Representation

 

1) Why is representation an important concept in Media Studies?

Representations are important in the media as it mediates between the industries to create a meaning for the audience. It is filtered through somebodies point of view. It creates an ideological meaning. 

2) How does the example of Kate Middleton show the way different meanings can be created in the media?

The ways that she is shown in the pictures can be interpreted in different ways. For example for the first picture could be used as the example that she has a drinking problem due to her being shown of drinking a cup of wine. However, the second picture suggests that she is on a formal trip to perhaps visit a new vineyard and is in a meeting. 

3) Summarise the section 'The how, who and why of media representation' in 50 words.

Media texts have a specific function which have an impact on representations created. Producers consider different aspects when created different media texts. Such as target audiences, genres, their narrative and their remit. Representations are collective media language choices, which are rejected and made. These representations are a mixture of these. Rejected elements have no meaning. Simple elements can be used to create much larger meaning. This creates ideologies with a much larger representation. These ideologies eventually start to feel normal and become "natural". Barthes suggests that "natrualisation" of ideas hides the ideologies. It is present but comes as common sense. It is unquestioned which leads to "the silencing of difference" (Barthes).

4) How does Stuart Hall's theory of preferred and oppositional readings fit with representation?

Hall's theory allows us to interpret media texts in different views allowing us to have different interpretations on the representations intended and created by the consumer 

5) How has new technology changed the way representations are created in the media?

Technology has changed, and now enables users to create content. This allows users (now producers) to make a impression, showing their audiences a different side to them, and overall creating a positive outlook and representation on themselves.

6) What example is provided of how national identity is represented in Britain - and how some audiences use social media to challenge this?

The Sun sent a newspaper to 22 million people for free, representing the British culture and symbolism of the culture. However many people opposed this using social media, distancing themselves from these British views. 

Watch the clip from Luther that we studied in class (Season 1, Episode 1 - minute 7.40-10.00 - you'll need your Greenford Google login to access the clip). Now answer these final two questions:

7) Write a paragraph analysing the dominant and alternative representations you can find in the clip from Luther.

Dominant - At the end of the clip the two men, who are going to solve the case is an accurate representations. This is because have the men do these jobs reinforces the male stereotypes of being mentally/physically strong and dominant. And by not having a women do it, reinforces stereotypes that they are weak and feeble and wouldn't be able to do the job.

Alternative - At the start, showing the man who looks miserable, subverts stereotypes and shows men as emotional and having feelings. Also, the lady is his superior, this subverts stereotypes showing women are dominant and confident. Also, having a black police detective, of high status, subverts stereotypes of black people being criminals and shows them as intellectual and respected.

8) Write a paragraph applying a selection of our representation theories to the clip from Luther. Our summary of each theory may help you here:

Levi-Strauss: representation and ideology

The representations shows ideologies that black people can be officers, subverting the stereotypes. This is because the clip has the main character who is black male, who looks well respected and has a high status. By having a black police officer and a female who is a superior police officer is a good representation.

Mulvey: the male gaze

The interaction between the man and the lady, they talk about a "Zoe" - the lady states "She talks about asking you back, I actually do it." She also says how there is "difference" between them. This shows how women are presented as objects as the man wanted to be with her. Also by making the dialogue state "asking you back" suggests that the men are superior and as if they need to seek permission from him. This objectifies women, so are presented "to look at"

Dyer: stereotyping and power

By having a white police officer who is the superior, suggests that she has more power and also by doing this, stereotypes of white people being more educated and and being more dominant are reinforced, making the black character powerless.

Medhurst: value judgements

By having men do the detective work reinforces that they are more dominant. This is because, event thought they have female character, the men are the ones to carry the case on. This could lead to negative stereotypes that women are inferior and weak, so can't carry the job out.

Perkins: some stereotypes can be positive or true

The men are shown as tough and powerful. This reinforces stereotypes showing men are dominant and superior can be positive as it could show how protective they are. This shows them in a productive way rather than a negative way.