Representation: Stereotypes

Stereotype (brief definition):

'a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing'.

Are teenagers represented in a fair way in the media?

Find a variety of images representing the typical teenager. Is it easy to find positive images or are most of them negative? What are the reasons for this?

RESEARCH TASK:

1. Collect a range of images (at least TEN) of teenagers, both positive and negative. Make a mood board or poster using these images. Print these out and stick them into your book.
2. Find THREE news articles which involve teenage stars. Copy and paste the headline and relevant text from these. Print out and stick in your book.

QUESTIONS: Using these images and articles as your evidence, answer the following questions:

• What you think the key stereotypes are that teenagers have to cope with? 
• Do you think these are fair or not? 
• In your opinion are teenagers represented accurately in the media? Give reasons for all your answers.

EXTENSION TASK:

Can you think of anywhere in the media where teenagers are presented in a really positive light. 

Add this to your work to try and balance your argument about teenage stereotyping.