1.2. Stereotypes in Prime-Time TV. Watch four hours of television during the next week, preferably during evening hours when there are more commercials.

Record the number of representatives of different identity groups

(ethnic, racial, gender, age, class, and so on) that appear in the commercials;

also record the role that each person plays. Answer the following questions:

a. How many different groups were represented?

b. What groups were most represented? Why do you think this is so?

c. What groups were least represented? Why do you think this is so?

d. What differences (if any) were there in the roles that members of the various groups played? Did one group play more sophisticated or more glamorous roles than others?

e. In how many cases were people depicted in stereotypical roles—for example, African Americans as athletes, or women as homemakers?

f. What stereotypes were reinforced in the commercials?

g. What do your fi ndings suggest about the power of the media and their effect on identity formation and intercultural communication? (Think about avowal, ascription, and interpellation.)