Embedded Files
A1 Media representations in context
How media products construct representations – the media messages conveyed and comparisons of representations across media products.
• Products:
o film and TV clips
o advertising
o games
o music videos
o magazines.
• Representations:
o gender
o ethnicity
o age
o social groups
o places.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIONS
The media plays an important role in shaping society and the values and beliefs of the audience. The construction
of media products suggests a sense of realism and naturalism that belies their nature as codified representations
that reflect the values of media makers and audiences at the time, location and context of their construction.
Representations rely on a shared understanding of media forms, codes and conventions and the processes of
selection, omission and construction.
MEDIA PRODUCTS
film/ tv clips
film/ tv clips
How is the girl in the video portraying herself in her social media post?
What message is represented through this film clip?
How has this message been represented?
Advertising
Advertising
What message is represented through the Nike advertisement?
How has this message been represented?
What message is represented through the Vitus advertisement?
How has this message been represented?
Music videos
Music videos
What message is represented through the video for Bruce Springstein's classic Born in the USA?
How has this message been represented?
MAGAZINES
MAGAZINES
What message is represented through the Rolling Stone magazine cover?
How has this message been represented?
What message has been represented through the Men's Health magazine covers?
How has this message been represented?
games
games
What message has been represented through the trailer for Valhalla?
How has this message been represented?
REPRESENTATIONS
gender
gender
How do the two posters differ in the message they portray about males?
Male Stereotypical representations
include:
• strong silent type
• aggressive
• violent
• dominant
• athletic (the six pack)
• breadwinner
• heterosexual
• dynamic entrepreneur
• traditional male jobs
Subversion of stereotypes:
• the new man
• the single father
• caring and sensitive
• gender fluid
• effeminate
• non-traditional jobs for males, e.g. babysitting
• Female character displaying masculine traits
Female Stereotypical Representations
Objectified as sexual objects to be lusted
Bimbo
Vain
Mothering
Caring
Weak
How do the posters below change in the message they represent about the role of women?
ethnicity
ethnicity
Watch the following two clips, what representation is given to us of the Irish through the character Jim McDonald?
How does the contrast with the representation of the Chinese made in this film clip?
Media can represent different cultures in negative and positive ways. Think about how Black Americans are represented through modern films. Negative references could include:
Violence and gang culture
Lack of education
Poor living conditions
Prejudice
Use of language
Poor communication skills
Infringement of human rights
Lack of morals or moral codes.
Positive references could include:
Clearly defended and upheld religion and religious beliefs
Stable and well-educated individuals
Strong sense of community and strong community leaders
Equality and diversity.
age
age
What representation of the elderly is given through the character Abe Simpson?
social groups
social groups
What representation does the inbetweeners give us of young males?
places
places
Compare and contrast the representation of Northern Ireland in the following two clips?
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