Diversity in Media: An Analysis

For this assignment you are going to analyze one of your favorite movies, television series or
programs, books, or video games that feature human characters. 

Title (Remember, titles are capitalized.)

Highlight your answers to the following questions like this.

What kind of media are you analyzing?

 Movie
 Series
 Book
 Video game
Is the protagonist male or female?
 Male
 Female
Is the protagonist your age?
 Yes
 No
Is the protagonist a member of the cultural majority where you live?
 Yes
 No
If there is a villain, is the villain a member of the same cultural group as the protagonist?
 Yes
 No
 There is no villain.
If there is a “joker” character, someone who is the “silly” one, does that character belong to the
same cultural group as the protagonist?
 Yes
 No
 Not applicable; there is no joker.
With a 1-3 sentence response, answer the following: In your opinion, does this
book/program/series/movie/videogame rely on any stereotypes based on culture, language,
economics, ability, size, orientation, or gender? If so, explain and if not, simply restate the question
with your answer.

Go to page 2.
 Diversity in Media: An Analysis

Now, you’re going to write an analysis of your chosen subject.

 This will be a 3-paragraph essay.
 Each paragraph will have 5-8 sentences.
 Follow the guidelines below for each paragraph.

In paragraph one (5-8 sentences), you will introduce the subject of your analysis. Include the
title (and if it’s a book, include the author) and a summary of the plot—beginning, middle, and
end. Your main idea or thesis (and the last sentence of the paragraph, will be whether you
think your subject is reflective of a diverse community.

For example,

Harry Potter is a popular book series by British author, J.K. Rowling. In the first book, Harry
Potter, the protagonist of the series, is an eleven-year-old boy who discovers that he is the
orphaned son of wizards. Throughout the series, Harry has the opportunity to learn about
himself and the circumstances of his parent’s death, make great friends, and triumph over
several death-defying challenges. In terms of representation, the books don’t seem to reflect
the diversity of the British population, but the movies based on the series are more inclusive in
their choices for the supporting cast.

In paragraph two (5-8 sentences), you will explain the personal qualities you like best about
the protagonist. On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being exactly the same, you will determine how much
you relate to this character. Be sure to include specific examples of how you are similar and
how you are different.

In paragraph three (5-8 sentences), when you consider the other characters involved, overall,
do you think this book/series/movie/videogame fairly represents a diverse community? Why
or why not? For example, are their groups that might feel excluded? Include at least one
suggestion for making it more diverse or reflective of those who might read or see this media.

End the paragraph with a closing sentence that involves a call-to-action; something that your
reader can continue to think about regarding diversity in media.

Good luck!