Journal (Oct 1 st )

1. Journal (Oct 1st) • Compile a list of television shows that you watch or have watched in the past (six to ten), then beside each one write two to three sentences discussing whether you believe they portray positive or negative stereotypes. • Definition of Stereotype: a conventional or formulaic conception or image • Ex. – Earl (My Name is Earl) is a both positive and negative because he is considered “white trash” (-), but he is trying to make up for the bad things he has done (+)

2. Media Work (Oct 2nd) • Write down your thoughts On the content of this cartoon. What does it seem to be characterizing?

3. Video Game Survey (Oct 5th) • 1. How often do you play video games: < 1 hour per week 1- 3 hours per week 3 - 6 hours per week 6 - 10 hours per week > 10 hours per week • 2. List your 3 favourite video games. • 3. What makes these games better than others? • 4. What genres (types) of games are they? • 5. Which of these games do you consider the most violent? Why? • 6. Which of these games do you consider the least violent? Why? • 7. Do you tend to play video games alone, or with friends? • 8. How long do you usually play a game before you want to quit? Is it difficult for you to leave the game? • 9. Do you ever get angry or frustrated when playing a video game? If so, what do you do about it? • 10. How do you usually feel when you finish playing?

4. Blame it on TV (Oct 7th) • Read the following handout and answer the following question: • Do you believe Linton’s article and research is accurate and truly presents the side effects of television? Or do you believe that television does not have this type of effect on people. Give specific examples to support your opinion.

5. Violence on Television • Does television violence lead to more violence in society? • Draw a line down the center of a piece of paper • On one side come up with as many points that can make the argument that TV violence does lead to actual violence • On the other side come up with as many points making the argument that it doesn’t. • Give examples

6. Media Work (Oct 8th) Video games have always been about attracting a young male audience. What could be said about how women are portrayed in video games? Positive? Negative? What could be/is being done about it? Give specifics

7. Questions to Consider (Oct 9th)Journal • What are the possible consequences of seeing violence in the media? • Who is sending us these images? • Is more control over what is put on television the answer? Or less restrictions? • What is the difference between real and staged violence when being viewed? Is one worse than the other? Explain

8. TV Tax (Oct 13th) • If you had to pay extra for cable and satellite services for a product you already receive, would you pay or would you not pay? Why or why not? • Do you think local television is worth keeping on television? Explain your answer. • Read the following handout and write your response to the issue.

9. Television Stereotypes (Oct 14th) • Television specializes in stereotypes. TV needs to boil down characters in easy-to-fit-into formula’s. For example, the blue collar maintenance man (Willy from the Simpsons). • Name a TV character and show they appear on from each category below, and state one of their stereotyped qualities and the show they appear on. • Neighbour, Parent, Boss, Sibling, Socialite, Joker, Teacher, Jock, Teenager, Secretary, Cop. • What other stereotypes exist other than the ones mentioned above? Name three.

10. T.V. Violence (Oct 15th) • Continuing with yesterday’s debate, identify and discuss a couple of points that you heard on both sides of the debate. • What were some valid points made yesterday that you heard? What were some points made that you thought were not very valid? • What position do you take after hearing both sides? Why? Explain.

11. Quote (October 16th) “The bastard form of mass culture is humiliated repetition... always new books, new programs, new films, news items, but always the same meaning.” Roland Barthes Discuss this quote in relation to how it relates to television and film. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain why or why not.

12. Reality Television (Oct 19th) • Jon Gosselin, who appeared on the reality show Jon and Kate Plus 8, was sued by the TLC network for talking to news corporations about his break up with his wife. TLC states that Jon is not allowed to make money from interviews without their permission, and is looking to sue him for all the money he has made from those interviews. • Do you think TLC is right in doing this? Or does this infringe on his right to free speech? What would you do if you were in Jon’s shoe’s? TLC’s?

13. TV Stereotypes (Oct 20th) • Stereotypes are all over the airwaves. Continuing from your responses yesterday, write all the stereotypes that you see from this episode. • Fill in the words that help describe each character that has more than two lines of dialogue in the episode. • Appearance (what stereotype does it convey) • Speaking (How do they sound different/unique) • Interaction with others (are they rude? polite?) • Intellect (Smart / Stupid?) • Names (Does their name say anything about them?) • Beliefs (religious/atheistic?) • Answer this question for each major character: What kind of character is this person meant to represent?