Represntation

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

Depending on representations audiences opinions on a character or place etc are made whether it is positive or negative or stereotype enforced . 

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

A photographer takes her picture. If this is an official picture, Kate and the royal team will have given considerable

thought to the outfit she is wearing, the location of the image, her pose, facial expressions etc. If this is an unofficial or paparazzi photo, Kate herself may have tried to control the image as much as possible, but the 'snapshot’ is now controlled more by the photographer. Meaning different meanings are conveyed to audiences depending on the background of the source .

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

It is always important to consider who is constructing representations and why when examining them. Every media

Products serve a certain purpose that affects the representations they build. The expectations and requirements of the intended audience, the constraints imposed by genre codes, the kind of story they want to tell, and their institutional mandate are all factors that producers will take into account. Therefore, every portrayal is the result of a multitude of media language decisions combined. Some decisions are made, while others are not. These choices and rejections come together to form the depiction itself. The elements that are discarded don't convey the meaning that the creator intended. 

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

Representation is strongly based upon how the audience read and understand the text commonly if they are reading upon oppositional readings they will initiate independently compared to preferred reading which is where the creators intentions are pushed upon the audience .

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

Representations can be easily opposed due to the opportunity given to everyone and their ability of being able to speak up and gain their own source of information .

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 seen as complex and depending on the upbringing , social media determines representation due to the freedom within it .

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.

Luther is presented as atypical as he is seen as calm and collected throughout and is called upon for help which reinforces the stereotypical hero characteristics . Alternatively the women at the beginning time stamp is not presented as a danzel in distress and individually handles her situation .

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