Abstract This essay analyzes the use of stereotypes to portray different ethnic groups in the film "Smokin' Aces". The paper relates that the media is able to shape and influence our own perceptions of other people and cultures. The paper further relates that what we can see on the TV and movies produces a very powerful message, as we perceive the media as real even when we see a work of fiction. Additionally, the paper notes that the media is filled with stereotypes and stereotypical images. The essay then concentrates on three ethnic groups present in "Smokin' Aces", Italians, white Americans and African-Americans, and shows that they are portrayed through stereotypical images. The Italians are represented as mafia bosses, white men are good guys, while African American characters are criminals and sidekicks. The writer concludes that the construction of characters sends strong messages of racial ideology despite all the efforts put towards eliminating the racism.
From the Paper "One of the first characters introduced in the move is an Italian Primo Sparazza. Sparazza is a mafia boss, a stereotypical role for an Italian in media. He is wanted by FBI and is known to be behind many crimes but, as usual, cannot be connected directly to any of them. As such he is untouchable, powerful person behind the mafia steel curtain. We do not know much about him, but some ideas that fit in the overall male Italian- mobster stereotypic character can be inferred from the plot. Thus, it is possible that Sparazza was an Italian immigrant since the FBI agents are tracing his illegal activities to 1950s. He made crime his career climbing up to a level of one of the American mafia bosses. As such, he is a typical non-American who presents a danger to American society and way of life."
Abstract This paper examines why ethnicstereotypes develop, and how members of various ethnic groups are seen and see themselves. Various case studies are explored, in particular the example of Asian-Americans. Additionally, research is presented that shows how stereotypes are often based on expectations associated with membership in certain racial or ethnic groups.
From the Paper "This profusion of ethnic slurs in our language obviously reflects the bigotry and prejudice in our cultural history. However, at a deeper level these words chronicle the history of ethnic conflict in American society. The number of slurs, their targets, and the origins of the terms show that most originated in historical situations--wherever groups met and fell into conflict. Contact and conflict, usually about economic matters, heightened the contrast of ethnic cultures, which led to culture clash and recoil. Ethnic slurs proliferated in cities where many ethnic groups lived in close quarters and bristled in their everyday contacts. Many of the words are genuine Americanisms--homegrown words first coined and used in this country. Many others are loanwords borrowed especially from British English, but also from Spanish, French, German, Yiddish, and West African languages--the languages of major immigrant groups. (Allen, 1990, p. "
Abstract This paper explains that "The World of Suzie Wong", which is based on the novel of the same name, presents an image of Hong Kong, from a Western perspective, in the post Second World War colonial era. The author points out that the movie deals openly with such complex issues as racism and class conflict, which in 1960 was progressive. The paper stresses, nonetheless, that this film also expresses many stereotypes with regard to race gender and ethnicstereotypes, which demonstrate it to be a production of its era.
From the Paper The Hollywood movie "The World of Suzie Wong" (1960), based upon the novel of the same name, presents an image of Hong Kong in the post-Second World War colonial era from a Western perspective. The movie deals openly and, for its time, progressively with such complex issues as racism and class conflict. However, at the same time it also expresses many stereotypes with regard to race, gender and ethnic stereotypes that demonstrate it to be a production of its era. It is in the mingling of these two aspects in the film - the multicultural and progressive and the Eurocentric and the stereotypical - that make the film's depiction of Hong Kong in the early 1960s so powerful."
Abstract Female characters using their sexuality to achieve what they want in Hollywood films is a strategy that is used over and over again by film makers. The paper shows that while many movies use the same basic themes when it comes to female sexuality, there are some variances from the norm. This paper discusses different forms of female sexuality as they appear in three Hollywood films, "The Ice Storm", "Boys Don't Cry" and "Thelma and Louise". From these movies three specific characters are studied: Wendy Hood, Brandon Teena and Thelma, respectively. The paper shows that these three women all represent female sexuality differently. They don't all fit the stereotypes of women that other movies tend to portray. Although there are some similarities between the three characters, the portrayals vary as to how the characters use their sexuality and femininity and it is these differences the paper examines.
From the Paper "Another similarity between the movies is that they all portray women who are struggling with something. Whether it's coming of age, sexual identity, or a discovery of who they really are, all three women have something very important going on in their lives that they must deal with. Brandon Teena has the largest problem to handle of the three selected women, but Wendy and Thelma must struggle with their own beliefs and actions as well. The actions of others that directly affect each of the women must also be dealt with."
Abstract This paper examines the ethnic and racial themes in three films: "To Kill a Mockingbird", "Raisin in the Sun" and "Year of the Dragon". The author summarizes each film. The paper reviews the emotions of some of the characters in relationship to the ethnic and racial themes in each the movies.
