Question

you will be analyzing racial stereotypes and how those stereotypes are reinforced or challenged by the portrayal of race in TV and film. Begin by completing the sentences below with the first racial/ethnic stereotype that comes to mind. The stereotype does not have to be accurate, nor does it have to be one that you subscribe to (or believe in). Just write whatever pops into your head.

• Mexicans are...
• Blacks are...
• Asians are...
• Muslims are...
• Whites are...

Now, you get to watch some TV. Yes, you heard me right! I want you to pick a show (an episode of a series or a movie) that has a character from a minority group. Your character cannot be white; he or she must be from a racial minority group (Latinx, African American, Asian, Middle Eastern, Native American, etc.).

Begin by describing your character. Describe the traits, positions, and actions of your racial/ethnic character. What is your character's occupational prestige? How far did they have to go in school to get the job they have? Was the character shown as deviant/criminal or law abiding? A leader or follower? Do they live in a nice home or in government housing? Are they married or single? Rich or poor? Etc. As you write your descriptions, be sure to include at least three (3) traits or positions that your character held.

Now write about how the way your racial/ethnic character was portrayed affects the racial stereotypes we have here in the United States? How did your character's portrayal reinforce the stereotype held by Americans? Or, in what way did your character's portrayal challenge the stereotypes Americans have about that racial/ethnic group?

To sum up, you need to include at least three (3) traits/positions that your chosen character holds, and at least two (2) ways that widely held stereotypes about that racial/ethnic group were either reinforced or challenged. Be as specific as possible.

Answer 1

Answer-

Mexicans are- Thieves

Blacks are- Criminals

Asians are- Studious

Muslims are- Intolerant

Whites are- Pretentious

The character I chose is Gloria Pritchett from Modern Family, played by Sofia Vergara.

In the show, Gloria Pritchett is a Latina woman who is shown to be extremely loud and fiery. The character is all over the place and struggles to pronounce simple English words at the expense of being mocked by the other characters. Gloria Pritchett is married to Jay Pritchett, who happens to be a white man. Their family is affluent and one among the famous families in their locality.

Gloria also displays the characteristics of a gold-digger and is even called one in one of the episodes. In the show, Gloria is often seen spending money on expensive clothes and shoes with no actual job, indicating that hse has no skills in particular except for looking pretty and being loud.

Throughout the show, Gloria Pritchett embodies the stereotypes associated with Latina women. The character is verbally aggressive, fiery, and lazy. Gloria's character is often showcased as this feisty yet sexy Latina woman who is humorous mainly because of her poor English speaking skills. Gloria represents the stereotype of Latina women being spicy sexpots with no other real talent. Sofia's character in the show certainly reinforces the stereotype many have towards Latina women.

i) Latina women are verbally aggressive.

ii) Latina women are spicy sexpots with no real talent.

iii) Latina women are feisty.

iv) Latina women can't speak English.

v) Latina women are gold-diggers.