In 2-3 cogent paragraphs, max:

Apply the concepts of “structure” and “agency” to

television representations of race and gender.

Assuming that “positive” representations of women

and ethnic minorities are desirable, give examples

of the structure that shapes TV portrayals and the

agents that create or act upon those images.

Media & Politics Direct exposure – information Political elites Polls Fictional & reality TV Shaping of candidates

Political Elites Other politicians Big contributors Talk show hosts & news editors

– also, Leno, Letterman, etc. Global leaders

Polls Gather opinion

– Often unformed, uninformed– Create issues

Pollsters– Many work for parties or

candidates Push polling Spin

Celebrity Telegenic candidates Candidates as celebrities Celebrities as candidates

Learning from TV

News Fiction

– Modeling– Blurring – Cultivation