Sterotypes in the Media

Of course there are negative stereotypes in the media! Although obvious examples, like this one, are prevalent, they are purposefully stereotypical, and are not as harmful as less blatant "deceivers".
One of these more subtle deceivers is the stereotype that generalizes obesity. This stereotype dictates that ALL overweight people are either jolly and jovial or lazy, nerdy, unemployed and worthless. Want proof? Think of the sitcom: the "funny guy" is the overweight male--or rather, if there is an overweight male character, he is either funny or lazy, or both. Want proof? Homer Simpson, Winnie the Pooh, Santa Claus. More recent examples? Kevin Malone (the office), Jack Black (everything...), Drew Carrie, George Lopez.
In The Office's first season, Michael Scott was much heavier--because it was thought that he wouldn't be funny enough as an average-weight guy.
This stereotype is debilitating, both to those who struggle with weight and to those who are happy and healthy--but not necessarily constantly jovial-- at their current weight.