Representation

Representation

At AS level you were asked the followingquestions:

Who is being represented?• In what way?• By whom?

Why is the subject being represented in this way?

Is the representation fair and accurate?What opportunities exist for self-representation

by the subject?

In addition, at A2 level you will be:

Exploring two detailed studies of the images of particular groups or places across a range of media.

Which will include looking at: Alternative images of these groups or places across

the media. General issues of representation and stereotyping Problems of producing fair and accurate media

representations. Representation and power. Reasons for dominant representations (e.g. historic,

economic, social, political etc).

How YOU are represented in the media

Sometimes you will come across people of your age represented quite controversially in a range of media texts. You need to look no further than the nearest soap opera to see your age being screened to millions in a way that you may find offensive or patronising.

(a) Write down 3 teenager characters on TV or Film and make brief notes on how they come across. Are they true reflections of teenagers?

(b) Consider what the Press has to report about teenagers recently- what stories are very often highlighted? What

impact do you think this has on wider society?

A good starting point with representation:

consider how these ‘presentations’ of people are CONSTRUCTED (made).

Your turn to have a go:

your personality

likes/ dislikes

your values (things you consider to be important or not so)

Your different roles and responsibilities (home/school/work)

dreams/ ambitions

hobbies/interests

Thinking about Representation

You

Are there times when you feel misrepresented or falsely represented?

When?

How did it make you feel?

‘Presenting’ yourself: make a collage

How might you present the information youjust collated to your peers without giving awayyour identity from your name or a photo?

Consider:What images you might use (pictures/ photos/ art)?What colours or textures reflect you?What language (quotations/ lyrics/ captions) would

you want on your collage?

Also, consider what you might choose to leave out and why?