Assignment: Bullying in the Media Find 2 examples of bullying portrayed in the media
? One example from TV shows, movies, videos, news. ? One example from a news report of a bullying incident.
Example #1 – TV show, movie or video:Example #1 – TV show, movie or video: Review and include the following in your writing:
? Include name of show & brief description of the storyline. ? List show details – which network produces the show? Date/time
show airs? Popularity of the show? Target audience? ? Discuss how bullying is portrayed in the program. ? Is the bystander effect included in the story/program? ? Is the depiction of bullying situations realistic?
? Include specific storylines used. ? Do you note use of stereotyping? Provide examples of characters. ? Are characteristics like income, social class, sexual orientation and
interests used to marginalize cast members? ? Is bullying used as a humorous plot device meant to simply entertain
the audience? ? What do you think of this portrayal of bullying?
? Does the program feature a significant challenge to a bully and his/her message? Explain some specific examples.
? What do you believe the impact these shows have on bullying and society’s perception?
Example #2 – News Report of Bullying Incident ? Include name of news program or media source & brief description
of the story. ? Media outlet details – network producing the program? Does the
media outlet have a slant in coverage (left or right?) ? Discuss how bullying is portrayed in the report. ? Is the bystander effect part of this news story? Explain how.
? Is the depiction of bullying situation exaggerated? Downplayed? ? How is the bully described? How is the victim described? ? Do you note any stereotyping? Provide examples. ? Are characteristics like income, social class, sexual orientation and
interests used in reporting the story? ? Do you believe the coverage of the story is accurate and sufficient? ? Should the report have included more or less information? ? Does the report include any other bullying situations? ? Compare news report coverage of bullying to the depiction in the TV,
movie, video you selected. ? What do you believe the impact this news story has on bullying and
society’s perception? Draft your assignment in a Word doc and upload to BB or create directly in BB (if you opt to create in BB, I suggest you copy/paste the text and save a copy in your computer. It’s a good idea in case of any technical issues with BB. ) I’m looking for about 400-500 words. Use full sentences. Be sure to proofread before submitting (spelling and grammar matter … this is a journalism class!)
