Representation: blog tasks

1) Why is representation an important concept in Media Studies?
Representation is important in the concept of media because it shapes our society to accept the change. In the eyes of media studies representation is important because it helps creates stories and experiences through many different forms of media. 


2) How does the example of Kate Middleton show the way different meanings can be created in the media?
The example provided of Kate Middleton connotes that the editor is the "gatekeeper" of the story they want to put out there. It shows the negative and the positive manipulation of the photo and how it can be used to shape any idea in there own form. The negative impact of that photo could imply her "drinking problem" however the positive or one of the photos could imply her respectful attitude. 
3) Summarise the section 'The how, who and why of media representation' in 50 words.
The first would be the expectations and needs to the target audience. The second would be the limitations provided by the genre codes. The third would be the type of narrative they wish to create. The final would be the institutional remit. Therefore, this means that media representation are combinations of selections and rejection which help people form ideas. Roland Barnes said that the "naturalisation of ideas in this way actually acts to hide the ideology from view". This means that we give the meanings to representation and how if affects us. 



4) How does Stuart Hall's theory of preferred and oppositional readings fit with representation
Stuart Hall's theory fits with representation as he states that the "Encoding/Decoding model" challenges the conventional assumptions of media messages as they're produced,circulated and consumed. He also states that audiences dont passively accept ideological texts but form their own language inference from cultural and social experiences. He argues that these meanings aren't fixed by the creator but by the relationship of the reader/viewer. 
5) How has new technology changed the way representations are created in the media?
Due to the evolution of new technology audiences can now interact their opinions and ideas on many different platforms and people can represent themselves on a daily basis. Social media allows people to self construct themselves in which they feel is representing them which to an extent is dangerous as the self expression can be used as a stereotype.
6) What example is provided of how national identity is represented in Britain - and how some audiences use social media to challenge this?
National identity in Britain is represented as an example is the Scottish referendum and the ideas that links to the ww1 drafting type scenario as they quote "your country needs you" was a form of propaganda used by the "YES" party to manipulate voters and the rise of patriotism. Some audiences challenged this idea through social media challenged these views to degrade the negative stereotypes given.

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 
This movie taken has many representation shown through the trailer. The first representation is of the negative idea of Europeans as they're thrives and money- hungry. Which is a negative generalization that has impacts. The second representation is of young American women being uneducated of the different cultures and being easy targets as they're labelled as "dumb". The "damsel in distress" idea fits with this representation of women as the man (hero) must save the weak damsel because she's inferior.