To what extent are media representations of minority ethnic groups stereotypical?
Possible answers: FOR:
• Invisibility – minority ethnic groups are under-represented in the media, particularly in high status and powerful positions, stereotypically in the lower classes;
• Tokenism – in order to counter accusations of being racist or unfair, representations of minority ethnic groups may be seen as merely being a token gesture – this becomes a stereotype;
• White gaze – it is thought that the media sees and represents content through white eyes, marginalising and inaccurately representing minority ethnic groups stereotypically;
• Binary opposites – we frequently see and hear ideas of ‘black vs white’ in the media – presenting the ethnic groups as completely different and not in harmony;
• The savage – research shows minority ethnic groups to be presented as people who want to harm the ethnic majority e.g. reporting of Muslim extremist terrorism could be viewed in this way;
• The entertainer – some minority ethnic groups are frequently seen in comedy roles or linked to sport, dance or music – not serious roles or representations;
• Women from minority ethnic groups are often shown to be sexually exotic – differences are exaggerated;
• Asian women may be shown to be timid, passive and controlled by men;
• The tyrant – non-white world leaders are often shown to be corrupt despots, politically corrupt and power hungry;
• Villains and tricksters – Chinese masterminds are often portrayed to be using their intelligence in evil ways against the ethnic majority;
• Black male youths are often shown as violent gang members and criminals;
• Asians may be shown to have large extended families and strong, unusual accents in a very stereotypical way;
Other reasonable response.
AGAINST:
• New media is much more democratic therefore minority ethnic groups are able to create their own representations;
• New media can preserve local culture and traditions and present minority ethnic groups in terms of this;
• Equal opportunities legislation means that the media cannot afford to be prejudiced or stereotypical in its coverage of minority ethnic groups for fear of prosecution;
• Role models from minority ethnic groups are now more prolific in the media and move away from stereotypical representations;
• The interactive nature of new media gives minority ethnic groups the possibility to use forums, comments and blogs to criticise and challenge stereotypical representations;
• Programming and media content is now frequently targeted at specific minority ethnic groups, reflecting their lives and interests in a non-stereotypical way;
• Minority ethnic groups now hold positions of power in the media and are thus able to influence media content and representations;
• Representation cannot be generalised – they depend upon the context, the country and the interpretation by the audience;
• Media representations of minority ethnic groups merely reflect their roles and positions in society – thus they are not stereotypical;
• Other reasonable response.
Band 0 [0 marks]
No creditworthy response.
Band 1 [1–4 marks]
Answers in this band may be vague and largely based on common sense showing limited knowledge of the extent to which ethnic minorities are represented stereotypically in the media. Use of sociological terms or concepts is very unlikely. Responses may be short, undeveloped and one-sided, e.g. ‘Minority ethnic groups are shown differently, often as bad people’. Lower in the band (1–2 marks), expect one or two weak points. Higher in the band (3–4 marks) candidates may offer more than two points and provide a weak definition of key terms, e.g. ‘representation is how you are shown in the media’, in the question.
Band 2 [5–8 marks]
In this band candidates will show some basic knowledge of the extent to which minority ethnic groups are represented stereotypically in the media. Alternatively, they may offer an answer which is list-like in nature but there will be no real attempt to assess the issues raised by the question. There may be limited/some use of sociological terms or concepts. Responses may be underdeveloped and lack range. Answers may be simplistic and two-sided responses are unlikely e.g. ‘Black people are often shown to be criminals or in gangs in the media but lots of black people don’t do this so it’s a stereotype’. Lower in the band, the response will be rather narrow in the points covered and there will be little development. Higher in the band, more points will be covered and there will be limited development of some points. Alternatively, a list-like answer with little development covering both sides of the argument may score up to 8 marks.
A one-sided answer cannot score higher than 8 marks. Band 3 [9–12 marks]
Answers in this band will show good sociological knowledge and understanding of the extent to which minority ethnic groups are represented stereotypically in the media. Sociological terms and concepts will be used with greater accuracy and/or frequency. For the most part, answers will be well developed, focused on the question and there will be a range of points presented. Candidates may say that e.g. ‘despite stereotypical representations still being very visible in the media, new media means that minority ethnic groups are able to actively construct their own representations and to challenge any stereotypes that they may come across.’ There will be a two-sided response but this may be unbalanced. At the bottom of the band, candidates may provide a narrower range of well developed points. At the top of the band, expect a wider range of points and clear focus on the question.
Band 4 [13–15 marks]
Answers in this band will show excellent knowledge and understanding of the extent to which minority ethnic groups are represented stereotypically in the media. There will be a strong grasp of the argument as well as accurate and frequent use of sociological terms and concepts. Answers will be well developed, clearly focused on the question and discuss a wide range of points. Responses will be two-sided and balanced. At the bottom of the band (13 marks), the answer may lack a specific conclusion. Higher in the band, there will be a clear attempt to offer an assessment of the ‘To what extent.?’ part of the question through a focused conclusion. Candidates should show consideration of points for and against the idea of stereotypical representations of minority ethnic groups in the media, citing some of the examples given.