In 2-3 cogent paragraphs, max: Apply the concepts of “structure” and “agency” to television representations of race and gender. Assuming that “positive” representations of women and ethnic minorities are desirable, give examples of the structure that shapes TV portrayals and the agents that create or act upon those images.

Media & Politics  Direct exposure – information  Political elites  Polls  Fictional & reality TV  Shaping of candidates

Political Elites  Other politicians  Big contributors  Talk show hosts & news editors –also, Leno, Letterman, etc.  Global leaders

Polls  Gather opinion –Often unformed, uninformed –Create issues  Pollsters –Many work for parties or candidates  Push polling  Spin

Celebrity  Telegenic candidates  Candidates as celebrities  Celebrities as candidates

Learning from TV  News  Fiction –Modeling –Blurring –Cultivation