Bullying In The Media: Find 2 Examples Of Bullying Port

Bullying In The Mediafind 2 Examples Of Bullying Port

Assignment: Bullying in the Media Find 2 examples of bullying portrayed in the media — one example from TV shows, movies, videos, news, and one example from a news report of a bullying incident. For the TV show, movie, or video, include the name of the show and a brief description of the storyline. Detail the show's network, airing schedule, popularity, and target audience. Discuss how bullying is portrayed, whether the bystander effect is included, and assess the realism of the depiction. Include specific storylines, note use of stereotyping, and describe characters involved. Analyze whether characteristics like income, social class, sexual orientation, or interests are used to marginalize characters. Evaluate if bullying is portrayed as humor for entertainment, and provide your opinion on this depiction. Discuss whether the show features a challenge to a bully’s message and how it impacts societal perceptions of bullying.

For the news report, include the name of the media source, a brief description of the story, and details about the media outlet, including whether it has a particular partisan slant. Analyze how bullying is depicted, and whether the bystander effect is present. Comment on whether the depiction is exaggerated or downplayed, and describe how the bully and victim are characterized. Note any stereotyping within the report, and whether traits like income, social class, sexual orientation, or interests are highlighted. Critically assess if the coverage is accurate and sufficient, and suggest if additional or less information should be included. Check if other bullying incidents are covered and compare this news portrayal with the depiction in the TV show or video. Finally, reflect on the influence these media portrayals have on public perception and attitudes about bullying.

Paper For Above instruction

Bullying remains a pervasive issue in society, and its portrayal in media significantly influences public perceptions and societal norms. This paper explores two distinct portrayals of bullying—one from entertainment media and another from a news report—to analyze their realism, framing, and potential impact on viewers and society.

Example 1: Media Portrayal in the TV Series "13 Reasons Why"

"13 Reasons Why" is a Netflix series that debuted in 2017, based on Jay Asher’s novel of the same name. The series follows the story of Hannah Baker, a high school student who dies by suicide after experiencing relentless bullying, harassment, and social exclusion at her school. The show is produced by Netflix and is highly popular among teenagers and young adults, with episodes releasing weekly and drawing widespread discussions about mental health and bullying. The target audience primarily includes viewers aged 15-24, making it influential in shaping adolescent perceptions of social issues.

Bullying is depicted in various forms, including verbal harassment, social exclusion, cyberbullying, and physical intimidation. For example, Hannah faces relentless rumors, gossip, and digital abuse from her peers. The series portrays the devastating effects of these actions, illustrating how sustained bullying can lead to despair and tragedy. Importantly, the show demonstrates the bystander effect; some students witness bullying but choose inaction, reflecting real-world social dynamics where peer silence often perpetuates victimization.

In terms of realism, "13 Reasons Why" is praised for its raw and unflinching portrayal of teenage experiences. It captures authentic scenarios, such as cyberbullying, social exclusion, and the pressure to conform, which resonate with actual adolescent struggles. However, critics argue that some scenes may dramatize or sensationalize incidents for emotional impact, potentially exaggerating the immediacy or severity of certain bullying episodes.

The characters in the series reflect various social backgrounds, and stereotypes are apparent at times. Characters like Bryce Walker, a wealthy and privileged athlete, use their social status to intimidate others, highlighting class-based marginalization. The show does not shy away from illustrating how characteristics like income and social standing can exacerbate bullying dynamics. However, the portrayal sometimes risks simplifying complex social issues into stereotypes for narrative convenience.

Notably, the series employs bullying as a critical plot driver, aiming to promote awareness and empathy. It challenges viewers to consider the consequences of inaction and the importance of intervention. The portrayal has a profound societal impact by raising awareness about the pervasive and often overlooked nature of school bullying, encouraging discussions about mental health, the importance of support systems, and bystander responsibility.

Example 2: News Report of a Bullying Incident from CNN

The news report titled “High School Bullying Incident Sparks Outrage” aired on CNN in 2022. The report covers an incident at a public high school where a student was bullied physically and verbally. CNN, a major media outlet known for its broad audience, tends to present stories with a focus on social justice issues, though various segments may lean slightly left politically, emphasizing advocacy and awareness.

The report describes how the victim, a student with a minority racial background, was targeted by peers who shouted racist slurs and physically assaulted him during school hours. The depiction emphasizes the severity of the harassment, aligning with the news outlet's goal of highlighting systemic issues in schools. The bystander effect is evident, with students witnessing the assault but mostly remaining silent or passive, illustrating the social pressure not to intervene.

The report’s tone amplifies the injustice faced by the victim. The bully is portrayed as irresponsible and malicious, while the victim is described as innocent and vulnerable. Stereotyping is present, particularly concerning the victim's minority status, which the report emphasizes to underscore racial discrimination issues. The report briefly mentions socioeconomic background but primarily focuses on racial aspects, which may oversimplify or exaggerate the incident's social context.

Coverage appears accurate but somewhat emotional, aiming to stir public concern and advocacy for stronger anti-bullying policies. It provides sufficient detail about the incident, including eyewitness testimonies, school responses, and community reactions. However, critics may argue that the report could include broader contextual information about bullying prevalence or systemic issues, rather than focusing solely on this singular event.

Compared to the portrayal in "13 Reasons Why," the news report presents a more direct and fact-based account. While the TV series dramatizes and explores complex social dynamics in depth, the news report emphasizes immediacy, emotional impact, and the need for action. Both forms of media serve important functions: the series educates on mental health and social peer dynamics, and the news report draws attention to real-world incidents requiring societal intervention.

Such news coverage influences societal perception by raising awareness of the seriousness and immediate consequences of bullying. It may motivate policymakers, educators, and the public to implement stronger anti-bullying measures and foster safer school environments, although there is a risk of sensationalism if reports are exaggerated or lack nuance. Overall, accurate and responsible reporting is vital in shaping effective responses to bullying issues.

Conclusion

Media portrayals of bullying, whether through entertainment or news, significantly impact societal understanding and attitudes. While shows like "13 Reasons Why" portray bullying with emotional depth and realism—despite occasional dramatization—news reports focus on factual recounting to foster awareness. Both forms have positive roles in educating the public and promoting anti-bullying initiatives. However, careful consideration of stereotyping, realism, and the influence of narratives is essential to ensure media continues to serve as a constructive force against bullying.

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