2.5: Portraying diversity

In this activity students investigate the diversity depicted in Australian television shows.

Tasks

Ask students to watch or think about their favourite Australian TV show and using Handout 6: TV Survey ask them to keep a tally of the backgrounds and personal circumstances of the main characters in that show.
Students share their findings with the whole class. On the board or butcher's paper, create a record of the diversity depicted in Australian TV shows.
Afterwards, ask students if they believe television realistically portrays Australian people and their lives. Are there any members of the community who are left out or over-represented?
As a follow-up to the TV survey, ask students to create their own Aussie soapie characters who they feel represent 'real-life Australians' such people with glasses, people in wheelchairs, people who are overweight, women in managerial roles, people of different cultural backgrounds etc. Each student should create a character and describe them including their physical appearance, age, gender, family background, personality, likes and dislikes.
Ask students to draw their characters and display these characters in the classroom.

Teacher Notes

This activity may be conducted over several sessions.
Depending on the knowledge and experience of students, more time may need to be devoted to explaining the diversity and demography of Australian society.

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