Using theory to inform your interpretations and argument.

Task 1

Evaluate Perkins five assumptions regarding stereotypes in relation to the Hotel Babylon sequence we have studied.

Stereotypes are not always negative: Some stereotypes can be good things about people this is shown when the Asian lady gathers all the illegal immigrants in one room the stereo type of Asian people is that they are clever so this makes the audience feel like the illegal immigrants will be safe because they are with her.

They are not always about minority groups or the less powerful: this is show in the clip by making the Wight people seem like they have all the power this is shown by having the immigration officers to be Wight and treat the bloke like an animal when they catch him.

They can be held about one's own group: if you look at the white lady behind the desk you can see that this is shown to represent power and authority. But also, there is a stereotypical view that blonds are not very clever so people can have a feeling that she won’t be clever and may be a bit stupid.

They are not rigid or unchanging: we can see that stereo types change as one of the normal workers that is a butler is accepted even though he is a black African so this shows that the stereotype on him has faded and he is accepted now.

They are not always false: the immigration office is shown to be racist and treats the man like he is a animal and worthless so not all Wight people are racist but there is still a small amount of them that are so this stereotype could be said to be true for a small amount of people.

Task 2

Explain how Festinger can be used to explain the popularity of programmes like Hotel Babylon or other similar TV Dramas.

Festinger argued that we resist adjusting our attitudes unless faced with over whelming evidence against it. This means that people will keep stereotypes on people until evidence proves that it is not true. So this can explain the popularity of programs like hotel Babylon because people can see that the stereotype of the illegal immigrants being useless is wrong as they are working in the hotel and it looks well-kept so it can be seen to challenge stereotypes and make people think why do they really believe the stereotypes that they are useless.