For this discussion, please provide an example of both positive and negative representation in popular culture that you have seen. This can be related to gender (masculinity and femininity), race/ethnicity, social class, or sexuality. Please describe the example in detail, the plot of the form of popular culture you’ve chosen (if applicable), and how you felt in seeing this representation.

I’ll go first: I find a few of the more recent Marvel characters to be positive representations, such as T’Challa (presented by the late Chadwick Boseman) in Black Panther, and Thor (presented by Chris Hemsworth) in the Avengers films – both, personally, provided a positive representation of masculinity in their sensitivity, use of power, and characterization – though not completely without issue (particularly speaking of Thor, here). Not as recently, some negative portrayals of representation may include comedian “Larry the Cable Guy”. While humorous, the implications of intelligence that this persona correlates with social class may not be the most positive representation we can find. Admittedly, I find both representations enjoyable (though I have not kept up with LTCC, so I can’t speak to recent representations of this character), but can critically examine what they ‘say’ about race, gender, and class.

This discussion is intended to be fun and an exploration of our own personal experiences with this, but we may also be critical in our own perceptions. Please respect your classmates opinions, but kindly offer your thoughts as well.

*note: this is a graded discussion. Points are awarded for participation and can be decreased if your post does not meet the criteria detailed in the instructions (a minimum of 100 words and a short response to a classmate)