Introduction to representation

 1) Why is representation an important concept in Media Studies?

Representation is important because in media, anything shown like a person, place , object or an idea, it is mediated to the audience by the very act of representation. Media alters what we see but it depends on the person's perspective. We all have different perspectives of the world and we would see something represented in a certain ways. 

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

It is all about perspectives, we were not there to see what actually happened, we only have ideas by the photos we are shown but the media controls what photos are shown.
If she knew she was taking a photo she would have a better outfit, pose and facial expression. 

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

Representations are the cumulative effect of a collection of media language choices and it is essential to question who creates them. Producers considers their audience,genre limit,narrative and their institutional remit.Barthes argues that the ‘naturalisation’ of ideas in this way actually acts to hide the ideology from view. Certain ideas do go unquestioned because they seem natural and the idea should stick around.

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

Preferred means when the producers intend and this means that audiences accept the ideologies. Negotiated means the producers and audience find common ground and the audience accept some of the implied ideologies.Oppositional means that the audience are against what the producers intended therefore the audience do not accept the ideologies.

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

The Internet has massively expanded and has a massive impacts as it is the most popular. The internet represents loads of people from different perspectives.

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

National identity is represented massively from the media,politicians and people on social media challenges this. They get followers and audience therefore they can get popular enough to get their opinions heard and the audience would agree.

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 alternative representation is being used in the clip as it challenges the stereotypes. Even it can be seen as a dominant representation because the White women is coming to the Black man telling him what to do, it can be challenged because the man is given a choice in what he wants to do. Towards the end of the clip, you can see that the man has more of a lead role compared to the women and has experienced police skills as his driver wanted to work with him for a long time. 

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:

In the clip the theory of Levi- Strauss has been used as the producer believes the male role should play the more dominant role. He is the main character and holds quite a lot of power when it comes to his talent and experience with his job. The theory of Dyers stereotyping and power has been challenged as the main character is a black man with power. The stereotype of white men with power has been challenged 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