A representation can be a single image, a sequence of images or a

whole programme.

The media do not present reality they ‘re-present it’ – they are representing

things that have already occurred.

BUT FROM WHOSE PERSPECTIVE?

The Power of Representation

sWhatever representations are used, there are ideas, meanings and values that are implicit in that presentation. Clearly this gives great power and responsibility to media institutions as the representations, to some extent can influence social attitudes to social groups in many ways. In particular some institutions could be accused of starting what Stanley Cohen coins ‘moral panics’.

StereotypesStereotypes are used to enable an audience to instantly identify and understand the meaning of a text. Stereotypes are an extreme form of representation . Certain aspects are focussed on and exaggerated.

In texts, stereotypes are characters who are ‘types’ rather than complex people.

Stereotypes are usually negative representations and most have a lot of assumptions.

Stereotyping is often evident when there is a power imbalance between members of society. Relations from men and women, for example, could encourage the development of stereotypes on both sides. In the same way, disadvantaged minority groups (ethnicity, disability) often have stereotypes associated with them.

TASKWhat stereotypes have been used in

the following TV drama extracts? What initial interpretation did you intend

your audience to make?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooROzkPMHfo