Introduction to representation

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

Because everything that appears in media is in fact a representation 

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

As 2 images that are similar create different ideas and representations about Kate 

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

All media products have a specific function which will impact on the representations they construct. They will consider the expectations and needs of the audience, the limitations provided by genre codes, the type of narrative, the institutional remit. All representations are the cumulative effect of a collection of certain media language choices.

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

As some audiences may only partially accept the meaning being offered, this is negotiated. Other audiences may reject them completely, this is oppositional.

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

Representations can be now seen and spread through other places like social media not just newspapers. This creates new ideas to the media creating new representations.

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

In the 2014 World Cup, the sun sent a free newspaper to 22 million households in England which represents its concepts of Englishness 

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

The dominant representations was Luther having a white boss and being taller than his partner to show his importance and dominance when his partner is looking up to him like his idol. The alternative is Luther being form south London wearing a suit and speaking formally, also being a black male working for the police as they are disliked. Luther also having a lady as his boss is alternative.

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: representation and ideology

Mulvey: the male gaze

Dyer: stereotyping and power
Medhurst: value judgements
Perkins: some stereotypes can be positive or true

Perkins theory is shown by the lady being the boss of Luther as this can be seen as a positive because a lady in power and getting more money than a man. Also some stereotypes can be true as having a white person being a black persons boss is also shown. Richard Dyers theory shows how people with power have stereotypes on those with less power as in Luther people have stereotypes, For example him being away from his family is a stereotype on the minority group.