Representation in film openings
REPRESENTATION IN FILM
Representation in media is extremely significant. It influences how individuals behave with one another on basis of their representation. It is how media text deals with present gender, age, ethnicity, national and regional identity, social issues and events to an audience.
I had previously researched about representation and made notes on my notebook to refer back when i needed to revise for this topic.
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I also found a lot of information on the internet regarding representation in media.
source i used to study representations in media in depth
Types of media representation
Media plays a significant role in representing the key social markers of identity, including:- age
- gender
- class
- ethnicity
- sexuality.
Age representation in the media
The media represents children, youth and the elderly (categorisations based on age) differently, which influences society's behaviour towards them. Children in the media
The media's representation of childhood is often through images or videos of a child being playful, happy and carefree.Youth and young people in the media
The media's representation of the youth is largely associated with fashion, music, fast food, the internet etc. The advertising industry aims at young people to increase demand for their products.Although media representations of the youth are constructed around lifestyle and identity, they also portray them as a social problem.
Media coverage of the youth
Media coverage of the youth often portrays them as rebellious, disobedient, antisocial or immoral.Representation of the youth in association with notions of deviance and criminality leads to an exaggerated outburst of public concern, which is called moral panic.
Media representation of the elderly
The popular stereotypes associated with the media's representation of the elderly involve seeing them as a 'burden' on the younger generations. They are also known to be emotionally and physically weak.There is also a significant gender difference in media.
While an advertisement shows an old woman playing with grandchildren or watching television at home, an old man is portrayed as a style icon with high social status - driving a sports car or playing polo.
Advertisements about anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle treatments and creams almost exclusively target older women, rather than men.
Gender representation in media
The traditional mainstream media representation of women is often associated with social roles, whereas men are shown performing occupational roles. Gaye Tuchman's (1978) concept of symbolic annihilation refers to the under-representation of women. The idea indicates that women are associated with social roles linked to gender stereotypes. Tuchman further argues that women's looks and sex appeal are always prioritised over their achievements in media representations. Naomi Wolf (2013) suggested that women were presented as 'sex objects' in the media.Laura Mulvey (1973) used the term male gaze to define how the camera focuses on female body parts for the viewing pleasure of men. The male gaze exists mainly because heterosexual men controlled the camera. Simply put, women are represented as sex objects and not as a person.
Representation of men in media
Antony Easthope (1986) argued that a range of media representations of men promote the notion that masculinity is determined biologically and that it is a natural goal for men to achieve. They associate masculinity with traditional stereotypes of being strong, aggressive, competitive and violent.
Media representations of social classes vary significantly. It may be worth reminding ourselves what we mean by 'social class'.
Media represents the middle class through television dramas and adverts promoting products that suit the taste and interests of the middle class. Most media professionals (journalists, editors, directors, etc.) are privately educated, and the content they represent is more likely to represent the middle-class point of view.
David M. Newman (2006) argues that media representation of the working class is generally negative - labelling them as a social 'problem' - for example, as drug addicts and criminals.
Furthermore, the upper class or elite class is usually seen playing golf, enjoying luxuries and numerous other bounties.
Minority groups in general are often portrayed as a 'threat' to society. Consider the following examples.
Colin Barnes (1992) suggests the following recurring stereotypes in representations of people with disabilities:
The media rarely represents disabled people to be productive working members of society - Barnes termed this stereotype as an omission.
Representation of sexuality in media
Traditionally, media representations of sexuality have been almost exclusively heterosexual, with LGBTQ+ people remaining invisible, marginalised, or negatively portrayed.
Representation of class in media
Media representations of social classes vary significantly. It may be worth reminding ourselves what we mean by 'social class'.Media represents the middle class through television dramas and adverts promoting products that suit the taste and interests of the middle class. Most media professionals (journalists, editors, directors, etc.) are privately educated, and the content they represent is more likely to represent the middle-class point of view.
David M. Newman (2006) argues that media representation of the working class is generally negative - labelling them as a social 'problem' - for example, as drug addicts and criminals.
Furthermore, the upper class or elite class is usually seen playing golf, enjoying luxuries and numerous other bounties.
Representation of ethnicity in media
Media sociologists believe that the media's representation of ethnic minority groups is often associated with negative, racist stereotypes.Minority groups in general are often portrayed as a 'threat' to society. Consider the following examples.
- Immigrants are seen as a threat in terms of their numbers, as their perceived motive is to take advantage of welfare services and partake in employment opportunities.
- Refugees and asylum seekers are represented as a cause of social unrest that leads to moral panic.
- Negative media representations portray Muslims (or any South Asians who 'appear' Muslim) as dangerous, oppressive and irrational, with stories focused on terrorism and religious domination.
- Media representation of crime, for example, often involves news explicitly pointing out the involvement of Black or Muslim people.
Representation of disability in media
Sociologists argue that media representations of disabled people are generally associated with a range of stereotypes. People with disabilities are often objects of pity, seen as unable to participate fully in social life and being in constant need of help or assistance.
Colin Barnes (1992) suggests the following recurring stereotypes in representations of people with disabilities:
- Pitiable and pathetic - media representations focusing on disabled children and the possibilities of miracle cures in TV shows or documentaries.
- Sinister and evil - think of the negative characters in James Bond movies. They are often shown to have some kind of physical impairment.
- Atmospheric or curious - media portraying disabled people engaging in drama to create an atmosphere of menace, unease or deprivation.
- Super-cripples - portrayal of disabled people as having special powers.
- Sexually 'abnormal' - the media portrays the disabled as having no sense of sexuality, no sex appeal or even as sexually challenged.
The media rarely represents disabled people to be productive working members of society - Barnes termed this stereotype as an omission.
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