Representation

Create a new blogpost called 'Representation blog tasks'. 

Read the Media Magazine feature 'Representation old and new'. This is in MM51 on page 6 - go to our Media Magazine archive to find the article. Complete the following tasks:

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

Representation is so key to media studies as it is the corporation's way of reflecting society in their products. 

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

She's very much shown as the perfect woman, one that knows her place and doesn't speak out of line. Meghan could be seen as a foil for her.

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

To meet a specific function, a producer must make considerations on how it can be achieved through media, the audience, and the motivation behind their product.

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

Audiences will respond differently to different representations and the meaning the producer intended to create with a representation will not always come across. 

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

Now people can actively show they're against certain representations, making the media accountable for their prejudices.

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

The Sun showing the Queen as iconography of Britishness.

7) Finally, think about this week's representation theories. Watch the trailer for classic action movie Taken and write an analysis of the representation of people, places and groups in the trailer using terminology and theories you have learned this week: