Reality vs. Representation To explore the difference between reality and representation in media texts

Students to think about this question Students to think about this question. What is the relationship between the two? Does it ultimately matter what came first? Officially the answer is the egg came first (two birds that weren’t chickens, created a chicken egg). This discussion relates to slide 6

Defining Representation What does representation mean? The portrayal of someone or something in a particular way or as being of a certain nature What are the meanings of the underlined words? How do the underlined words present problems?

How are people, places & objects represented in this advert? Family Generational differences; Parents are bland and children are exciting Careless/out of control mother who is responsible for the family’s domestic needs A father who is in control and responsible for planning fun Son is following the father’s role Middle class family G+T students can explore class and ethnicity

How are people, places & objects represented in this advert? Large car connotes wealth (affordable for middle class audiences) Skoda is claiming that it has created an ordinary family car with a sports car = speed Ordinary versus extraordinary. Active props appear in the colour of the car (extraordinary). Other props appear in grey to blend into the blandness of ordinary life. G+T students can explore class and ethnicity

Representation of People How true is this portrayal of students? What are the differences between the nature of students in this image and reality? Why have students been represented in this particular way? Students need to think about ethnicity, positivity (smiles), beauty, body image, class

Stereotypes A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing What are the meanings of the underlined words? How do the underlined words present problems?

Snob Fixed / Oversimplified traits: Closed eyes Nose lifted upwards Fancy robe, diamond necklace, monocle Holding a glass of wine, smelling a cigar Why are these “widely held” views? The closed eyes and nose lifted upwards show lack of recognition of those around him, and his lack of interest possibly due to their lower class People no longer wear a monocle, though they were considered an item of high value Wine and cigar are luxuries which cannot be afforded by all

Who benefits from portraying groups of people in this manner? Stereotypes Match the images to the appropriate words. What other words could stereotypically represent the image? Athlete  Father  Geek/Nerd  Grandfather  Mother  Teacher What fixed / oversimplified traits do they have? How do you know this? Why are these traits considered as “widely held” views? Who benefits from portraying groups of people in this manner?

Capitalist  Heterosexual  Patriarchal  Familial Ideologies Aside from using stereotypes, media texts also promote a society’s ideologies (Ideologies are a set of beliefs, values and attitudes). Capitalist  Heterosexual  Patriarchal  Familial Promotion of mixed sex relationships (male and female) The importance of money and status The promotion of the family unit and the basis of a stable society The promotion of males as the dominant gender in society

Ideologies Promotion of mixed sex relationships (male and female)  Heterosexual The importance of money and status  Capitalist The promotion of the family unit and the basis of a stable society  Familial The promotion of males as the dominant gender in society  Patriarchal

How far can the four ideologies be applied to the following adverts?

So, what does come first? Or Is the media representing people realistically? Or Are people copying/adapting their behaviour according to how they view themselves in the media?