Read the Media Magazine feature 'Representation old and new'. This is in MM51 on page 6 - go to our Media Magazine archive to find the article. Complete the following tasks:
1) Why is representation an important concept in Media Studies?
Representation is key because it shapes how we see the world and ourselves. It's about who gets seen and how, influencing our thoughts and attitudes. It's super important for diversity and understanding different perspectives in the media we consume. Plus, it can empower people when they see themselves reflected positively.
2) How does the example of Kate Middleton show the way different meanings can be created in the media?
3) Summarise the section 'The how, who and why of media representation' in 50 words.
2) How does the example of Kate Middleton show the way different meanings can be created in the media?
The media can portray her in so many ways: as a fashion icon, a royal, or a mom.
3) Summarise the section 'The how, who and why of media representation' in 50 words.
All media products have a specific function which will impact on the representations they construct. Producers will consider:
• the expectations and needs of the target audience
• the limitations provided by genre codes
• the type of narrative they wish to create
• their institutional remit.
Therefore all representations, then, are the cumulative effect of a collection of media language choices.
4) How does Stuart Hall's theory of preferred and oppositional readings fit with representation?
this theory suggests that the way people or groups are shown in the media isn't always taken at face value by the audience. People bring their own experiences and beliefs to the table, which can change the meaning they get from a media piece. It's like everyone's watching the same thing but coming away with different takeaways.
5) How has new technology changed the way representations are created in the media?
anyone with a smartphone can create and share their own stories, which means way more voices and perspectives in the mix.
6) What example is provided of how national identity is represented in Britain - and how some audiences use social media to challenge this?
6) What example is provided of how national identity is represented in Britain - and how some audiences use social media to challenge this?
the British royal family. They're often shown as symbols of British culture and values. But on social media, you've got people challenging that by highlighting different aspects of British identity, like multiculturalism and various social issues.P
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 I Luther.
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 I Luther.
The dominant representation might focus on Luther as a tough, morally ambiguous detective, It's a common trope for the main character in crime dramas. He's usually portrayed as the hero, even with his flaws, which makes him super relatable and complex. But then you've got the alternative representations that might challenge the usual narratives, like showing vulnerability in male characters, or flipping the script on traditional gender roles. It's all about peeling back the layers and seeing what messages the media is sending us, intentionally or not.
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
Levi-Strauss: representation and ideology
Mulvey: the male gaze
Dyer: stereotyping and power
Medhurst: value judgements
Perkins: some stereotypes can be positive or true
Medhurst: value judgements
Perkins: some stereotypes can be positive or true
So, if we apply Levi-Strauss' theory to "Luther," we'd look at the underlying ideologies and conflicts, like law versus justice or good versus evil. These big ideas are represented through Luther's actions and choices. For Mulvey's male gaze, it's interesting to see if the show portrays female characters from a male perspective, or if it challenges that by giving them depth beyond just being viewed.
With Dyer, we'd analyze the stereotypes in "Luther," like how certain characters might be given power or depicted in a certain light based on their social group. Medhurst would have us consider the value judgments the show makes, maybe by how it treats the idea of a 'good' cop or 'bad' criminal.
And then there's Perkins, reminding us that some stereotypes, like the 'dedicated detective,' can be positive and might even reflect some truth in the real world.
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