Chapter 1. LaunchPad for Media and Culture 11e

Digital Update Activity: Popular Culture and TV Storytelling

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You must read each slide, and complete any questions on the slide, in sequence.

DIRECTIONS: Read the case study “Is Anchorman a Comedy or Documentary?” (Pages 20–21), then consider generational differences regarding the kinds of stories people like and dislike when they watch television.

Let’s get started! Click the forward and backward arrows to navigate through the slides. You may also click the above outline button to skip to certain slides.

The Interview

Use the space below to answer the following question.

Interview someone close to you—but who is of an earlier generation—about TV shows and story preferences. Then make two lists: in the first box, list the kinds of stories you like (identify by genre and examples); in the second box, write down the kinds of stories your interview subject prefers. (Remember, too, that news, sports, talk shows, and product and political ads are usually structured as stories with characters, settings, conflict, and drama.)

Question

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Stories You Like

Question

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Stories Your Interviewee Likes

Reflection

Use the space below to answer the following question.

Question

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Reflect on what kind of characters the person you interviewed enjoys and how he or she likes stories to end. Does everything need to be wrapped up and resolved? If so, why? Or does he or she prefer an open ending and an unresolved plot? If so, why? Where do you and your interview subject stand on story endings?

Written Response

Use the space below to answer the following question.

Question

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In the space below, compose a short essay about two or three key findings, focusing on what story traits, characters, and preferences you share in common with your interview subject and where you might differ. What do you think explains your shared tastes, and what do you think explains the differences between you? Also note anything that surprised you in doing this exercise and/or if you learned one or two things.