Let’s talk pop culture. There’s been a ton of buzz about the importance of representation of minorities in all the latest movies, TV shows, music, sports, video games and books. Whether it’s racial, gender, socioeconomic, disability, or sexual orientation, many people believe that pop culture hasn’t fully succeeded at being inclusive and representative.
Students can reflect on representation in pop culture, AKA in movies, books, tv, sports, music, etc. via portrait-style interviews. For this challenge, students will record with phones and/or interview others in-person or remotely (see instructions for recording remote interviews). Go HERE to guide students through the production process.
If you plan on having a classroom discussion before assigning this challenge, use this Classroom Conversations Guide to help students feel prepared and supported.
Media refers to all electronic or digital means and print or artistic visuals used to transmit messages.
A simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group; a set form or convention
The condition of having or being composed of differing elements. Especially in the context of the inclusion of people of different races, cultures, etc. in a group or organization
The act or practice of including and accommodating people who have historically been excluded (as because of their race, gender, sexuality, or ability)
Explain points of agreement and disagreement experts have about interpretations and applications of disciplinary concepts and ideas associated with a supporting question and explain how supporting questions contribute to an inquiry and how, through engaging source work, new compelling and supporting questions emerge. (NCSS D1.3.9-12 - D1.4.9-12)
Civics teaches the principles—such as adherence to the social contract, consent of the governed, limited government, legitimate authority, federalism, and separation of powers—that are meant to guide official institutions such as legislatures, courts, and government agencies. (NCSS D2.Civ.7.9-12 - D2.Civ.10.9-12)
Students recognize the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of living, learning and working in an interconnected digital world, and they act and model in ways that are safe, legal and ethical. (ISTE)
Determine the kinds of sources that will be helpful in answering compelling and supporting questions, taking into consideration multiple points of view represented in the sources, the types of sources available, and the potential uses of the sources. (NCSS D1.5.9-12)
Civics is the discipline of the social studies most directly concerned with the processes and rules by which groups of people make decisions, govern them- selves, and address public problems. (NCSS D2.Civ.11.9-12 - D2.Civ.14.9-12)
Historical inquiry is based on materials left from the past that can be studied and analyzed. (NCSS D2.His.9.9-12 - D2.His.13.9-12)
Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals. (ISTE)
Whether students are constructing opinions, explanation, or arguments, they will gather information from a variety of sources and evaluate the relevance of that information. (NCSS D3.1.9-12 - D3.2.9-12)
Representation
Stereotypes and Misconceptions
Arts
Identity
Projects
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Camera or Mobile Phone
White board, chalkboard or other visual board
Internet
Notebook
50 Minutes
Here is a list of alternative wordings of the questions, which could be helpful especially for middle school students.
ON CAMERA IDENTIFICATION: Interviewers should ask subjects the following - For the record, please say and spell your full name (first and last) on camera. Also please describe how you want to be identified in this video. For example, “I’m an 11th grade student at Canyon High School in Santa Clarita, California”
USE/DOWNLOAD: SRL CHALLENGE SKILLS AND STANDARDS CHECKLIST
EXAMPLE OF DESIRED COMPOSITION FOR INTERVIEWS:
Subject placed on left or right third looking at reporter, from the chest up, normal headroom.
This challenge does not have an active deadline to submit to PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs. However, students are encouraged to publish their stories on their school/club/program website or through video/social platforms such as YouTube, Instagram or Twitter and tag Student Reporting Labs. Check with your teacher to find out instructions for class submissions.
FACEBOOK: /STUDENTREPORTINGLABS