For this essay, you will reflect on and relate Marlon Rigg’s documentary, Ethnic Notions (see link here: https://www.bilibili.com/video/av8885318/)
, to Stuart Hall’s (see attached file) notion of stereotypes as well as his claim that difference “can be threatening, a site of danger, of negative feelings, of splitting, hostility, and aggression toward the other†(2013, 288). Use specific examples from the film and from Hall’s work, either by discussing specific scenes and passages or referring to specific ideas about representation and stereotypes of race and ethnicity found in the documentary and the reading. Finally, discuss whether you believe the stereotypes discussed in Ethnic Notions continue to shape our society today. If so, where and in what form do we still see these stereotypes?
Be specific in your analysis and reference examples from the Ethnic Notions and Hall’s “The Spectacle of the ‘Other.’†Feel free to bring in other class readings as well (Tuchman, hooks, Said, and Ronson come to mind). There are no correct or incorrect interpretations. Instead, you will be graded on your ability to work with class concepts and present evidence to back up your arguments.
Need to mention some of these theories: (the colonial gaze, racial regime of representation, theories of difference, social construction of race..)
Additional Information:
- Your essay should be at least 1,000 words.
- It should be typed in 12-point, Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins.
- Cite any readings and television programs you consult using a standard citation style, like MLA, and include a works cited page at the end of the document. For information on MLA Style, see: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_formatting_and_style_guide.html
- If you draw on lecture material, indicate this in the text of your essay (e.g., “As Dr. Soderlund explained, some cultures see pregnancy as a sign of strengthâ€). Alternatively, you can use an in-text citation: “Some cultures see pregnancy as a sign of strength (Soderlund 9/26/18).†The lecture should be referred to in the works cited page using the following format:
Soderlund, Gretchen. “Week 1: Representation, Sex, and Gender.†J320: Gender, Media, and Diversity. University of Oregon. 26 Sept. 2018.
Grading
Your essay will be graded on content (your command over class material and your ability to apply concepts to the real-world examples) and form (your ability to express and organize your ideas).
A = Work that goes beyond the basic requirements of the assignment. This work demonstrates mastery of the course material, exceptional insight into the topic being analyzed, and a superior ability to express and organize ideas. Only writing and analysis that blows us away and makes us say “wow†is likely to earn an A or A+.
B = Work that meets the requirements of the assignment and demonstrates a solid grasp of course material. B work applies course concepts with only minor problems and demonstrates good organization and expression of ideas.
C = Work that mainly meets the assignment requirements with some problems and gaps in the analysis. C work demonstrates moderate skill in expressing ideas and organizing material.
D = Work that only marginally meets the assignment requirements. D work demonstrates minimal understanding of course material, little ability to apply it, and limited ability to express and organize ideas.
F = Work that fails to meet the requirements of the assignment.