ABSTRACT
Bridging the gap between imagery and reality is a major challenge for media analysts. The examination of varying stereotypes—physical images, behavioral patterns, or general assumptions about thoughts and values—is of significant concern for many popular—culture scholars. For example, portrayals of black men and women on television and in motion pictures have garnered commentaries from numerous critics over the past 30 years. 1 Compared with racial or ethnic images, though, relatively few occupational or age—related stereotypes have been explored. 2
