Representation

Representation is linked to gender, age, class and ethnicity. A key in the study of representation concern is with the way in which representations are made to seem ‘natural’. Systems of representation are the means by which the concerns of ideologies are framed; such systems‘position’ their subjects. Stuart Hall in his video-lecture "Representation & the Media," describes representation as the act of re-presenting a meaning that already exists. Hall concludes that representation is the way in which meaning is given to depict images and words, which stand for something else. Similarly, Hall concludes “representation has no fixed meaning until it has been represented”. Media producers inevitably make choices: they select and combine, they make events into stories, they create characters, they invite us to see the world in a particular way. Media offer us versions of reality. But audiences also compare media with their own experiences, and make judgments about how far they can be trusted. Media representations can be real in some ways and not in others: we may know that something is fantasy, yet it can still tell us about reality. The media constructs views of the real world for us to read and interpret. These views having been mediated provide filtered and partial meanings. However we mostly ignore this selection and often fail to question the language and images that are used. Like wallpaper they are just there. In order for our students to begin to see behind their backs we need to show them how such meanings are constructed to appear 'natural'. ll media messages are ‘constructed.’ We should not think of media texts (newspaper articles, TV shows, comic books to name just a few) as “natural” things. Media texts are built just as surely as buildings and highways are built. The building materials involved vary from one kind of text to another. In a magazine, for example, there are words in different sizes and typefonts, photographs, colors, layout and page location. The Male Gaze The Male gaze is a term from film theory. It is used to describe when the audience is put into the perspective of a (heterosexual) man. Female characters are sexualized, and the camera may zero in on female body parts considered sexual. Applying the male gaze: Miley Cyrus - Wrecking Ball A close up of Miley instantly complies with the male gaze theory, however it is perhaps a more milder version of what is to come. Her red lips and blue eyes portray her femininity and also present her as an attractive woman, that a male heterosexual audience would be attracted to. The next shot reveals Miley acting intimately with a sledge hammer, which is usually regarded as a masculine object so could perhaps so her trying to subvert her femininity. Despite this, Miley still appears sexualised through her actions and the distinctiveness of the red lipstick which could give sexual connotations. The provocative shot connotes that Miley is an object of sexual desire which instantly appeals to male viewers. However, Miley is in control over the ball and therefore you could argue that she does have some power and is not totally seen as a sexual object. After her video being deemed a controversial one, Miley has defended her video with the following statements: I am represented as naked to show myself as emotionally destroyed and have becomes stripped (hurting inside) The wrecking ball is symbolic to destructive love

Main Task

Preliminary Task

Evaluation - Question 7

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

Evaluation - Question 6

What have you learned about technologies from the constructing of your product?

Evaluation - Question 5

How did you attract/address your audience?

Evaluation - Question 4

Who would be the audience for your media product?