Create slides that respond to the following prompts. For each question, include written analysis and at least one still-frame image from the documentary or related media.
- Purpose of Caricatures
According to Ethnic Notions, what purposes did caricatures of African Americans serve in U.S. society?
Include a still-frame image from the documentary that illustrates your response. - The Brute Stereotype
Why did the caricature of the brute African American male emerge during and after Reconstruction?
What image developed in the North as African Americans migrated to urban areas?
Include a still-frame image from the documentary or another media example that reflects this stereotype. - Impact of Negative Images
What are the consequences of these negative portrayals of African Americans?
How do they influence:- White audiences?
- African Americans?
- Other communities of color?
Include an image that supports your analysis.
- Then and Now: Representation Over Time
Select the still-frame image from Ethnic Notions that impacted you the most.
Compare it to a contemporary image you find online.
Have representations of African Americans improved? Why or why not?
Step 3: Viral Media Analysis (Three Examples)
Find three (3) viral videos featuring African Americans. These may include:
- Social media videos
- Commercials
- YouTube clips
- News stories
- User-generated content
For each video, create a slide that includes:
- A still-frame image from the video
- A link to the original video
- Written responses to the following:
- Why did you choose this video? What does it mean to you?
- What ideas or impressions about African Americans might viewers take away from this video?
- What media function, theory, or effect does this example represent? (You may need to review Chapter 3.)
- After watching Ethnic Notions, does this video reinforce or challenge stereotypes discussed in the documentary? Explain.
Step 4: Final Reflection
On your final slide, write a reflection that summarizes:
- What you learned from Ethnic Notions
- What you discovered by analyzing viral media
- How this project connects to earlier projects completed during Winter intersession
- Any changes in how you now think about media representation and stereotypes
Helpful Reminders
- Focus on analysis, not just description
- Be thoughtful and specific in your explanations
- Choose examples that allow you to make clear connections between historical and contemporary media
Requirements:

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