Y11 T1W2 Lesson 1A: Moving Image Medium

Representations of Identities in Media

How identities are represented through moving image medium

(e.g. film or TV series)

Before we begin, please keep in mind…

You will perform critical assessments of the media.

This will inevitably include issues you're uncomfortable with.

This means you are required to approach the issues and case studies presented in class with an open mind and to look beyond your personal beliefs & widen your perspective.

First, let's talk about Media Language.

Media language is the way in which the meaning of a media text is conveyed to the audience. The prompt is, "what do this media text wants to say to the audience, and how do they say it?"

Like other languages, it has its own sets of rules and grammars.

Happy scene in 'Titanic' film

Sad scene in 'Titanic' film

Second, let's talk about Representation.

Representation in the media is the way in which someone or something is being shown or depicted in a media text. This includes representation of individuals, groups, time periods, events, or places.

Representation connects media language and meanings to culture. To understand how someone or something is being represented,

one must understand its cultural background.

Some things to note about

media representation:

• Media representation is constructed and deliberate

• Media representation doesn't always reflect the reality

• Though, media representation may affect how people perceive certain people/things that are being represented

Annabelle doll in 'Annabelle' film

Annabelle doll in real life

Representations

in Mean Girls

Let's talk about how this film portrays certain identities.

First, let's talk about how the film represented

the identity of Regina George as a character.

Open Ended

Purely from seeing the photograph of the character,

what comes to your mind about her personalities?

The Characteristics of Regina George

• Main antagonist of the film.

  A leader of 'The Plastics' clique.

  The 'Queen Bee' of the school.

• Rich and spoiled by her parents.

  Conventionally attractive.

• She is ambitious and competitive, yet manipulative and controlling.

How Regina George is Represented

• Blonde hair

• Girly makeup

• Necklace with her initial

• 'A little bit dramatic' T-shirt

• All-pink colour scheme

• Caucasian actor with Eurocentric beauty standard

How Regina George's Representation is Connected to Culture

• Blonde hair on women is associated with "dumb blonde" stereotype in western society

• Pink is seen as a feminine colour

• "Dramatic" is a trait that is often perceived as negative and antagonistic in society

Next, let's talk about how the film represented

the identity of Janis Ian as a character.

Open Ended

Purely from seeing the photograph of the character,

what comes to your mind about her personalities?

The Characteristics of Janis Ian

• One of main characters of the film.

  A member of 'Art Freaks' clique.

  A social outcast at school.

• Doesn't have good reputation.

  Artistic and uses profanities.

• She is honest with her opinions, isn't afraid to call people out.

How Janis Ian is Represented

• Jet black hair

• Thick black eyeliner

• A lot of piercings

• Unconventional hairstyle

• Monochromatic colour scheme

• Jewish actor

How Janis Ian's Representation is Connected to Culture

• Black is seen as a colour that represents gloominess

• Thick black eyeliner is perceived to be a makeup style of a goth/emo

• Piercings are still seen as unconventional and defying society's norms of beauty

Films and TVs use stereotypes.

Because of the limited duration of films or TV series, the identities of characters must be established as quickly as possible.

To do this, writers often use stereotypes. A stereotype is a fixed and typical/conventional image of a person or group of people.

Stereotypes generally conform to a pattern of appearance and behaviour that's easily recognised and understood. Often, a judgement is made about the person or group being stereotyped.