Level: Grades 5 to 7

Overview

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In this lesson, students look at how male and female characters are depicted in comic books. Using a Comic Book Analysis sheet, students will record the attributes of male and female comic book characters. As a class, students will record common attributes on a master sheet and discuss what messages about men and women are reinforced. In groups, students will be asked to design and create a non-stereotypical comic book character.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• recognize that the media construct reality
• understand that the representations made by the media are not always accurate
• understand how their own gender perceptions are affected by the media

Preparation and Materials 

• Have students bring in an assortment of comic books. (Make sure there is at least one comic for every two students.)
• Photocopy Comic Book Analysis Sheet. Make an overhead master-sheet
• Read the Teaching Backgrounder: Stereotypes

The Lesson 

• Have students read a comic with a partner and jot down answers to the questions on the Comic Book Analysis Sheet.
• Mount your Comic Book Analysis Sheet master sheet on the overhead and have students choose a male and a female character from their sheets to add to it.

As a class, share and discuss ideas and observations. Referring to the overhead, ask:  

• Are there any similarities shared by female characters? (e.g., are many of them 'victims' who need saving? are many of them described or drawn as 'sexy'?)
• Are there any similarities shared by male characters? (e.g., are many of them involved in 'heroic' activities? Are many of them described as 'tough' or 'strong'?)
• What is missing in the portrayal of men and women in these comic books? (Strong, heroic women? Peaceful, sensitive men?)
• What is the message about men and women that you get from these comic books?
• Speaking as a boy or a girl, how do these comic books make you feel?

Activity

Divide class into groups of boys and girls. Ask the groups of girls to create a non-stereotypical female comic book character and the boys to create a non-stereotypical male comic book character. 

• Draw or paint a picture of your character
• Identify what your character does
• List the words that you would use to describe your character

Have students present their new character to the class.

Evaluation  

• Analysis Sheets
• Comic Book Character Presentation