COM3702 Assignment 3 Portfolio 2025 – Due 2 June 2025

COM3702: SEMESTER 1: ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 2 June 2025 | UNIQUE ASSIGNMENT NUMBER: 158636

1 INTRODUCTION
Give an Introduction referring to what you will discuss in this COM3702 portfolio
examination.

My portfolio look into critical issues in media studies through five key themes: media
and race, news representation, gender in media, media and terrorism, and media
markets. Each section analyzes real-world incidents, applying theoretical frameworks to
explore media’s role in shaping societal discourse. The discussion begins with a racial
incident on Flysafair, proceeds to the impact of US HIV funding withdrawal, critiques
gender stereotypes in advertising, evaluates terrorism allegations linked to social media,
and concludes with media concentration in South Africa. Academic theories and news
articles guide each analysis, fostering a comprehensive understanding of media’s
institutional and societal influence.

2 MEDIA AND RACE
2.1 The term racism
Understanding the term “racism”:
Racism refers to the belief that certain races are inherently superior or inferior to others.
It involves discrimination, prejudice, or antagonism directed against individuals or
groups based on their race or ethnicity. Racism manifests in actions, attitudes, or
systems that marginalise people because of their racial identity. It is often rooted in