TAP Proudly Presents
The 2003-2004 Essay Contest Winners!
The High School Division Essay Contest Winners:
Vincent Cheng, Wichita High School East, Wichita, Kansas
Anonymous, Cleveland High School, Seattle, Washington
Margaret Crone, Westhill High School, Stamford, Connecticut
Kelly Caravella, Westhill High School, Stamford, Connecticut
Sreyashe Dhar, Farmington High School, Farmington, Connecticut
Lauren Farber, Westhill High School, Stamford, Connecticut
Brittney Felder, Vineland High School South, Vineland, New Jersey
Kelsey Platt, Westhill High School, Stamford, Connecticut
Robert Salem, Westhill High School, Stamford, Connecticut
The High School Question:
The world is comprised of many groups of people. Sometimes, it is hard to differentiate between fact and fiction concerning the history, culture and beliefs of these groups. Misunderstanding can easily flourish when misinformation is already rife, leading to a skewed view that can be difficult to change.
How are different groups (religious, ethnic, racial, socioeconomic, and/or other groups) portrayed in the media? How do you think bias affects the way these groups are covered? If you were the editor of a newspaper or the producer of a news program, what would you do/what steps would you take to ensure objective and balanced reporting?
Please limit your essay to 750 words or less and include examples.
The Middle School Division Essay Contest Winners:
John Bradley, Dolan Middle School, Stamford, Connecticut
Zachary Zingaro, Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School, Yorktown Heights, New York
Katie Needle, Pine Crest School, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
James Carlucci, Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School, Yorktown Heights, New York
Denis Casey, Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School, Yorktown Heights, New York
Jesse Goertel, Scofield Magnet Middle School, Stamford, Connecticut
Charlotte O'Herron, New Canaan Country School, New Canaan, Connecticut
Matt Wasserman, Pine Crest School, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Keith Williams, Dolan Middle School, Stamford, Connecticut
The Middle School Question:
Movies, TV programs and music videos often show discrimination and prejudice against a race, religion, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic or other group of people.
In 600 words or less, please give at least three examples of harmful stereotypes that you think are commonly found in the media. Identify one stereotype that, in your opinion, stands out more than all the others. Describe what you think the effects of viewing this stereotype are on people's behaviors and attitudes (e.g. the way they treat others, the expectations they have). What do you think can be done to reduce the effect of these images in the media?