Look at a TV listing. What evidence of audience uses and gratifications in consuming media texts can you see from this analysis?
Information
The TV listings also contains informative shows which can satisfy the audiences' interests. For example BBC News and ITV News informs audiences of current affairs and events around the world such as the death of notorious terrorist Osama Bin Laden. As well as the news, other shows such as Panorama have different issues which also inform audiences. Yet , audiences are also empowered by the TV listings, as they can find out which episode of Eastenders is on or other favourite shows which they enjoy watching. Though, passive audiences might also be informed by flicking through the listings without any genuine interest. Audiences can be active when purchasing a TV guide, as they can look up programmes which interest them and can look forward to forthcoming programmes, rather than being informed by Teletext for example, which has TV listings which are not updated for the coming weeks.
Entertainment
The TV programmes on the TV listings allows audiences to divert from their everyday lives, as films on Channel 5 and other day time programmes such as Loose Women, Doctors and late shows such as The Simpsons on Channel 4 allow audiences to divert from their everyday lives by watching reality TV and humorous shows. Shows like Come Dine with Me on Channel 4 allow audiences to be voyeurs and be entertained through the use of the voice over and eccentric dinner hosts.
Identification/Personal Identity
Audiences can identify with the programmes scheduled on the TV listings, as they may be interested in shows such as Extreme Fishing with Robson Green on Channel 5 , due to their interests in fishing or may be interested in science programmes on the Discovery Channel. Therefore, audiences can identify with programmes which interest them and fulfill their expectations.
Integration/ Social interaction
In terms of social interaction and integration, the TV guide allows audiences to be informed on the shows. Yet it can be argued that it does encourage social interaction, as audiences can buy ring tones , where they can share ring tones with friends and could find out their horoscopes. Yet, in terms of interaction, the TV guide is limited as unlike social networking, audiences cannot interact with family or friends.
Learning
The TV listings to an extent allows audiences to learn about forthcoming shows, yet in terms of learning, the guide only contains a schedule of TV programmes and does not actually allow audience to gain confidence through knowledge.
Tuesday 3 May 2011
Globalisation Exam Practice
Some argue that the growing Disney brand is a good example of cultural imperialism at work. Do you agree?
To some extent, the Disney brand can be seen to be a good example of cultural imperialism, as this US institution is injecting its ideologies into the audience through its commerical products such as Disneyland, Disney Store and a range of other products.
The Disney brand encourages audiences around the world to be Americanised, as Disneyland has its resorts in Paris and Florida and can reach to a European audience. Younger audiences can become more familiar with Disney, as its films are shown around the world and are watched by millions of audiences.
However for other small national organisations who might want to appeal to different audiences such as Pixar. The dominance of the Disney brand may result in other brands becoming less famous, as audiences are injected with the ideologies of Disney and are appealed by what its brand has to offer in terms of merchandising, resorts , television channel and other related products. National media organisations may be threatened by Disney due to its stranglehold on its audience who are influenced by Disney and are encouraged to consume Disney products, as signified on the Disney Channel which broadcasts shows such as Hannah Montana, as well as popular movies such as Aladdin.
The fact that the Disney conglomerate owns ESPN, ABC poses a threat to other conglomerates such as News Corp, as Disney's revenue is growing and its programmes can appeal to global audiences, hence generating more revenue. Other media organisations may feel that Disney is enforcing its ideologies onto its audience and dominating different industries, as other organisations such as News Corp may have less consumers for its TV programmes, as Disney Channel may appeal to a large young audience. The availability of Disney brand products around the world may question national organisations whose countries are becoming more Americanised and rife with American ideologies.
To some extent, the Disney brand can be seen to be a good example of cultural imperialism, as this US institution is injecting its ideologies into the audience through its commerical products such as Disneyland, Disney Store and a range of other products.
The Disney brand encourages audiences around the world to be Americanised, as Disneyland has its resorts in Paris and Florida and can reach to a European audience. Younger audiences can become more familiar with Disney, as its films are shown around the world and are watched by millions of audiences.
However for other small national organisations who might want to appeal to different audiences such as Pixar. The dominance of the Disney brand may result in other brands becoming less famous, as audiences are injected with the ideologies of Disney and are appealed by what its brand has to offer in terms of merchandising, resorts , television channel and other related products. National media organisations may be threatened by Disney due to its stranglehold on its audience who are influenced by Disney and are encouraged to consume Disney products, as signified on the Disney Channel which broadcasts shows such as Hannah Montana, as well as popular movies such as Aladdin.
The fact that the Disney conglomerate owns ESPN, ABC poses a threat to other conglomerates such as News Corp, as Disney's revenue is growing and its programmes can appeal to global audiences, hence generating more revenue. Other media organisations may feel that Disney is enforcing its ideologies onto its audience and dominating different industries, as other organisations such as News Corp may have less consumers for its TV programmes, as Disney Channel may appeal to a large young audience. The availability of Disney brand products around the world may question national organisations whose countries are becoming more Americanised and rife with American ideologies.
