SENIOR CAPSTONE

Abstract

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The following study explored how a gendered audience interpreted representations on superhero television on The CW. Three semi-structured focus groups with a total of twelve participants were conducted and then analyzed through thematic analysis. Results showed interpretations were generally consistent across genders. Minor differences occurred when representations were specifically about a particular gender. Variance in interpretations was found to be more apparent in relation to the effects of representation on audiences. Men approached this from places of privilege whereas the women came from a marginalized position in relation to men. Both men and women attributed lower quality representations to use of stereotypes and lack of experience. This interpretation came from a white perspective and therefore affected the way this audience interpreted the scenes, particularly the ones that involved cultural imagery.