gender representation or encourage positive social change?
