Numbers: Sometimes They Count and Sometimes They Don’t Stephanie Greco Larson (2008) notes that, ‘Media (entertainment, news, and their hybrids) represent reality in a way that promotes certain meanings and interpretations of how the world works and why. These representations are selected and constructed in ways that consistently promote the status quo—the current beliefs, structures, and inequalities’ (p. 2). She offers the representations of racial hierarchy as one example of the reality being presented. It is obvious that other types of realities are being ‘read’ into the media presentations. In the case of television, some of these realities include the sheer absence of certain groups from broad- cast or cable products. Groups such as Native Americans are strikingly absent from any type of representation. The same holds true for the elderly populations in our society. Both groups, it seems, made their advent onto the small screen in the mid decades of the 20th century but are now conspicuously missing from both commercial and entertainment products. For Native Americans, it was the decades of the sixties that boasted a plethora of programming with the ubiquitous ‘Injun” of the cowboy and Indian genre. More recently, there has been a smattering of television shows with Native American actors. However, they have been taken out of the mainstream and can be found on a few cable channels such as AMC and streaming content websites. This period of actors, literally ‘playing Indian’ or Native American, was followed a few decades later in the eighties when the elderly characters, Sophia, Blanche, Rose, and Dorothy, displayed not only the true colors of retirement living in sunny South Florida but also had no problems displaying their own true colors as the irreverent, irrepressible, and sometimes just plain incontinent Golden Girls (1985–1992). 11 PARTI THE MEDIUM AND THE MESSAGE During this period, ads for denture adhesive, fiber, and protective undergarments ran during prime time right alongside ads for Cadillac and timeshare opportunities. Elderly disposable income was the bait of the day. Now, just as the terror of those “raging Injuns’ of the sixties has come and gone, so too has the appealing luster of timeshare vacation condos and the charm of the Golden Girls, Sanford, Fish, and all of the other irascible, though adorable, elderly folks of the eighties. The new millennium has seen the return of a few of the same old timers, more specifically Betty White, in shows like Hot In Cleveland (2012-2015), and Off Their Rockers (2012). Currently, Betty White, by herself, represents more than 80% of the elderly actors portrayed on television. A couple other elderly actors, such as Jane Fonda, Lilly Tomlin in Grace and Frankie (2015) and Ed O’Neill in Modern Family (2009-current) round out the elderly contingent. http://www .gettyimages.com/license/471596144 http://www.gettyimages.com/license/672911012 Along with the realities of ethnicity and age, which are created and marketed on television, we are, through the changing periods of our socio/political landscape, faced with the many other cultural identities that form the foundation of our pluralistic nation. These other cultural identi- ties include sexual identity , gender, mental and or physical challenges, religion, and even our marital/ parental status, and political affiliation. All of these aspects of our being are vital to whom we are, and all have a major impact on how our personal identities are selected and/or constructed for presentation. We must also keep in mind that these identities are not uniperspectival but that they actually form intersectionalities that serve to enhance, and yes, even complicate, our positions in society. In turn, these identity constructions are vital components in how we come to be regarded as part of one minority group or another. Minorities: How Do They Count? This recognition of the complex and multilayered nature of our identity begs a discussion of just what constitutes a minority group, and the definition is obviously relative, depending on which side of the power grid one falls. The word power, as referenced here, should be noted as the operative term when the discussion is centered around the construct minority. Most will quickly recognize that in a society such as exists in the United States, the word minority is not a mathematical reference as in ‘less than half.’ Rather, the term minority, as used here, is a social construction based on institutionalized power dynamics. To be sure, a part of the mathematical definition can indeed be co-opted; that is the reference to ‘less than.’ However, that is where the analogy ends. The rewritten, re-conceptualized definition of a social minority must include the idea of ‘less than’ those in power, ‘less than those with wealth, ‘less than those with a voice, in other words, “less than’ the ‘haves.’ More generally the term minority tends to encompass those in our society who are considered the powerless, the poor, the voiceless, and the ‘have nots.” Who are these ‘have nots’? Well, we can start with those addressed in this book, especially those referred to as racial or ethnic minorities. According to Smedley (1999), the term race is generally described as a ‘cultural construct invented by human beings … and which emerged out of a set of definable historical circumstances” (p. 17). Smedley goes on to assert that: The cultural structuring of a racial worldview coincides with the colonial expansion of certain western European nations during the past five centuries, their encountering of populations very different from themselves, and the creation of a unique form of slavery. Expansion, conquest, exploitation, and enslavement have characterized much of human history over the past 5,000 years or so, but none of these events before the modern era resulted in the development of ideologies or social systems based on race. (p. 16) In other words, most of the evidence regarding the term race suggests that the term is a fairly recent social construct designed to separate groups of people into categories or social hierarchy based on skin color and other superficial genetic characteristics. Recent efforts on the part of sociologists, biologists, and even anthropologists to remove this terminology from our vocabulary and consciousness have been met with great support. Many social scientists have been offering the term ethnicity as a much more acceptable method of distinguishing groups of people. An ethnic group is defined as a group of people of the same descent and heritage who share a common and distinctive culture passed on through generations (Jandt, 2004). While this new designation is gaining in popularity and acceptance, unfortunately, a change in identifier has not managed to mitigate the minority status that is being transferred with the change in the methods of identification. That is, those who were once negatively judged as Black are now simply being negatively judged as Haitians, African-Americans or Caribbean Islanders. The identifier may have changed, but the negative perception, representation, and attitudes remain. It is also important to note in this discussion of racial or ethnic minorities that some groups such as Italians and even many Asians do not necessarily fall in the earlier referenced definition of minorities as being ‘less than or as ‘have nots.’ However, that recognition may be absolutely correct until you realize that respect is one of those attributes that minority groups tend to have “less than those of the majority population. We note here the Italians whom the media gen- erally represent as the mobsters and as Uber gangsters who own the streets, whole cities, and industries in our nation. Members of this minority group can hardly be confused with financial than that of the average population. The ascribed success is generally based on income and educa- tional achievement. However, regardless of this assumed higher socioeconomic status and model behavior as citizens, the members of this minority group, as generally represented in the media, are not to be trusted to fully give of themselves, and never expected to be fully assimilated. The list of reasons to deny an elevated social status to the so-called minority groups goes on and on, but history clearly indicates that the taboo issues of racism, stereotypes, and prejudice lay at the heart of most of the negative attitudes and representations of many minority groups—not only those identified as racial or ethnic minorities. “Red and Yellow, Black and White We’re All Precious …?” Those are the words of a popular children’s song and referred to the colors of the people in American society during the time when television made its advent on the social and technological scene. This color wheel was the standard descriptor of the peoples of the nation as television was first making its way into the homes of those who could afford to have this luxury item take center stage in their living rooms. It is apparent that the purveyors of television fare were not familiar with those lyrics, however, as only one color turned up on television during its early years. The actual words were something like this, “Black and yellow, red and white, we’re all precious in God’s sight.’ However, perhaps not all people were quite as precious in the sight of American society at that time. The fact is though that people of color were not the only ones who failed to exhibit a presence in that particular medium. No other minority groups were evident in large numbers either, not members of ethnic, religious, or so-called racial groups, not women, not the elderly, not people with any evident disabilities, and most certainly not people of other sexual orientation than that considered the dominant orientation—heterosexuality. For the purpose of exclusion from the main streets of America, many groups were classed and labeled, even if not explicitly and overtly, and identified as minorities—and they turned out to be the underserved. Purchase answer to see full attachment

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.