Think of tv shows you watch or have seen, select option a) or option b) from the following options. Record the information (role, gender, ethnicity, social class, sexual orientation and behaviors) about the principal and secondary characters on the Recording Form. You will need several copies of the Recording Form for each program. Be sure to use separate forms for each program.
Option a): Watch two hours of prime time TV drama (6-11 p.m.).
Option b): Watch three different prime time crime dramas (6-11 p.m.).
After making your observations, answer the following questions:
1) What audiences do you think each program targets? Why?
2) What stereotypes and cultural messages do you think the programs send? Explain.
3) What audience do you think the commercials target? Why?
4) What stereotypes and cultural messages do you think the commercials send? Explain.