Publication Date

Spring 4-25-2024

School

School of Communication

Major

Digital Media and Communication Arts

Keywords

Stereotypes, Media, Appalachia, News, Social Media, Creative

Abstract

The Appalachian region of the U.S. has been widely stereotyped as a poverty-stricken place filled with “backwards” people and practices (Wood & Hendricks, 2009, p. 1). News and entertainment media in the United States have done little to improve or diminish these stereotypes as times have changed and have often perpetuated them. This thesis examines recent portrayals of Appalachia in media to identify shortcomings and misrepresentations and review methods for diminishing stereotypes that have been successful. From this review, elements of different approaches are evaluated and combined to develop a proposed social media campaign oriented toward changing public perception of Appalachia and its people.

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