FINAL EXAM

Instructions:

 1. This is an open book/open notes take-home exam. It is worth 30% of your final course grade.  [your journals were worth 60%; 10% for class participation]
 2. Please type your answers if possible or write very neatly in ink.
 3. You must COMPLETE ALL QUESTIONS.  Read the questions carefully and give concise, well-organized answers.  Use the exam to show us what you know, citing specific examples where possible.
 4. Answers are due 5:00 pm Friday, Dec. 22nd in my office – Psychology Bldg Room 106). (We suggest that you make a copy of your answers for your own records to protect yourself in case of any kind of mix up with getting your answers to us).  If you complete your exam early, you may drop your answer off at my office – just slip it under the door if I am not in.
 
 

Questions:

I. Racial Images/Stereotypes/and Media Literacy (Total 25%)

   a.  How can so-called "positive" images of people of color be both helpful and harmful to communities of color?  (Examples of "positive" images might be characters like Bill Cosby's in "The Cosby Show" and common stereotypes of Asian Americans as the "model minority")

b. In the context of the Rodney King beating and its aftermath how did the mainstream media distort coverage of communities of color?  On the other hand, how has the mass media helped to raise awareness and solve problems within communities of color?

 II. Media Literacy/Problem Solving (Total 25%)

   a. Drawing from course readings, films and class discussions briefly discuss the general criticisms of the mass media in the United States.  Make sure you discuss the problems with the propaganda system outlined by Noam Chomsky.

   b. In addition, propose at least 5 steps that can be taken to address some of the above criticisms.  Explain how each of these steps would improve the mass media system in the U.S.
 

III. Rodney King Uprisings/Riots; Media Literacy; Problem Solving (50%)
 
 HYPOTHETICAL SITUATION:
 The Mayor of Los Angeles has died and you have been called upon by the people of Los Angeles to serve as the interim or temporary Mayor of LA largely because of your sharp critical thinking skills and "multicultural" understanding of Post-Rodney-King Los Angeles and its many intricate problems.

 You are now faced with a potential crisis similar to that of the April 1992 "urban unrest" which followed the verdict in the "Rodney King" beating case.  This time the initial incident involved the brutal and senseless killing of Ernesto Gonzalez, a 15 year old Chicano/Latino youth, by two police officers - one white and one Japanese American.

 Your city hall assistants report to you that the officers suspected that Gonzalez was a "gang" member and an "illegal alien."  They also report that the cops beat the youth in broad daylight in front of a crowd of onlookers in a predominantly Chicano/Latino and African American neighborhood.  You also learn from police records that the police officers involved have well-known reputations in the communities and within the police department for using excessive force and choke holds on young black and Chicano/Latino males.
 
 Racial tension has been building since the officers were "temporarily suspended" from the force and as the communities of LA await the trial of the officers which is set for next month.  You suspect that the officers will eventually be acquitted (found not guilty) and that the City may erupt once again with rioting, looting and civil disorder.  You also understand that you must act quickly and decisively to avoid another uprising/riot and to address the many underlying issues involved.

 A. Drawing from class discussions, videos, readings, etc., briefly discuss two of the major issues involved in this tense situation.  [Use this answer to show us that you have understand many of the concepts discussed throughout the course and can apply them to a real life situation.]

B. Sketch out a list of actions that you, as Mayor of LA, would take to begin to address the issues and concerns of the residents of the area.  Also include short explanations of why you would do each of the action items on your list.  Please refer to the reader and cite the sources where possible.

Good luck!  Email or call me if you have any questions!
ericmar@att.net
415/338-6000 x19020