Making Lists of Stereotypes
- Using books, magazines or clips from TV shows, create a list of similarities and differences in appearance and body size for "good" and "bad" characters. (A good example of a movie that doesn't fall into the traditional trap of equating beauty with goodness is Ever After -- a retelling of the Cinderella story with a plain main figure and a beautiful but cruel stepsister.)
- List the characteristics assigned to boys and to girls on TV shows and in movies. Ask the girls to compare these characteristics with those of friends and siblings. Look for non-stereotypical behaviour. i.e. do they know boys who like to cook? How about girls who like to play hockey?
- List the types of jobs portrayed on televison, in movies and in commercials. Who is doing these jobs -- men or women? Compare these jobs with real life occupations. What kind of jobs do the girls' parents have.
|
The seven “deadly stereotypes” of children in the media:
1) Kids as victims
2) Cute kids sell newspapers
3)Little devils
4) Kids are brilliant
5) Kids as accessories
6) "Kids these days"
7) Brave little angels
(Source: Children's Express)
Brainstorm with your Unit to make up your own list of "deadly stereotypes" of teens, girls or women.
|
Kids' Lives/TV Lives
Using this handout, ask the girls to compare their lives to that of characters shown on a TV sitcom.
Talking to Your Kids about Racial Stereotypes
Use the activities in this handout to raise awareness of how racial stereotypes are everywhere on television, including children's programming.
What's in a Word?
Examines how language in media can imply inequality between men and women.
Using the activities provided, Guides will learn to examine their own use of gender-specific language and how to use gender neutral terms when writing and speaking.
Rules for Gender Portrayal in Ads
Read through these rules based on a code developed by the Canadian advertising industry, and then examine ads fashion magazines to see if the guidelines are adhered to.
Take Action
Have the girls pick an advertisement, commercial or television show containing a stereotype they would like to comment on. Write a letter to the company that produces the advertised product or the television show. The Take Action section offers help in writing your letters and finding appropriate addresses.
