4.2

Portrayals of Immigrants in Television and Film

Portrayals of immigrants and the immigrant experience are often-used themes in television and films. Activities explore whether current portrayals and representations of immigrants in television and film media are accurate or stereotypical while considering "What does media representation of immigrants mean to immigrants?"


Statue of Liberty
Statue of Liberty by djmboxsterman is under Pixabay License

A portrayal is how an individual or group is presented in media, but such representations may or may not be factually accurate. Sometimes these representations offer an idealized view of the immigrant experience. While the Statue of Liberty portrays a nation welcoming newcomers, the reality is that the United States was and is not a land of opportunity for many who come here.

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In other instances, immigrants may be presented in harmfully stereotypical terms, often as criminals or threats to people's safety. In the report Change the Narrative, Change the World: How Immigrant Representation on Television Moves Audiences to Action, researchers from the University of Southern California found viewers who saw programs with more inclusive immigration storylines had more welcoming, supportive attitudes toward immigrants than those who did not.

Activity 1: Write a Letter of Praise or Protest (Persuasive Writing)

*If students select Master of None, consider also exploring the media portrayal and personality of Aziz Ansari.

Designing for Learning: Student-Created Activity Example

Write a Letter of Praise or Protest (Persuasive Writing) by Anetia Rom


Activity 2: Evaluate Representation of Immigrants in the Movies

Designing for Learning: Student-Created Activity Example

Evaluate Representation of Immigrants in the Movies by Lucia Beurer, Cailee Burke, Caitlyn Goyetch, Lizzy Usher

Additional Resources

Connecting to the Building Democracy for All eBook

Building Democracy for All: Rights of Citizens and Non-Citizens

Connecting to the Standards

  • Massachusetts Civics & Government Standards
    • Describe the rights and responsibilities of citizens as compared to non-citizens. (Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for History and Social Studies) [8.T4.2]
  • ISTE Standards
    • Knowledge Constructor
      • 3b: Students evaluate the accuracy, perspective, credibility and relevance of information, media, data or other resources.
    • Creative Communicator
      • 6a: Students choose the appropriate platforms and tools for meeting the desired objectives of their creation or communication.
      • 6b: Students create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.
      • 6d: Students publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for the intended audiences.
  • DLCS Standards
    • Interpersonal and Societal Impact (CAS.c)
    • Collaboration and Communication (DTC.b)
    • Research (DTC.c)
  • English Language Arts > History/Social Studies Common Core Standards
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.5
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.6
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.7
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.8
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.5
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.6
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.8
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.5
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.6
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.7
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.8

This content is provided to you freely by Equity Press.

Access it online or download it at https://equitypress.org/mediaandciviclearning/representing_immigration.