Monday 2 May 2011
Star Theory and Auteurs Exam Practice
Choosing one director you are familiar with , explain why you do or do not consider them to be an auteur.
Danny Boyle, director of well known films such as 'Slumdog Millionaire', 'Trainspotting' and '28 Days Later' can be regarded as an auteur, as his films include integrity, contain challenging ideologies and actually communicates with his audience through an artistic exploration, as seen in Oscar award winning 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
Boyle's films include issues which are often serious and engaging to a Western audience, as 'Slumdog Millionaire' explores the slums of Mumbai and through the eyes of a slumdog explores how it feels to live in poverty. The film offers audience a chance to realise how fortunate they are, as poverty is constructed as being worse for slumdogs who are blinded and forced to make money through evil and immoral ways, as signified with Latika who is made to become a dancer but is ogled by men. Through much of his films, Boyle takes ordinary subjects that have been portrayed realistically, in a politically correct way, whether it's junkies in 'Trainspotting' or slum orphans in 'Slumdog Millionaire' and he has managed to make it realistic but also incredibly uplifting and joyful for different audiences.
As well as this, Boyle's films would make him an auteur, as he raises questions over poverty and raises awareness over issues such as heroin addiction or the apocalypse, yet makes films which are insightful and do communicate to audiences.
Through the use of shots he uses and the way the stars are involved in his films make him an auteur, as his vision is illustrated in his films, as he tries to make the events seem real as possible, as signified with Slumdog Millionaire, which was shot in a real slum and includes child actors and actresses that are slum children. In this way, audiences can identify with these characters and realise what they are going through, as they see the slum children from childhood to adulthood.
Danny Boyle, director of well known films such as 'Slumdog Millionaire', 'Trainspotting' and '28 Days Later' can be regarded as an auteur, as his films include integrity, contain challenging ideologies and actually communicates with his audience through an artistic exploration, as seen in Oscar award winning 'Slumdog Millionaire'.
Boyle's films include issues which are often serious and engaging to a Western audience, as 'Slumdog Millionaire' explores the slums of Mumbai and through the eyes of a slumdog explores how it feels to live in poverty. The film offers audience a chance to realise how fortunate they are, as poverty is constructed as being worse for slumdogs who are blinded and forced to make money through evil and immoral ways, as signified with Latika who is made to become a dancer but is ogled by men. Through much of his films, Boyle takes ordinary subjects that have been portrayed realistically, in a politically correct way, whether it's junkies in 'Trainspotting' or slum orphans in 'Slumdog Millionaire' and he has managed to make it realistic but also incredibly uplifting and joyful for different audiences.
As well as this, Boyle's films would make him an auteur, as he raises questions over poverty and raises awareness over issues such as heroin addiction or the apocalypse, yet makes films which are insightful and do communicate to audiences.
Through the use of shots he uses and the way the stars are involved in his films make him an auteur, as his vision is illustrated in his films, as he tries to make the events seem real as possible, as signified with Slumdog Millionaire, which was shot in a real slum and includes child actors and actresses that are slum children. In this way, audiences can identify with these characters and realise what they are going through, as they see the slum children from childhood to adulthood.
Gender Studies Exam Practice
"The male gaze dominates Hollywood movies". Using the top 5 films of the week, would you agree with this statement?
1) Fast and Furious 5 (12A)
2) Source Code (12A)
3) Little White Lies (15)
4) Submarine (15)
5) Scre4m (15)
It can be argued that the male gaze does in fact dominate Hollywood, as women are constructed in the films to be seductive and alluring objects of the male gaze. Evidently, in Fast and Furious 5, women such as the models are dressed in scantily clad clothing and are fetishised through the use of close up shots of their hips, breasts and other exposed areas. In this film, women are represented as eye candy for a male audience who are empowered and made to believe that women desire men and are subservient. However, the representation contrast with the Scre4m trailer, where women are dominant characters and can kill the hooded villain and can be dupliticious, as signfied where one woman is wearing the scream mask.
Yet, in films such as Source Code, women are not presented as objects of the male gaze and are not that influential in the films. In the trailer for Source Code the female protagonists only serve a romantic diversion for the male protagonist, as much of the plot revolves around the male protagonist , with the female protagonist only serving as a romantic interest to him.
Conversely, the trailer for Little White Lies can be seen to be exempt from the Hollywood films, as it is foreign and has traditional family ideologies which are not signified in the other films. Similarly, the trailer for Submarine contrasts to the Hollywood trailers, as it is focuses on a boy's journey through relationships and explores life through his eyes with no objectification of women for the male gaze.
