Dramatic Media Effects on Perceptions of Marginalized Peoples

• In Event: The Story of Tonight: Frames, Indexing, and Attitudes

Abstract

Previous research has indicated that continued exposure to media depicting stereotypes of minorities has a cumulative effect on viewers toward believing those stereotypes to be accurate depictions. But with the rise of streaming platforms and ubiquitous access to many kinds of depictions of individuals from marginalized groups, how does this assumption hold up? This paper posits that greater media choice and media diversity allows for greater selection bias, and it does not entirely eliminate the existence of harmful stereotypes in popular shows and movies. These stereotypes, like the frequent depiction of terrorists as practicing Islam and/or appearing to be Arab, will still affect individuals cumulatively. Therefore, it still remains that the more exposure an individual has to such depictions, the more they will influence individual perceptions. This study reviews the following hypotheses: 1. Individuals who watch a greater number of shows depicting Muslim terrorists will be more likely to believe that Muslim pose a greater threat to America than other groups; 2. Individuals who watch more episodes of a show depicting Muslim terrorists will be more likely to believe that Muslim pose a greater threat to America than other groups; and 3. Individuals who watch more episodes from shows with Muslim terrorists will also be more likely to support policies blocking refugees from Muslim countries coming to the United States. To examine these claims, I am using data from an original national survey with more than 1000 participants.

Author

• Alexandra C. Pauley, Georgia State University