Representation

Question for Learning: What is representation and why is it important when analysing a Media text?

By definition, all media texts are re-presentations of reality. This means that they are intentionally composed, lit, written, framed, cropped, captioned, branded, targeted and censored by their producers, and that they are entirely artificial versions of the reality we perceive around us. When studying the media it is vital to remember this - every media form, from a home video to a glossy magazine, is a representation of someone's concept of existence, codified into a series of signs and symbols which can be read by an audience.

What is representation?
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A thing or idea that is re presented in a media text. A producers version of reality. A series of signs and symbols which can be read by an audience, causing them to understand (and even accept) the producers viewpoint.

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How are football fans being represented?

What would you think if you saw this in a newspaper?

Is he a true representation of football fans?

What can you see? (be specific) What conclusions have you drawn about football fans from this image? In pairs, come up with a caption you would put next to this picture in a newspaper.

Are all football fans represented fairly?

Would this receive as much attention in the news as the first picture?

Representations are re-presentations of reality

How can you see evidence of

If a newspaper editor chose either of these images, how does this show their version of reality?

This means that they are intentionally composed, lit, written, framed, cropped, captioned, branded, targeted and censored by their producers, and that they are entirely artificial versions of the reality we perceive around us.

Questions to ask when considering representation in a piece of media:

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Who or what is being represented? In what way? By whom? What opinions or ideas are being conveyed? Why is the subject being represented in this way? Is the representation fair and accurate? What opportunities exist for the subject being represented to represent, or even defend, themselves? Is the representation socially accepted? Is it a product of society, the media or both?

Action heroes

Action heroines

Representing a place

Categories, e.g.: news

Representations enforcing established values/ social structures

Common stereotypes

Representation
Representation vs. Reality

Expectations of lifestyles Changes to stereotypes why?

Symbolism
What do these symbols represent? What would an audience think when presented with these images? A heart A sword

A skull

A clock

Social representations
In the film Rush Hour, what can we say about the representation of each of the following?: Gender Class Background Ethnicity

Characters and symbolism

The gender, class, ethnicity and background of a character, the way they act and what they wear all add to the meaning behind the narrative. What typical representation is made of the following images?
1) 2) 3)

A man with huge muscles who is strutting about. A woman in a red dress and long hair who is sitting, waiting, in a bar. A young child in ragged clothing running about.

Plenary
You are a writer and you have been asked to create a female character as a lead role for a romantic comedy. Create your character detailing:

what age she is; what style of clothing she wears; what job she has; what personality she has.

Compare your ideas

What is the effect of representations on society?