1) Why is representation an important concept in Media Studies?
Because it demonstrates how the changes in the media landscape have influenced the ways we view the world and ourselves
2) How does the example of Kate Middleton show the way different meanings can be created in the media?
The example of Kate Middleton shows two photos of her in the same location with the same glass of wine but in one photo she is only holding it but in the other she is actually drinking it. The photo where she is drinking the glass of wine could be interpreted as her having a drinking problem because there is no other context (other than what the news chooses to portray). However, the one where she is just holding it could suggest a more refined view of her being more sophisticated than the photo where she is actually drinking it
3) Summarise the section 'The how, who and why of media representation' in 50 words.
When creating media products, producers must consider the expectations and needs of the target audience, the limitations provided by genre codes, the type of narrative they want to create, and their institutional remit. The media must be mediated in order to get certain reactions from audiences as well as keeping them engaged (even if it is not entirely true)
4) How does Stuart Hall's theory of preferred and oppositional readings fit with representation?
Stuart Hall's theory argued that audiences do not always accept the ideology of texts passively but instead they actively think on their own cultural and social experiences to create their own interpretations. In his view, despite the mediated nature of the media, audiences are still able to take on an oppositional reading due to their personal experiences- this means that they will never have a preferred reading
5) How has new technology changed the way representations are created in the media?
New technology means that audiences can construct and share their own media products- especially on websites, video-sharing platforms and other social media platforms. These individuals demonstrate mediation because they choose what they share and don't share on social media in order to either portray themselves as more idealistic or pitiable. This means that they create internet personas and post content to support this persona
6) What example is provided of how national identity is represented in Britain - and how some audiences use social media to challenge this?
The free 'The Sun' newspaper that was sent to 22 million households during the 2014 World Cup which represented its own concepts of 'Englishness' by symbolic references (such as queuing, Sunday roasts, Churchill, and the Queen). The example to challenge this representation was when social media forums and comment pages allowed many people to voice their rejection of the messages and through self-representation, people were able to show that they distances themselves from the values that were portrayed in the newspaper
Watch the clip from Luther that we studied in class (Season 1, Episode 1 - minute 7.40-10.00 and answer these final two questions:
7) Write a paragraph analysing the dominant and alternative representations you can find in the clip from Luther.
The dominant representation in this clip is the exchange between the police officers in which they used vocabulary that could be associated with police. Luther's boss was white whereas Luther was black and this reinforces the stereotype that black people typically work under white people- the racial stereotypes were also reinforced by Luther as he suggests that black men are reckless as he got suspended for his rule-breaking so this reinforces negative stereotypes. Also, the stereotypes that men are emotionless and physically strong is emphasised by Luther. The alternative reading could be that Luther being a black male lead (which is not common) reflects an alternate view that may be unusual for audiences to see
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
Dyer's theory about stereotyping and power could be applied to this clip because Luther is considered an ethnic minority that does not have much power so more stereotypes can be made about them. As a black man, people may make stereotypes about him and assume that he is dangerous. Medhurst's theory about value judgements can also be applied to this clip because many stereotypes are made about the different characters based on the way they talk, what they've said and the way they look which reinforced his theory that stereotyping is shorthand for identification.
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