Introduction to Representation

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

Representation is an important concept as it presents the "real world" to the audience

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

It shows that representations can be altered/modified, as different photographs tell different meanings and/or connotations of the image/person/object in question.

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

When analysing representations, it's essential to consider who creates them + why. Producers consider the needs of the target audience, limitations of genre, narrative and institutional remit. All representations are the cumulative effect of a collection of media language choices. Representation has multiple meanings. They can be selected or rejected. Any element forms an ideology. These can be hidden through naturalisation.

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

It fits as in representation, there's positive and negative representation that the audiences either prefer, or are opposed to.

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

New technology has changed the way representations are created largely due to the rise of user generated content. Users can create and share their own ideologies with the world, and audiences can either agree or oppose those views. There's lots of different values and ideologies people either share or disagree with.

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

The example in question is a free newspaper The Sun sent out during the 2014 World Cup that represented its own idea of English culture and identity. Naturally, some viewers felt opposed by this and took it to social media to disagree with these views. It's assumed that some people had felt like it was a bit too stereotypical and on the nose. A lot of these people have their own, personal views on what it means to be British.

Watch the clip from Luther that we studied in class (Season 1, Episode 1 - minute 7.40-10.00). Now answer these final two questions:

7) Write a paragraph analysing the dominant and alternative representations you can find in the clip from Luther.

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