Representation: blog tasks

 

1) Why is representation an important concept in Media Studies?
Representation is important because the media constructs versions of reality, shaping how people, groups and events are understood rather than simply reflecting the real world.

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

The Kate Middleton example shows that the same person can be represented in contrasting ways depending on media selection and context, creating different meanings such as admiration, criticism or judgement.

3) Summarise the section 'The how, who and why of media representation' in 50 words.
Media representations are created through choices about what is shown and how it is shown, usually by media producers with particular values and viewpoints. These representations are shaped by institutional power and audience expectations, and they often reflect wider social ideas, beliefs and ideologies rather than objective reality.

4) How does Stuart Hall's theory of preferred and oppositional readings fit with representation?
Stuart Hall’s theory fits representation because audiences may accept a preferred reading of a media representation, or challenge it through negotiated or oppositional readings, meaning representations do not have fixed meanings.

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

New technology has changed representation by allowing audiences to create, share and challenge representations themselves, especially through social media, reducing the control of traditional media institutions.

6) What example is provided of how national identity is represented in Britain - and how some audiences use social media to challenge this?
The article suggests British national identity is often represented in traditional or narrow ways, while some audiences use social media platforms to challenge and redefine these representations by offering alternative voices and perspectives.

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 in Luther presents crime and policing as serious and dangerous, reinforcing traditional ideas of authority and masculinity. However, alternative representations challenge this by showing moral ambiguity, emotional vulnerability and questioning whether authority figures are always in control or morally right.

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’ theory can be seen through binary oppositions such as law/order versus crime/chaos. Dyer’s theory applies as power is linked to who is represented as dominant. Medhurst’s value judgements shape audience reactions, while Perkins’ theory suggests some stereotypes may be used to communicate realism rather than simply reinforce negative views.