A two-part lesson has scholars researching the stereotypes in portraying women and girls in the media and the impact of these representations. To conclude the lesson, participants write a letter of praise to sources that present positive portrayals or of complaint to those media sources that perpetuate stereotypes.

Concepts

gender bias, gender, gender roles, media bias, stereotypes, bias, prejudice, the writing process

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Instructional Ideas

• Share the research assignment with parents and guardians to engage their cooperation
• Extend the lesson and have class members research the stereotypes and biases in media representation of men and boys
• Review the format of the business letter

Classroom Considerations

• Requires individual copies of the "Media Content Analysis Worksheet" and access to devices with internet
• The links within the lesson to the "Pretty Lies" and the "Young Women Are Fighting Back" articles do not work; however, both may be found on the internet

Pros

• Includes a vocabulary list of terms used during the lesson

Cons

• None

Common Core

CCRA.R.2 CCRA.R.7 CCRA.W.4 CCRA.W.5 CCRA.SL.1 CCRA.SL.2