From the Paper ""To Kill a Mockingbird" is set in a small Southern town in the ... . An idealistic white lawyer, Gregory Peck, defends a black man, Brock Peters, who is falsely accused of raping an ignorant white woman. Although the lawyer proves his client is not guilty the all-white jury ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of stereotypes. It describes stereotypes as the exaggeration or over-generalization of certain trends. The paper explains that both the holder of the stereotype and the subject of the stereotype may be hurt by the stereotype. The author mentions that the use of stereotypes may hinder people from gaining actual knowledge about other societies. For example, the author describes the issues of personal distance in conversations in different communities, explaining that different societies have different rules regarding personal space and touching during regular communication.
From the Paper "Stereotypes are limited views of a group or type of people that is based on information that is not correct because it is oversimplified, incomplete, or distorted. No one is immune to the effects of stereotypes, and every person will inevitably experience the holding and receiving end of this harmful social phenomenon. Stereotypes may be based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical appearance, level of education, socioeconomic class, and many other factors. Stereotypes are a major contributing factor to the judgments each person will make about another person or group of people. In order to make the most accurate judgments in every situation, the presence of stereotypes must be addressed, discussed, and dispelled."
Abstract The paper offers an introduction to the article by Aikhenvald entitled "Multilingualism and EthnicStereotypes: The Tariana of the Northwest Amazonia" and explains the main arguments presented. The paper then focuses on the weaknesses of the article as well as the interesting points that can be noticed.
Outline:
Introduction
Main Arguments
Weaknesses
Interesting Points/Support
Questions
From the Paper "Aikhenvald (2003) touches upon a range of sociolinguistic topics in her article. The main focus is the use and choice of language in a rather special multilingual speech community and its contribution to the reproduction of ethnic stereotypes associated with each language. As Aikhenvald gives a detailed introduction to the topic and provides much background information on the Tariana, the article is easy comprehensible and suitable for any Linguist or Linguistics student. The discussion of the topic offers an interesting combination of sociolinguistic concepts such as code-mixing and code-switching, repertoires, identity, prestige and respect of the languages and their speakers, as well as rules for language choice."
Abstract This paper discusses the film, "Who Killed Vincent Chin", and the message it contains about America's tendency to perpetuate stereotypes and racist attitudes regarding the Asian-American community. The paper looks at some of the reasons why stereotypes persist, the serious consequences of racial hatred, and the inadequacy of the American legal system to address the problems that racism creates.
From the Paper "The film Who Killed Vincent Chin? tells a story that on the one hand is too common in American society--a young man gets into a fight at a bar and is killed. Alcohol and testosterone create such tragedies virtually every day. This particular instance was different because it had an economic and racial component suggesting that Vincent Chin was killed by two white men because of their resentment at the loss of jobs in the auto industry to Asian, and specifically Japanese, auto manufacturers. The film tells this story and suggests that the broader issues are highly relevant and in some sense make us all guilty of killing Vincent Chin, guilty for perpetuating stereotypes and racist attitudes and for creating the climate where this sot of crime could occur."
Abstract The paper explores gender and ethnicity-based inequalities among American workers. The paper provides definitions of ethnic identity and discrimination and presents a concrete example of discrimination towards a Hispanic male. The paper also offers a short discussion of the book "Nickel and Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich.
From the Paper "People perceive their membership differently in different groups. In social psychology, social identity theory states that individuals have a need to belong to groups, a fact that brings about an enhancement in their self-esteem. The meanings people attach to their belonging to groups such as racial, ethnic, or gender are integrated into the social identity theory that also shapes individual identity (Brunett and Farr-Wharton 2002; Haslam 2002, cited by Chow, Hau Siu & Crawford, 2004). Social interactions are also shaped by these meanings as shared experience and mutual support are framed by social identity. This applies especially for in-group members - the group to which an individual belongs to, while the group which excludes an individual is considered an out-group."
Abstract This paper discusses how race and ethnicity have been one of the major factors in discriminating against other human beings. The paper suggests that political leaders, religious scholars and champions of different causes have always looked for some common factor that can unite them against their rivals and give them an advantage over the others. The paper gives some examples of this and discusses its consequences.
From the Paper "[Gates, 1991] points out that the subconscious and subtle prejudice built over the years is the greatest obstacles to black's progress today. Negative stereotyping has the effects which are not easily understood. By stereotyping one basically closes his or her eyes and the person is not judged. In stereotyping, if a person does not fit the stereotype, people look for excuses for this departure from the stereotype. The result is that a rightfully entitled person is denied many opportunities and the psychological effects on the individual and the stigmatized group are enormous."
Abstract This study investigates media stereotyping of American First Ladies Laura Welch Bush and Hillary Rodham Clinton principally using quantitative and qualitative content analysis. The research explores the amount and qualities of "Time" magazine's news coverage during their husband's first terms of office to establish, (i) who between Mrs. Clinton and Mrs. Bush is framed as most often politically active and (ii) who between them is more negatively stereotyped. Hypotheses predict that the most politically active First Lady will attract more media coverage and more negative stereotypes. Both hypotheses were supported by the research, which indicate that Hillary Clinton was framed both as the most politically active and negatively stereotyped of the two.
