Essay Prompt: Popular Culture and Reality
In her Washington Post article, Teresa Wiltz has stated that, “Popular culture, that which shapes how we
see ourselves and how others see us, is in a state of flux.”
Wiltz is referring to the way in which the popular cultural representations shape our understanding of
the world around us. How we see things depicted in popular cultural artifacts (movies, books, TV news,
internet sites) tends to color our perception reality. Stereotyping is just one example. If we see a
stereotype represented over and over again, we can begin to assume that the stereotype is “real.”
However, Wiltz reminds us that our understanding of reality is not static—and that these messages can
be challenged and changed.
Rene Magritte’s painting The Treachery of Images (as seen below) illustrates this concept:
If we translate the inscription from the French, it says, “This is not a pipe.” The point that Magritte is
making is that the painting isn’t a pipe. Instead, it’s a representation of a pipe. It’s important to
distinguish the difference if we are to evaluate such images critically. Otherwise, we’ll remain
vulnerable to having our understanding of the world co-opted by pop culture representations.
Prompt
Use at least two of the articles in Chapter 11 to make an argument about the ways in which popular
culture shapes the way that we see ourselves and the world around us. (Use them well.)
After using the articles in the textbook, you should also perform an analysis of at least three additional
pop culture artifacts to illustrate your point. These could be movies, advertisements, songs, albums, TV
shows, websites, magazines, books, etc. (Be sure to include them in your works cited page.)
To be clear:
1. Use the articles in the textbook to explain how representation colors our perception of reality.
2. Analyze how this process works by examining the messages put forth in various pop culture
phenomena. Explain how they are working to shape our perception of reality.
3. Don’t forget to evaluate the messages put forth in these pop culture artifacts. Don’t simply tell
us that they are shaping our perception of reality. Evaluate whether they are doing so in a
healthy manner or not.
As you can see, I tried to be a little more explicit in this prompt. I’m hoping that this will help you think a
little deeper about the issues at hand. I’m expecting some solid insights with this particular essay. Be
sure to read and think deeply/critically.
Specifics
This essay should be a minimum of 1800 words and include a works cited page.
The rough draft is due on January 12th. Final Draft is due January 19th.
Methods for Analyzing Media Representations
The following are some steps involved in conducting studies. Depending on your inquiry, certain
questions may be more relevant than others. Think of them as idea starters.
1. Select a certain group, world, topic, issue, or phenomenon, and then find different
representations of this topic/phenomenon in magazines, TV, newspapers, literature, Web sites.
2. Note patterns in these representations in terms of similarities in portrayals/images, instances of
stereotyping, or “essentializing.”
3. Note assumptions inherent in who has power, who solves problems, how problems are solved.
4. Define the intended audiences for these representations:
- How are these audiences being appealed to?
- Whose beliefs or values are being reinforced or validated?
- How are certain products linked to certain representations for certain audiences?
5. Define what’s missing or left out of the representation:
- What complexities or variations are masked over?
-What is included and what is excluded?
- Find alternative or counter-examples
6. Consider the potential influence of stereotyped or essentialist representations of gender, class,
race, or age on people:
- List descriptions of others or oneself and note instances of stereotyping/essentializing
- Note how consumer practices reflect the need to live up to representations
- Examine stories, TV shows, or mini-dramas in ads