Research Guides: Critical Media Analysis: Media Representation

Definition

Media representation refers to how the media portrays particular groups, communities, and experiences.

Annenberg Inclusion Initiative
A think tank at USC Annenberg studying diversity and inclusion in entertainment through original research and sponsored projects.
The Future Is Indigenous
Programs and guides from IllumiNative, "a nonprofit initiative designed to increase the visibility of – and challenge the negative narrative about – Native Nations and peoples in American society."
Re-Search
Browser extension makes image searching gender-balanced
The Representation Project
Founded by filmmaker Jennifer Siebel Newsom, who has directed two films on media representation of gender.
Sociological Images on Pinterest
Collections of images around specific themes, such as Women vs People and Racial Objectification

Statista This link opens in a new window
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A large, user-friendly statistics portal with a global scope. Find infographics, in-depth dossiers and reports, and Powerpoint slides, along with original source details. For example, check out the report on "Minorities and representation in TV and film in the United States."

Some films below are available via Kanopy.

The Codes of Gender, 2009.

The Mask You Live In, 2015.

Miss Representation, 2011.

Media Representation of Race & Ethnicity
Overviews and lesson plan from the Critical Media Project
"Representation in Media and Information" Learning Module
From UNESCO's Media Literacy Information for Teachers resource