Representation: blog tasks

1) Why is representation an important concept in Media Studies

Representation is important becuase the media does not show rela life exactly.Everything is shown in an certain way.Studying representation helps us undertsnad how the media creates meanings and ideas and how it can influence the way people think.

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

Kate Middleton shows that the same person can be represented in many ways. Photographers, editors and captions can make her look positive, like elegant and royal, or negative, like careless or out of control. The meaning depends on how the media presents her.

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

Representations are made by producers who choose what to show and what to leave out. Their choices depend on the audience, the type of media, and the story they want to tell. Repeating certain ideas can make them feel normal and hide the values or beliefs behind them.

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

Hall said audiences do not all accept the same meaning from media. Some agree with the message the producers intended. Some partly agree and negotiate the meaning. Others reject it completely. This shows that representation is not fixed but depends on how people interpret it.

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

New technology lets people create and share their own media. Social media allows individuals and groups to control how they are shown and to challenge old stereotypes or traditional media images. More people can represent themselves instead of relying on big media companies.

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 showed a narrow idea of British identity during the 2014 World Cup using symbols like the Queen, Sunday roast, and Churchill. Some people used social media to challenge this and show they did not agree with that idea of Englishness and had different 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.

In the clip the main representation is of Luther as a serious and determined detective. He is clever, confident and willing to take risks to catch criminals. There is also another side of him shown as troubled. His anger, stress and emotions show he is not a perfect hero and make him more human.

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 shows how the clip uses contrasts like good and evil to create meaning. Mulvey’s male gaze can be seen if the camera focuses on women in a sexualised way, showing gender representations. Dyer applies to criminals shown as dangerous or threatening. Medhurst shows the value judgements in how characters are judged. Perkins reminds us that some stereotypes, like the detective being tough or obsessive, can be realistic and help the audience understand his role.

Levi-Strauss: representation and ideology

Mulvey: the male gaze

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