COM3702
Assignment 3 2025
Due Date 2 June 2025
, COM3702 SEMESTER 1 ASSIGNMENT 3
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION (5 marks)
Introduction
This portfolio assignment for COM3702 critically examines how media interacts with,
represents, and influences society through various thematic lenses. The assignment is
divided into six core components: media and race, news as representation, gender in
media, media and terrorism, and media ownership and communication markets. Each
section integrates theoretical perspectives from the prescribed texts with real-life
examples drawn from South African and international media. The portfolio aims to
deepen understanding of media’s role in shaping ideologies, public perception, and
socio-political discourse. The assignment also includes a conclusion and a self-
reflection on the learning experience.
SECTION 2: MEDIA AND RACE (25 marks)
2.1 The Term Racism and Summary of the Incident (5 marks)
Definition of Racism:
Racism refers to the belief that certain races are inherently superior or inferior to others,
leading to discrimination and prejudice based on perceived racial differences. It can
manifest in both overt behaviours—such as derogatory language and physical
aggression—as well as more subtle, systemic forms embedded in institutions. Racism
justifies unequal treatment and reinforces social hierarchies rooted in race.
Summary of the Incident:
In the selected article from IOL Mercury News dated December 29, 2024, Nobuntu
Mkhize, an employee of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), was
filmed allegedly using racially offensive language and physically assaulting FlySafair
cabin crew on a flight. The footage, shared widely online, showed Mkhize behaving
Assignment 3 2025
Due Date 2 June 2025
, COM3702 SEMESTER 1 ASSIGNMENT 3
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION (5 marks)
Introduction
This portfolio assignment for COM3702 critically examines how media interacts with,
represents, and influences society through various thematic lenses. The assignment is
divided into six core components: media and race, news as representation, gender in
media, media and terrorism, and media ownership and communication markets. Each
section integrates theoretical perspectives from the prescribed texts with real-life
examples drawn from South African and international media. The portfolio aims to
deepen understanding of media’s role in shaping ideologies, public perception, and
socio-political discourse. The assignment also includes a conclusion and a self-
reflection on the learning experience.
SECTION 2: MEDIA AND RACE (25 marks)
2.1 The Term Racism and Summary of the Incident (5 marks)
Definition of Racism:
Racism refers to the belief that certain races are inherently superior or inferior to others,
leading to discrimination and prejudice based on perceived racial differences. It can
manifest in both overt behaviours—such as derogatory language and physical
aggression—as well as more subtle, systemic forms embedded in institutions. Racism
justifies unequal treatment and reinforces social hierarchies rooted in race.
Summary of the Incident:
In the selected article from IOL Mercury News dated December 29, 2024, Nobuntu
Mkhize, an employee of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), was
filmed allegedly using racially offensive language and physically assaulting FlySafair
cabin crew on a flight. The footage, shared widely online, showed Mkhize behaving
