Television Portrayals of Ethnic Minorities in the United States: The Analysis of Individual Differences, Media Use, and Group Identity and Vitality

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of television portrayals of ethnic minorities, particularly in the United States on group vitality and identity. The empirical evidence shows that certain television programs may influence minorities' perceptions of their group vitality and identities and media selection. This paper presents the effects of television depictions of minorities focusing on the individual differences perspective. Social identity theory, ethnolinguistic identity theory, uses and gratifications, and social identity gratifications help explain the role of individual differences on the use of media for social identity and group vitality.