Write a paper (typed, single-spaced, about 5-7 pages) in which you: 1) explain how the stereotypes discussed in the readings are modified to apply to other groups and 2) indicate the underlying attitudes toward minorities that are held by the majority that these stereotypes indicate. Be sure to refer to each of the readings and films in your paper.
Read these articles and books and view the films, then discuss them in the paper.
American Indians: Stereotypes and Realities is a new book that looks at stereotype images of Native Americans. We will refer to this book as a starting point in our discussion and study of the creation and perpetuation of stereotypes. We will use these stereotypes as a basis for comparison to those of Blacks, Hispanics and Asian-Americans and note similarities and differences in the stereotypes about these groups in our society.
The film "Ethnic Notions" shown in class, looks at the portrayal of Blacks in various media and the steretypes derived from these images. The film "In Whose Honor?" discusses the use of Indian mascots in sports. They all explore the creation and persistence of stereotypes in media. In the Issues Reader (these articles are found on the Kennedy Library on-line reserve for this course), the article "From Yellow Peril through Model Minority to Renewed Yellow Peril" looks at the stereotying of Asians. What do these films and articles contribute to an understanding of stereotyping?
In Devon Mihesuah's book, there are a number of the stereotypes that she identifies that could be applied with slight modification to other groups as well. The stereotypes # 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 13, 14, 16, and 18 can be applied to other minority groups that we have studied (e.g. Blacks, Hispanics, Asians). Discuss each of these stereotypes above in your paper. indicate which stereotypes you are discussing in your paper.
Paper is due: November 19 , 2008.
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