Representation: blog tasks

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?

-When we see a person, place, object or idea being represented in a media text, it has in some way been mediated by the very act of representation. Representations are always, in some way, filtered through someone’s point of view, and carry particular meanings or values.

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

media?

-The picture may show that she may have a drinking problem.

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

-When analysing representation we must consider how they will been created, who created them and why the person responsible chose to do this. All media products have a specific function which will impact on the representations they construct.

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

-The preferred reading of a media text is acquired due to the representation that the media producer has created. the oppositional reading is an alternative reading that goes against the representation that the media producer has created. in some cases the oppositional reading may be the truth that has been concealed from consumers of the media.

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

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

-Youtuber 'Zoella' (Zoe Sugg) is used as an example of an identity represented in social media. Part of her appeal is that she is perceived by her followers as a ‘normal person’ rather than a celebrity media construction; but this identity is carefully constructed and maintained by Zoe herself .

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.

-Luther’s costume consisting of a  shirt and tie connotes his official status and authority as a police detective, and the authority he holds. He is the dominate representation because he is the hero in the dramas as he holds power and uses it correctly. The alternative reading is the criminal being a white Caucasian man whereas the good man is a black man.

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

Mulvey: the male gaze

Dyer: stereotyping and power
Medhurst: value judgements
Perkins: some stereotypes can be positive or true

-Levi-Strauss suggests that representations in the media are created by ideology: the set of beliefs and values of the producer of the text .Some things are included and others are left out to create a dominant or preferred representation by producers to make a certain view come to life. This links to Hall’s work on Reception theory. Media messages have to be communicated quickly which often means relying on stereotype. Luther being a black man who is chasing another man at the beginning makes him seen as the criminal in the show ands this makes reinforces black stereotypes as being savage and criminal.