Debra L. Merskin Livres

Exploring the intricate relationship between media and sexuality, this book examines how gender and sexual identities are represented and constructed in various media forms. It delves into the implications of these portrayals on societal norms and individual perceptions. By analyzing different media channels, the author highlights the power dynamics at play and encourages critical thinking about the influence of media on our understanding of sex and gender. The work serves as both a critique and a call to action for more equitable representations.

Focusing on the portrayal of Otherness in American mass media, this examination delves into how gender, race, and other differences are represented in advertising and popular culture. Utilizing a mythological perspective, it uncovers the psychological and social foundations of prejudice and discrimination, revealing how media reinforces societal inequalities. With an engaging style, the book includes discussion questions and resources, making it ideal for upper-level undergraduate and postgraduate courses aimed at raising awareness of media stereotyping and marginalization.

Foundations. Introduction -- Constructing categories of difference -- Minorities, meaning, and mass media -- Articulations of difference -- The articulation of difference. Country music and redneck woman -- The construction of Arabs as enemies -- Perpetuation of the hot Latina stereotype in Desperate housewives -- Commodified racism : brand images of Native Americans -- The pornographic gaze in mainstream American magazine and fashion advertising -- Women, lipstick, and self-presentation -- Sun also rises : Stereotypes of the Asian/American woman on Lost -- Coon songs : the Black male stereotype in popular American sheet music (1850-1920) -- Homosexuality and horror : the lesbian vampire film -- Television news coverage of "Day without an immigrant.

This book brings together sociological, psychological, historical, cultural, and environmental ways of thinking about nonhuman animals and our relationships with them.