Assignment:
African Arts Heritage Analysis Paper
Television changed many social interactions because it depicted news events live and immediately. When television became affordable it allowed audiences ways to meet persons and places in unique ways.
The Black character has been a staple of television entertainment in advertising, comedy, drama's and variety shows. The presentation of Black characters in television has been everything from stereotypic to groundbreaking and beyond.
How is the Black character being presented today? How is Black Culture being presented.
The goal of this assignment is to provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your understanding byanalyzing and reflecting on the contemporary Black character presentation using information and perspectives you have gained in this class. This paper is 2 to 4 pages in length and will be submitted to Blackboard using turn it in.
PROCEDURE
• View an episode of a contemporary television series program with an African American character. This character may be a "special or featured guest" or a "regular" cast member.
Provide Background (about two paragraphs)
• Describe the program; What is the name of the series? Where is it broadcast (What channel?)? What day and time?What is the genre or type of program? (Daytime soap, Drama, Detective, Comedy etc)
• Discuss the character: Name, Occupation, Location, Family etc.
Discuss Particulars
• In the episode you are discussing what is the "central problem or conflict" the characters are confronting?
• Are there elements in this episode that connect to ideas of Blackness we have discussed in class? ( These might include -What is the character's language? Dress? Location?)
• In the episode is race an issue? How?
• In putting a Black character in this episode what issues or challenges are underlined or examined?
Summary
• How do you think this episode contributes to the ongoing conversation about Black culture?