Activity 3.16
January 29, 2026

• Patriarchy, Feminism, and Multiculturalism:

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Films like Barbie are a perfect example of feminism in a patriarchal society. The movie is centered around women empowerment and rewriting the “norms” or “expectations” that often shape women's lives and careers. Additionally, producers aim to actively shut down the common stereotypes of feminist like being anti-men, being angry/emotional and irrational in decision making. By showing none of these characteristics in the movie, Mattel is trying to convey that it is not what feminism is about at all. However, in the part of the movie where the Kens, or men of Barbie land, take over to represent patriarchy and reinforce its stereotypes like, female submission, male authority and traditional gender norms. Adding this scene shows how off-putting and degrading patriotism can come off especially to women. Furthermore, this film presents what it is like/can be like to co-exist and address multiculturalism in one society. Over the years, the brand itself has recognized the importance of diversity and inclusion in today's world, therefore, barbies of all different races, cultures, size, shape, etc. were created to make consumers feel seen, represented and included. Moreover, when casting actors for the movie it was essential to spotlight and bring together those of different ethnic backgrounds in the film. To add, the soundtrack can also be seen as a representation of multiculturalism because it includes multiple diverse artists such as Karol G and
Lizzo.

Reflection:
-Who created the media piece?
The film was produced by Mattel Films in collaboration with Heyday Films and
LuckyChap Entertainment.

-Who was the audience?
The true audience ranges from young girls for a sense of belonging and middle-
aged women who would get that sense of nostalgia upon watching it.

-When was it created?
The Barbie movie was released in the summer of 2023.

-How did they position the audience?
Producers use marketing strategies such as brand partnerships following the
movie's release to reach young girls globally. All while paying close attention to
the level of innovation and nostalgia that would be appealing to those of all ages.

-What conclusions can you draw about media representations?
This media represented as feminism not as a bad thing but as an equality for all aspects. As well as their general themes of self-acceptance and discovering who you are while transitioning from childhood to adulthood.

• Classism and Racism:
The movie “Sorry to Bother You” explores the experiences involving racism and classism in modern day America. As far as classism, the main character, Cassius Green, who struggles to find a job and maintain financial stability, must step into the world of capitalism and essentially play the role of a “richer man” to start making money. The forced identify change people like him must step into every day, is significantly portrayed here, however, in the case of an African American man facing the pressures of a predominantly white career path. Despite the stereotypes of lower-class people like the neglection of basic manners, unprofessionalism and being uneducated, this movie shows just how successful someone can become no matter their social status. To add, this movie also captures racism and how big of a role it can play in every aspect of someone life. In this movie, Cassius is first seen as less capable and doubted when entering such a high skill career, but over time can overcome the negative ideology around it. Moreover, he is able to build an identity and not just classify himself as what everyone sees him to be. Ignoring the stereotypes of a typical black man like
dangerous or lazy, this film shows the importance of being optimistic and uncover whatever you truly think you can accomplish.

Reflection:
-Who created the media piece?
Boots Riley directed the film “Sorry to Bother You”.

-Who was the audience?
As this movie is a science fiction and black comedy, it could be those intrigued by
such movies or those interested in exploring the themes of corporate greed and racial capitalism.

-When was it created?
The film was published in 2018.

-How did they position the audience?
Producers were positioning the audience in a place of realism. Although it may be
extremely complex and hard for some viewers to grasp the reality of it, the irony
and satire come from a place of needing to address current issues still going on
today.

-What conclusions can you draw about media representations?
In older movies, racism and classism were a lot more enforced and normalized
compared to now adays. Modern day movies show what seem too surreal but are
some people's everyday life just being of the social rank they are in and the color
of their skin. This movie connects all levels of injustice in these two forms while
also making it entertaining and comedic.

• Changing attitudes towards disability:
The movie “Wonder” shows what it often looks like when peers change their attitude towards disability from negative to positive. This movie was first a book where writers were aiming to present the challenges and insecurities placed on them in numerous settings. Although stereotypes of someone with a disability were captured such as less capable, dependent, and burdensome, this was a way for producers to show ways such he can combat these struggles. Throughout the piece, the main character, Auggie, faces bullies, insecurity but also confidence as those around him also realize he is just like another kid. In other words, Auggie and every other person dealing with disabilities of their own, are just as capable in terms of succeeding, building relationships and actively contributing to his community.

Reflection:
-Who created the media piece?
The book "Wonder" was written by R. J. Palacio. The movie adaptation of the
book was produced by Lionsgate and directed by Stephen Chbosky.

-Who was the audience?
The plot of both was aimed towards children and young adults, to pull the heart
strings of both and emphasis the importance of kindness and understanding no
matter the person and their circumstances.

-When was it created?
The book was published in 2012 while the movie came out in 2017.

-How did they position the audience?
Production places the audience in a position of sympathy and being a
bystander of the situations happening. Through this, the audience is able
to feel for and create opinions on characters and their motives.

-What conclusions can you draw about media representations?
Modern day media brings awareness to the fact that those with
disabilities are no less capable of being a normal person surrounded by
people who treated them as such.

• Ageism:
The film “Thelma” is a great representation of the stereotypes usually connected with older people. However, the plot twist helps her combat those claims. After receiving a phone call and trying to effectively navigate modern technology, she ends up getting scammed $10,000. In other words, a very common mistake the elderly make. But, after realizing her faulty transaction, she sets off to confront the scammer and prevent this same thing from happening to anyone else. This scammer used the ideology of ageism to trick Thelma into sending them money. Fortunately, though, this only helps Thelma as she now recognizes the weakness in herself and those of the same age. Despite her independent and lonely lifestyle, this has opened new horizons for her and untimely made the entire conquest a humorous plot.

Reflection:
-Who created the media piece?
Josh Margolin wrote, directed and edited the movie “Thelma”.

-Who was the audience?
The audience is mostly females of older ages and those who enjoy
watching comedies.

-When was it created?
The film was released in 2024.

-How did they position the audience?
The audience is not positioning to feel necessarily bad for Thlema but
root for her. Viewers would most likely believe Thlema deserves justice,
and the scammer deserves to get hunted down and punished.

-What conclusions can you draw about media representations?
This media shows despite their sterotypes the elderly are neither weak
nor powerless. They can do anything they out their mind to even if that
means with the help of other people.