ABC: March 26th

Overview of the Class Project and Ethics Approval

  • At the end of the class, a five-question survey will be conducted to gather feedback on the project.
  • The survey is anonymous: an outside person will administer it and collect responses.
  • A formal letter explaining the survey will be provided to students, emphasizing their voluntary participation.
  • The goal is to assess if the project meets its objectives through a longitudinal study.

Peer Evaluation Process

  • Groups must complete self and peer evaluations to assess participation equity.
  • Students can report issues regarding group work which will be taken into account for grading.
  • If a self-evaluation isn’t submitted, it is assumed that everything went fine.

Projects and Assignments

  • Students will receive a copy of the project information by mail after filling out their addresses.
  • No guarantee that prepared questions will be asked during feedback sessions; responses will be based on students' own presentations.

Analyzing Storylines in Popular Media

  • The class will explore three storylines, focusing especially on themes of racism and cultural identity.
Storyline Breakdown
Danny's Journey

  • Danny is introduced in the context of a "racist sitcom". The creator uses satire to address stereotype depictions.

  • The discomfort felt by readers is intentional; one is meant to interrogate their emotional responses to humor based on stereotypes.

  • Danny’s reactions reflect an anxiety about being associated with those stereotypes, especially through his cousin Chinky.

  • The social implications of these stereotypes are stark, as Danny fears being judged by his peers based on his cousin's portrayal.

Jin's Struggle
  • Jin's experience parallels Danny's, as he navigates his identity against the backdrop of cultural expectations.
  • Visual juxtapositions are used in the narrative to underline the similarities and different reactions between characters.
  • Jin exhibits discomfort in being labeled as Asian and has a desire to fit in, shown through his actions and choices.
Monkey King's Transformation
  • The Monkey King's journey emphasizes enlightenment and self-acceptance, ultimately revealing that he has to embrace who he is rather than conform to others' expectations.
  • He represents the struggle of those like Danny and Jin, who are burdened with societal pressures and identities they feel they must alter to fit in.
  • His transformation is a metaphor for overcoming personal and societal obstacles.