Table of COntents
I.Introduction
Etymology of Stereotypes Scholarship on Gender Stereotypes Stereotypes & America's First Ladies
II.The First Lady in American History
Early Interest in First Ladies
Scholarship Since the 1980s
Hillary Clinton & Laura Bush
III.Methodology
Data Collection
Setting
Coding
IV.Findings
V.Discussion and Conclusion
From the Paper "Across the globe, women are poorly represented in many facets of life - economic, political and scientific - despite the fact that they constitute the majority of the world's population. For example, females represent only about three per cent of all historical figures in Western civilization (Catell, 1903; Eisenstadt, 1978). In addition, only about one per cent of the notable contributors to science and technology are female (Simonton, 1991a)."
Abstract This paper explores the factors influencing gender stereotyping in five-year-old subject Hadley. It includes an overview of the psychological literature pertaining to said stereotyping, a transcript of the interview with Hadley, and an analysis of the interview in the context of adherence to stereotypes.
Outline
Introduction
Method
Results
Overview of Results
Discussion
Sources
From the Paper "Many studies document the adherence of young children to gender stereotypes (Berk, Textbook, 521). Even children only eighteen months old display some implicit knowledge of gender stereotypes (Berk, 521). By two years, these stereotypes often become deeply ingrained as a component of gender identity (Kuhn, et al., 1978). As children reach ages where beliefs can be more reliably measured, stereotyping emerges as an exceptionally clear component of the social maturing process. In late childhood, some stereotypes become more firmly implanted, while others appear to weaken (Garret and Ein, 1977; Etaugh and Duits, 1990). While these processes clearly undergo fluctuations and shifts in emphasis, gender stereotyping undoubtedly constitutes a major aspect of normal development, and a significant portion of this development includes increased sensitivity toward the symbolic nature of the world, including toward the importance of color."
Abstract Though theories of cultural hatreds or leader-driven mob politics are still broadly accepted, John Mueller and others have recently suggested that "ethnic wars" are not, in fact, cases of Hobbesian anarchy. Rather, they are caused by small numbers of ethnically ordered gangs fighting against a backdrop of cowed people who either participate in secondary ways, such as manning road blocks, for example, or simply "close the door and try not to hear." With this in mind, Mueller continues, the entire concept of broad-based "ethnic war" may be fundamentally misguided. This paper assesses the strengths and weaknesses of this new approach to "ethnic wars." It includes an explanation of the concept of ethnic war, a look at some other prominent theories, an analysis of what one might call the "armed thugs hypothesis" in context, and finally, a consideration of the implications for peacemaking, if indeed the world works in the manner that Mueller suggests. Although it is impossible to accept or dismiss any single theory wholesale, this paper at least compares competing ideas in attempt to find a hybrid explanation for the scourge of ethnic violence.
From the Paper "Large-scale protests are another oft-cited example of public hysteria. Nationalist rallies played in the western press may have given the false impression of a mobilized Serb populace, shouting slogans in unison. In reality, these mobs were provided with transportation to protest sites and often paid with food and liquor. Even then, despite police intimidation and state control over the media, the opposition managed to stage large protests of their own in Belgrade. Crowd noise is an incomplete measure of public opinion."
Abstract This paper explains that stereotypes exist in all cultural systems. The author points out that they impact people's perceptions of gender identity, gender roles and many social practices. The paper relates that, although the negative effects of stereotypes are well-known, it is clear that stereotypes continue to exit, be reproduced and exert pervasive influence on human mind and actions.
From the Paper "Stereotypes exist in all cultural systems and they have impact on people's perceptions on gender identity and gender roles as well as on many social practices. Although the negative effects of stereotypes are well-known today, it is clear that stereotypes continue to exit, be reproduced and exert pervasive influence on human mind and actions. Gender stereotypes are "common, culture-wide beliefs about how men and women differ in personal qualities and characteristics" (Denis and Kunkel, 2004, p.156). Stereotypical male personality traits include being "objective, competitive, logical, independent, aggressive, responsible, rational, and ambitious.""
Abstract This paper discusses contemporary adolescent stereotypes. It focuses on gender roles, gender identification and the association with stereotypes about weight and attractiveness. This paper refers to a study comparing US to European values among adolescents, and a study examining the effects of MTV videos on adolescents and their stereotypical belief systems.
From the Paper "In their attempts to push their belief in their own maturation and distinguish themselves from being a child, adolescents are caught in often not knowing what to do, who to trust, what to believe and/or how to act. As a result, many adopt stereotypical behaviors based on views they have heard expressed by other adults or may have seen or heard on TV. In this brief literature review, research is cited to link sex roles and gender stereotypes with stereotypical attitudes and beliefs about weight and body image."
