LESSON PLAN: Miss Representation in the Media (Gender Representation in the Media) (40 min)

November 4, 2012

Based on the Miss Representation trailer, students will examine the power of the media in shaping ideas & identities, and how media misrepresentations may be harmful for both women/girls & men/boys. Overview of Lesson Unit Gender Representation in the Media Note: This is a four-part lesson unit on Gender Representation in the Media, which features both global & Singapore-based case studies for discussion. Relevant to female & male students, aged 15+. These lessons can be taught in any order. By AWARE Singapore & Etiquette.

Miss Representation in the Media (Gender Representation in the Media) (40 min) Representations of Gender in Advertising (70 min) Gender Representation in TV and Film (50 min) Beauty & Body Image (50 min) Objectives :: Miss Representation in the Media (Gender Representation in the Media) (40 min)

Students to be introduced to the power of the media in shaping ideas, identities and perceptions Students to be aware of how media portrayal of women/men, femininity/masculinity may be one-dimensional Students to be aware of how media misrepresentations may be harmful for both women/girls and men/boys Materials Needed

Internet access for the Miss Representation Extended Trailer [08:52, via Youtube]

10 min: Introductory Survey Students to consider how much time they spend consuming different forms of media:

Define media. (Note to teacher: Students should be made aware of the different forms of media, and the different groups of people and industry responsible for media content) How many hours a week do you spend (a) Watching TV, (b) Listening to music, (c) Watching movies, (d) Reading magazines, (e) Being online? Does what you see or read through the media influence you? If so, in what ways? 15 min: Video Watch the Miss Representation Extended Trailer [08:52, via Youtube]

Why is this film titled Miss Representation? What is it misrepresenting? Note: Miss Representation is a film examining the mainstream medias limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls. For more details, see missrepresentation.org. 25 min: General Discussion/ Debate

Based on the trailer, ask students to list the ways that media and technology shape our society. Why is this so significant today? Are these ideas relevant for your society? People learn from the media more than any other source of information, so if you want to understand what goes on in our society, in the 21st century, we have to understand media. Jackson Katz, educator, film-maker, author. Do you agree with this? Why/ why not? So no matter what else a woman does, no matter what else her achievements, their value still depends on how they look. Jean Kilbourne, film-maker, author, on current media portrayal of women. Do you agree with this? Why/ why not? You cant be what you cant see. Marie Wilson, Founding President of the White House Project. What does this mean? Do you agree? The media can be an instrument of change, it can maintain the status quo and reflect the views of society, or it can awaken people and change minds. It depends on whos piloting the plane. Katie Couric, News anchor. What does she mean by her statement it depends on whos piloting the plane? Do you agree?