investigate a variety of historical

Throughout the semester, we will investigate a variety of historical and contemporary conceptualizations of Asian Americans. Media literacy is defined as the “ability to understand, analyze, evaluate, and create media messages.” Media literacy paper is one way to understand the ways in which Asian American identities are constructed and reinforced by mass media, popular culture and digital technologies. In this assignment, you will critically analyze a mainstream movie or television show that features messages about Asian American identities.

In a 4-page paper, you will critically analyze the ways in which the movie or television show represents (or misrepresents) Asian Americans. Some questions that you may want to consider in your paper include:

How does media message shape our culture and society and what the media maker wants us to believe or do? What does the image/portrayal teach us about diversity? How is “Asianness” conveyed? Who/what is present in the medium, and who/what is absent? What is the lifestyle being portrayed? Who is the intended demographic/audience? Does your selection (the film or show) point to the problems of invisibility, marginalization, and misrepresentation of Asian American or challenge it? So explain why and how. Is your selection an example of the subversive, realistic, and empowering portrayal of Asian Americans? If so, why and how? Do you think it is successful? What makes it successful? Alternatively, is your selection an example of the negative, stereotypical and disempowering portrayal of Asian Americans? If so, on the spectrum of Asian American stereotypes, from Yellow Peril and Model Minority, do you recognize any of these in the film? Provide with details.

Give examples and details to support your arguments. Include a summary, character description, and the issue(s) that you plan to focus on and ask yourself why these issues are essential. Consider the choice of words, attire, setting, demeanor and other descriptors used to project the images that you are analyzing. Make at least two references (quotations) to class readings, videos, and discussions to support your analysis.