In today's lesson we learnt about Representation in Media. We learnt how characters, people and objects are portrayed by us, the audience. It is all down to personal view and opinion. However, the media take something that is already present and represent it to us in the way that they choose too.
Stereotypes - A fixed, over generalized belief belief about a particular group or class of people. It is a 'visual shortcut' and/or an assumption of someone. An example of a stereotype is someone saying that 'all blondes are unintelligent'.
Archetypes - The 'ultimate stereotype'. It is a typical character, an action or situation that seems to represent such universal patterns of human nature. An example of an archetype is a 'blonde bimbo' who is known portrayed as well-groomed, stiletto heels, fake tan and full frontal make-up.
Countertype - It is a representation that changes traditional stereotypical associations of groups, people or places. It is simply the opposite of a stereotype. an example of this is a person saying 'all religious people are kind'.
The main aspects a person will get judged on is the acronym called CAGES:
- Class; Job, Money and Religion
- Age; Elderly and Immaturity/Maturity
- Gender; Male, Female and Transgender
- Ethnicity; Race, Colour and Religion
- Sexuality; Straight, Gay and Lesbian
Laura Mulvey and The Male Gaze Theory
This theory is known for the belief that women are placed in the media for men's pleasure; mainly because men make the media.
Stereotypical Picture vs. Reality
This is a picture of a stereotypical picture of a Frenchman vs. an actual Frenchman
This is another picture of an actual Arab vs. a stereotypical picture of an Arab
Applying the Representation Information
What/Who is being represented? - One thing that is being represented clearly in this film trailer is violence. This is clear as there are scenes which involve drugs, police cars and knives.
People who are being represented in this film are young adults and teenagers.
How is it being represented? - Violence is represented in this film by the use of weapons, drugs and fighting. As these things are being represented by young adults and teenagers we can tell that they are potentially troubled or are involved with a gang.
How is the representation made to seem 'true', 'common sense' or 'natural'? - These representations look real and true by making the characters look like real troubled teenagers. This is done by the wearing messy school uniform and clearly getting in with the wrong crowd of people. The representations also look real because because the film is set in a rough part of London which we know because of the skyline.
The theory of semiotics - In this film trailer there are signs drug use, this could mean that they are potentially drug dealers which would mean they are dangerous people. From this trailer we have an idea of who the main character is as there is one voice which is playing over the different scenes.