MIGRAIN: Introduction to Representation

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

Representation create meaning, Representation is key because it shapes how we see the world and ourselves.

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

The media can portray her in so many ways: as a fashion icon, a royal, or a mom.

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

All media

products have a specific function which

will impact on the representations they

construct. Producers will consider:

• the expectations and needs of the

target audience

• the limitations provided by genre

codes

• the type of narrative they wish to

create

• their institutional remit.

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

This theory suggests that the way people or groups are shown in the media isn't always taken at face value by the audience. People bring their own experiences and beliefs to the table, which can change the meaning they get from a media piece. 

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

Before views were much more controlled and limited, only things people in charge saw fit would get published but know anybody can create content and post it which allows for more representation.

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

The British royal family. During the 2014 World Cup, The Sun sent a free newspaper to 22 million households in England which represented its own concepts of ‘Englishness’ by symbolic references – queuing, the Sunday roast, Churchill

and The Queen

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 dominant representation might focus on Luther as a tough, morally ambiguous detective,  It's a common trope for the main character in crime dramas. He's usually portrayed as the hero, even with his flaws, which makes him super relatable and complex. The alternative representation on the other hand is reinforced by the police who are illustrated as unworthy through their irresponsible actions towards the death accusations. Luther, the main character is from a black community while the criminal is a white Caucasian male.

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

Mulvey's theory of 'the male gaze'  is shown how the victim, the little girl, is portrayed in the picture to be pretty towards societies standers in order to fulfil male desires towards women appearances. With Dyer, we'd analyse the stereotypes in "Luther," like how certain characters might be given power or depicted in a certain light based on their social group. Claude Levi-Strauss suggests that representations in the media are informed 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. Medhurst and the theory of 'value judgment' is deemed by there not being much diversity in the police force, showing hits of maybe racism. 

8) Write a paragraph applying a selection of our representation theories to the clip from Luther. Our summary of each the   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

According to Claude Levi-Strauss, the ideology of the person who created the text, their set of values and beliefs, influences how people are portrayed in the media.  Media messages have to be communicated quickly which often means relying on stereotypes. Stereotypes function as a form of summarisation where a phrase, picture, or sound can represent much more. A stereotype is a mental image or attitude that is stereotyped and typically oversimplified about a certain person, group, location, or event. Laura Mulvey suggests the media's dominant viewpoint is patriarchal and was developed with men in mind. The "male gaze" refers to how women are displayed for men to view. This relates to the notion that women are portrayed as sex objects and that "sex sells." The concept of the "female gaze" has emerged more lately.