Representation

 

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?

The media intervene and stand between the object and what we see – the act of communicating the image or idea in some way changes it.

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

If this is an official picture, Kate and the royal team will have given considerable thought to the outfit she is wearing, the location of the image, her pose, facial expressions etc. If this is an unofficial or paparazzi photo, Kate herself may have tried to control the image as much as possible,

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

All media products will have a function that the effects representations that they construct. The representation is a combination of choices made by the producer to communicate a specific image or feeling.

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

audiences do not necessarily accept the ideology of texts passively, but instead draw on their own

cultural and social experiences to create their own interpretations. Audiences take the preferred reading if they have the same interpretation that was intended by the producer.

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

audience members can now construct and share their own media products, and in websites, video-sharing platforms and social media there are more opportunities for people to represent themselves than ever before.

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

competitions. During the 2014 World Cup, The Sun sent a free newspaper to 22 million households in England which represented its own concepts of ‘Englishness’ by symbolic references

However, social media forums and comment pages allowed many people to voice their rejection of the messages.

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.

The alternate representation of the woman being the boss of the man and helping the man who appears helpless starring at the floor with a sad look on his face. This is also an alternate representation as it presents the man as weak and vulnerable. The woman being the boss might also be a dominant representation as she is white and is in a superior position to her black employee but the woman is also presented as more masculine with her suit, short hair and no makeup which may show how a "feminine" woman can not get to a powerful leading job role. Luther also has more power than his white colleague which can be seen clearly from how he opens the door for him and even the height differences. In the car they have a conversation and Luther instantly starts it in a confrontational way which reinforces the two stereotypes that men and black men are angry and confrontational. His colleague Justin seems eager to work with him and says that he put in requests everyday to work with him which reinforces the stereotype of how hardworking and determined white men are or could show how white men are stubborn and are set after what they want. The dull empty settings with the important conversations may show how serious British people are and how they are work focused. It might also show how there is a lot of crime in England.

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 boss being a woman combats the dominant ideology of men being in a position of power or superior positions to women at work

Mulvey: the male gaze - The boss is not presented as an object to be looked at by men as she engages in serious conversation and is wearing professional clothing.

Dyer: stereotyping and power - The stereotype of white people being helpful and friendly is seen clearly as the Boss helps Luther and Justin actively wanted to work with Luther and help him.
Medhurst: value judgements - stereotypes are used to tell audiences a lot in a short space of time
Perkins: some stereotypes can be positive or true - Women being empathetic and helpful - the boss helping Luther and getting him his job back