You must utilize the readings and/or theories in your examination. Two readings that all students must include is the article by Dirks and Mueller (see Canvas) and Chapter 4 of the Golash-Boza book. Your paper should reflect deep and thoughtful analysis and engagement with course readings. Incorporating ideas from class discussions, offering examples from course material, and quoting from readings are ways to strengthen your analysis.
Papers should be five pages in length, typed (double-spaced), with one-inch margins, and in Times New Roman Font size 12.You need to have in-text citations in ASA style and a list of references in the work cited page. No title page is necessary. See the ASA style guide for the citation and reference format
http://www.asanet.org/sites/default/files/savvy/documents/teaching/pdfs/Quick_Tips_for_ASA_Style.pdf
Questions:
When writing your paper you should address at least four the following questions:
1. What messages about ethnicity, race, and class do the images imply? What is the story being told? What is the social significance of the portrayal of the people in the images? What does it teach us about racial and cultural norms and privilege? What does it teach us about how ethnic or racial identities are constructed in the U.S.?
2. Do the images challenge or reinforce stereotypical notions of particular ethnic or racial groups or people of a particular class? Are the images offensive? If so, explain why and consider the social consequences of such images. Do these images transgress or challenge stereotypes of the different groups represented? If so, explain your thinking. How might the images contribute to greater racial understanding?
3. What is the social and cultural significance of these images/portrayals? How do these images contribute to racial stereotypes and assumptions? How are race and class constructed and interrelated in the depiction?
4. What is the most useful frame to use when analyzing these images? For example, are the portrayals examples of institutionalized racism, attitudinal racism, interpersonal racism, colorblindness, the social construction of race/class, etc?
5. What structural barriers (e.g. forms of institutionalized racism such as racist laws) has the group represented experienced? How can this history inform our understanding of these images? In your assessment are the images positive or negative? Explain.
6. How do the messages reinforce or challenge understandings of whiteness as a cultural norm? Are notions of normative whiteness present? What are the implications of this portrayal of whiteness? How is the ‘Other’ represented and constructed?
Suggested Structure for the Paper:
Introduction (recommended length up to ½-1 page)
Successful papers will:
1. Situate chosen portrayals and describe the context from which the portrayal came. For instance, students should describe the program from which a video clip is derived and the time frame in which it was shown. For example, if choosing an image from a magazine, describe the magazine, its intended audience, and the date the issue was published.
2. Provide a clear and well-formed thesis.
3. Describe and summarize the chosen portrayals. Include descriptions of peoples’ dialogue, accents, dress, stances, behavior, and any relevant characteristics or interactions. Briefly describe the image and any action so that someone who has not viewed the portrayal understands the salient parts of the video or image.
Body (recommended length 3-3.5 pages)
4. Examine the portrayals and explain the implied racial meanings of the image. It is important to provide evidence for your interpretation. Use sociological concepts and/or theories to strengthen your analysis.
5. Draw on course readings and discussions.
Conclusion (recommended length 1-2 paragraphs)
6. Briefly restate your thesis and the main points and evidence you have to support it
