Tv show analysis how to develop essay

Any of the three are valid! Explain what effect it has on viewers and why. Explain what attitudes tend to result in people when they see things such as this and the further effect that has on other aspects of our lives. (Can also make a distinction between different types of viewers). Or explain why attitudes that would seem to result from the representation actually do NOT (and why). Fifth representation is a “ mixed message,” which one trumps the other and why? And what ultimate cultural message is sent to viewers? What larger societal concerns are affected by these perceptions? Example: Smash Williams is one of a few African American characters on Friday Night Lights and has the most prominent role.

We are presented with a young man who is extremely confident in his ability to play football. This confidence is to the extent that he enjoys referring to himself in the third person as “ The Smash. ” This is actually very different from what Waters says is a frequent portrayal of African Americans. Smash is not subordinate; he does not have the attitude that he should serve anybody.

In fact, the town views him as a star, and he seems to revel in it. However, despite the character being a “ star,” the show still portrays African Americans in a way that is problematic ND instills in others a negative view of black people. In contrast to Jason Street, a young white man who is also a good football player but noticeably humble and well mannered, Smash is put forth as cocky, loud, arrogant, and concerned only with stardom. He is also the running back of the team while Street is the quarterback. The first characterization is problematic in that it reinforces to society that black men are not polished or civilized, but more so brash, wild, comical types there to entertain others. The second detail – that is, the positions the young men play on the football team -? is problematic in hat it reinforces the notion that white people are intellectual while black people are physical.

This is because a running back is known for the physical skill of pure running speed, while the quarterback position is known to be one that requires a great deal of intelligence and quick analytical ability. Ally very clearly adheres to Waters’ critique about the portrayal of women. We see her not as an autonomous person with a life, hobbies, and interests of her own, but simply as Supporter Of her boyfriend. The identity she does have -? a cheerleader – is implicitly subordinate to him as well, as cheerleaders are there primarily to boost the morale, good spirits, and motivation of football layers. This portrayal is problematic on many levels and has the capacity to have a very negative effect on young female viewers. On the one hand, contemporary cultural messages to young girls are that they are strong, independent, and capable.

Yet, when they see images of young girls like Ally on television, they are getting a mixed message. Although the show can be somewhat forgiven for placing emphasis on the boys – given that the show is about football, and as things are currently, football players are mostly boys the show could have done more to correct or just show awareness of its own sexism. Instead of having Ally so happily support and boost Season’s ego at every turn, there could have been some humor injected in a scene or two in which Ally jokes with him that if she’s going to his game on Friday, he should come to her play on Tuesday. However, no such “ balancing’ dialogue occurs that would reveal the show to have a conscience about sexist portrayals, and as such, young girls see it as perfectly acceptable to exist in a way which focuses on keeping boyfriends happy and their egos boosted, with no concern for their own needs for emotional support or for an equal relationship.