Media Tropes

The Funny Fat Friend Trope Is Harmful and Needs To End

Overweight individuals have been mocked and stereotyped for decades in the media. As audiences call out the issue, new and better representation may be on the horizon.…

August 17, 2021

In an article about love triangles, an illustration of a woman attached to two men

Why the Love Triangle Trope Is the Worst and How To Make It Better

Katherine Brand, University of Michigan

This plot device is one of the most overdone romantic clichés out there. Should it be left behind, or is there a way to make it new again?…

August 29, 2020

In an article about feminist horror films, an illustration of a bloody woman crawling on the ground

4 Great Feminist Horror Movies You Should Definitely Watch

Katherine Brand, University of Michigan

From compelling female leads to subversive views of sexuality and the body, this list offers terrifying films where the women are in charge.…

July 30, 2020

In an article about white savior films, a screenshot from the movie Green Book

So You Want To Learn About Race? Avoid These ‘White Savior’ Films

Hannah Docter-Loeb, Wesleyan University

When seeking out anti-racism resources, make sure to do your research on what kind of messages are being promoted in art and in the media.…

July 22, 2020

‘Lovely War’ Uses War and Ancient Myths To Depict 21st Century Racism

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

Julie Berry mixes the gods of Ancient Greece with romance and World War I, all in a novel that portrays the violence of white supremacy. …

June 26, 2020

The "Cool Girl" trope is problematic to women both on and off of the big screen. Megan Fox, pictured avove in a scene from 'Transformers' is one woman who has fallen victim to this label.

Breaking Down Media Tropes: The Problematic ‘Cool Girl’

Rose Younglove, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

What makes the 'Cool Girl' cool? Is it her appeal and convenience to men?…

March 25, 2020

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