Term of Award

Spring 2017

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies (Ed.D.)

Document Type and Release Option

Dissertation (restricted to Georgia Southern)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Department

Department of Curriculum, Foundations, and Reading

Committee Chair

John Weaver

Committee Member 1

Sabrina Ross

Committee Member 2

Daniel Chapman

Committee Member 3

Jacqueline Bach

Abstract

Media Impact: Misfits in the Media examines the role of media representations in our society and how they are connected to our political economy. It also investigates the effects of these representations and how they can shape our own views and thoughts. This study is motivated by media representations and the term ‘misfit.’ I explored the history of these media representations and the impact it has had on today’s society. I also evaluated what it means to be a ‘misfit’ in today’s society. Using the television shows Glee, Modern Family, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and the movie Mean Girls, I explored these elements of being a misfit especially as a woman, trying to fit in, and as a part of the Lesbian/Bisexual/Gay/Transgender community. This study is also motivated by the bullying that occurs against ‘misfits.’ As predicted, most of these instances happen when there is little to no supervision. Another form of bullying happens because of homophobia. Homophobia is used to control others. The findings offer insights into media representations and how they impact our society, the different effects of bullying, and the roles of the teacher.

Research Data and Supplementary Material

No

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