For This Assignment, Select An Artifact That, In Your ✓ Solved

For this assignment, select an artifact that, in your

For this assignment, select an artifact that, in your opinion, unfairly creates a negative bias or promotes a negative stereotype about one population of society. The pop culture artifact can be a media source (song, movie, television program), a product or other tangible associated with pop culture. Provide a link to this artifact (or an image). Explain why you have selected this artifact, and why you feel that this creates a negative bias. Describe how you would re-design or re-write the script of this artifact to change the way others would view this population.

In your paper: Provide a specific link to the pop culture artifact used for this paper or an image of the artifact. Discuss the artifact in depth. Explain the stereotypes or biases that you see being perpetuated in the artifact. Discuss the role of popular culture in communicating harmful or incorrect stereotypes or biases. Using the concepts, terminology, and ideas within Units 1-7, recommendations for how people can identify and correct views that are incorrect or harmful.

Re-design or re-write this artifact to change the way others could view this population without the negative bias. Be sure to support this revised artifact with factual examples of the culture. Specifications: Submit a word essay addressing the questions above. In your essay: Be sure to structure your essay with an introduction paragraph that includes a thesis statement, well-organized supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion that reiterates the main points of your argument. Your argument should be supported by reputable research cited in APA format both in the body of the paper and in your references section.

Paper For Above Instructions

### Introduction

In the realm of pop culture, artifacts often serve not only as entertainment but also as powerful tools that shape societal perceptions and beliefs. A notable example of an artifact that perpetuates negative stereotypes is the television show “How I Met Your Mother” (HIMYM). While the series garnered significant popularity for its comedic approach to relationships and friendships, it unfairly portrays a variety of stereotypes, particularly surrounding the character of Ted Mosby as well as its treatment of women. This paper will analyze how HIMYM reinforces harmful stereotypes about single men, relationships, and femininity, leading to a biased perception of diverse populations. Furthermore, it proposes a reimagined narrative that fosters a more inclusive and accurate representation of these groups.

### Analysis of the Artifact

How I Met Your Mother is a sitcom that aired from 2005 to 2014 and revolves around Ted Mosby's journey to find love, told through a series of flashbacks by Ted himself. The show is often viewed through a comedic lens; however, it regularly employs stereotypes that marginalize different populations, particularly in the portrayal of women. For instance, the female characters like Robin Scherbatsky and Lily Aldrin sometimes fall into the tropes of the “manic pixie dream girl” and the overly dramatic partner, reinforcing notions that women exist primarily as objects of male desire or as emotional support for men. Furthermore, characters such as Barney Stinson exemplify toxic masculinity, using women primarily for one-night stands and perpetuating the stereotype of a promiscuous man who faces no consequences for his behavior.

### Stereotypes and Biases in “How I Met Your Mother”

The stereotypes depicted in HIMYM are harmful, as they paint single men as desperate and flawed while simultaneously objectifying women. Ted is portrayed as a hopeless romantic, whose self-worth is contingent on finding love, which may suggest that men cannot be content unless they are in a relationship. This bias proliferates the idea that men's personal value is directly correlated with female validation. Additionally, women are often depicted as emotional, indecisive, and driven by the needs of male counterparts, diminishing their autonomy and complexity as individuals. These perpetuated stereotypes not only influence viewers' perceptions of gender roles but also contribute to societal norms that can marginalize individuals based on their gender.

### The Role of Popular Culture in Stereotypes

Popular culture plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and attitudes. Shows like HIMYM reach millions of viewers, and their narratives can significantly influence societal beliefs and biases. When stereotypes are consistently reinforced through media, they become normalized and accepted as truth. Research suggests that exposure to stereotypical portrayals can affect audience beliefs, shaping their expectations and interactions with others in real life (Mastro & Greenberg, 2000). In the case of HIMYM, the show's humorous yet reductive treatment of gender dynamics and romantic relationships serves to trivialize genuine issues surrounding masculinity and femininity. As a result, viewers may adopt these narrow viewpoints, contributing to a cycle of misunderstanding and bias.

### Redesigning the Artifact

To counteract the negative biases presented in HIMYM, a reimagined version of the show could focus on fostering respectful relationships and showcasing the multidimensionality of characters. For example, Ted could be portrayed as someone who embraces his singlehood while actively pursuing self-growth and understanding of his role in relationships. The female characters could be developed with more depth, portraying their ambitions, struggles, and individual narratives without their lives revolving around male characters. By showcasing characters who engage in healthy communication, mutual respect, and support, the narrative could challenge the stereotypes and foster a better understanding of relationships.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, How I Met Your Mother serves as a prominent artifact that perpetuates negative stereotypes about men and women in the realm of relationships. By reinforcing notions of the hopeless romantic male and the objectified female, the show channels biases that can influence viewers' perceptions. Through a thoughtful redesign of this narrative, popular culture can shift towards a more inclusive representation that celebrates individuals as complex beings with their own narratives. By recognizing and challenging these biases, society can cultivate a more accurate understanding of the diverse populations and relationships that shape our world.

References

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• Gerbner, G., & Gross, L. (1976). Living with television: The dynamics of the cultivation process. In J. Bryant & D. Zillmann (Eds.), Persuasive communication and drug use (pp. 17-40). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
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