Representation blog task

 Read the Media Magazine feature 'Representation old and new'. This is in MM51 on page 6 - go to our Media Magazine archive to find the article. Complete the following tasks:

1) Why is representation an important concept in Media Studies?

everything that appears in the media is in fact a representation.

2) How does the example of Kate Middleton show the way different meanings can be created in the media?

The first image of her drinking may lead the audience believing that shes an alcoholic/heavy drinker perhaps not wanting to be in that specific conversation however the second photo highlights a more calculated business woman choosing when exactly she drinks perhaps to Gage the man shes talking to 

3) Summarise the section 'The how, who and why of media representation' in 50 words.

Media representation is about how things are shown, who controls what’s shown, and why it’s done. It’s shaped by power and choices made by creators, influencing how audiences view people, events, and issues. Representations aren’t random—they’re deliberate, reflecting specific agendas or ideas to shape public opinion and understanding.

4) How does Stuart Hall's theory of preferred and opposition readings fit with representation?
Stuart Hall’s theory fits because media pushes certain meanings (preferred reading), but we can challenge it (oppositional reading)
5) How has new technology changed the way representations are created in the media?
New tech like social media lets everyone make content or call out stereotypes, so representation is more diverse now
6) What example is provided of how national identity is represented in Britain - and how some audiences use social media to challenge this?
Britain’s identity is often shown as traditional and white, but social media lets people show its real multicultural side
Watch the clip from Luther that we studied in class (Season 1, Episode 1 - minute 7.40-10.00 - you'll need your Greenford Google login to access the clip). Now answer these final two questions:

7) Write a paragraph analysing the dominant and alternative representations you can find in the clip from Luther.

In the Luther clip, Luther is shown as a strong and capable detective, fitting the classic hero role. He’s in control, which gives off a dominant representation of power and justice. On the flip side, Alice breaks stereotypes—she’s not just a victim or side character. Instead, she’s clever, manipulative, and challenges Luther in unexpected ways, giving us an alternative representation of women in media.

8) Write a paragraph applying a selection of our representation theories to the clip from Luther. Our summary of each theory may help you here:

Levi-Strauss’s theory fits because the clip focuses on a clash of ideologies: Luther represents order and justice, while Alice embodies chaos and unpredictability. Mulvey’s male gaze theory doesn’t fully apply since Alice isn’t just there to be objectified; she’s powerful and complex. Dyer’s idea of stereotyping connects because Alice breaks the mold of traditional female roles by being sharp and assertive, challenging typical expectations.

Levi-Strauss: representation and ideology

Mulvey: the male gaze

Dyer: stereotyping and power
Medhurst: value judgements
Perkins: some stereotypes can be positive or true