1) Fast and Furious 5 (12A)
2) Source Code (12A)
3) Little White Lies (15)
4) Submarine (15)
5) Scre4m (15)
It can be argued that the male gaze does in fact dominate Hollywood, as women are constructed in the films to be seductive and alluring objects of the male gaze. Evidently, in Fast and Furious 5, women such as the models are dressed in scantily clad clothing and are fetishised through the use of close up shots of their hips, breasts and other exposed areas. In this film, women are represented as eye candy for a male audience who are empowered and made to believe that women desire men and are subservient. However, the representation contrast with the Scre4m trailer, where women are dominant characters and can kill the hooded villain and can be dupliticious, as signfied where one woman is wearing the scream mask.
Yet, in films such as Source Code, women are not presented as objects of the male gaze and are not that influential in the films. In the trailer for Source Code the female protagonists only serve a romantic diversion for the male protagonist, as much of the plot revolves around the male protagonist , with the female protagonist only serving as a romantic interest to him.
Conversely, the trailer for Little White Lies can be seen to be exempt from the Hollywood films, as it is foreign and has traditional family ideologies which are not signified in the other films. Similarly, the trailer for Submarine contrasts to the Hollywood trailers, as it is focuses on a boy's journey through relationships and explores life through his eyes with no objectification of women for the male gaze.
Sunday 1 May 2011
Politics and Propaganda Exam Practice
Choose a party broadcast from a major political organisation and give a detailed deconstruction of what ideologies are promoted in this text.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b010v260/Party_Election_Broadcasts_English_Local_Elections_2011_The_Green_Party
_27_04_2011/
In this party election broadcast by the Green Party for the May 5 elections, various ideologies are promoted such as the Green Party stands by its voters, tells the truth and stands up for thier voters' voice and stick up to thier principles. The close up shot of the woman's face contrasts with the jovial expressions of the audience, as her speech silences the comedy club and tries to evoke some expression out of the audience to vote for The Green Party.
The broadcast scrutinises other politicians and political parties for not standing up for their voters, as they tend to favour the priviliged and not the other voters. The Green Party candidate injects positive ideologies into voters and urges them to vote for The Green Party and not other parties, as they only care for themselves and not for their own voters.
Unlike other parties, The Green Party is not funded by businessmen and does'nt care about having a public image and tries to persuade voters to vote for The Green Party, as it campaigns against the coalition's spending cuts and speaks up for the vulnerable and single parent families. By urging voters to vote for a pary that tells the truth, The Green Party tries to seperate from the other parties and try to uphold its ideologies which are to stand up for its principles, tell the truth and not be swayed by having a public image or use thier power for thier own benefit.
The party election broadcast encourages political change and is different to other broadcasts , as it enforces traditional party values and tries to construct itself to be more hardworking and honest for its voters.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b010v260/Party_Election_Broadcasts_English_Local_Elections_2011_The_Green_Party
_27_04_2011/
In this party election broadcast by the Green Party for the May 5 elections, various ideologies are promoted such as the Green Party stands by its voters, tells the truth and stands up for thier voters' voice and stick up to thier principles. The close up shot of the woman's face contrasts with the jovial expressions of the audience, as her speech silences the comedy club and tries to evoke some expression out of the audience to vote for The Green Party.
The broadcast scrutinises other politicians and political parties for not standing up for their voters, as they tend to favour the priviliged and not the other voters. The Green Party candidate injects positive ideologies into voters and urges them to vote for The Green Party and not other parties, as they only care for themselves and not for their own voters.
Unlike other parties, The Green Party is not funded by businessmen and does'nt care about having a public image and tries to persuade voters to vote for The Green Party, as it campaigns against the coalition's spending cuts and speaks up for the vulnerable and single parent families. By urging voters to vote for a pary that tells the truth, The Green Party tries to seperate from the other parties and try to uphold its ideologies which are to stand up for its principles, tell the truth and not be swayed by having a public image or use thier power for thier own benefit.
The party election broadcast encourages political change and is different to other broadcasts , as it enforces traditional party values and tries to construct itself to be more hardworking and honest for its voters.
Electronic Media and the Information Society Exam Practice
The news automatically becomes the real world for the TV user and is not a substitute for reality, but is itself an immediate reality.' (Marshall McLuhan). Do we watch the news for information or for entertainment? Do you recieve the reality of the information or the 'reality' of the entertainment?
In many ways, audiences can watch the news mainly for information, but certain audiences might expect the news to be delivered in a way that is entertianing but informs the audiences at the same time.
Evidently, educational programmes such as Brainiac on Sky 3 is constructed to be entertaining, as audiences gain instant gratification by watching programmes where they see the information being delivered in a practical way, as signified with the explosive experiments on the show. Rather than just being informed in a straightforward way, audiences can have a wider access to information across different platforms and formats, such as magazines, blogs and other sources. Audiences watch the news to be informed of current affairs and are more aware of events, as they are reported from around the world and can be explained in detail, as seen with the BBC Breakfast Show which informs audiences about issues through facts, figures and other ways.
In my view, the reality of the information is recieved more clearer through entertainment, as celebrity stories in magazines are aimed at celebrities' lives and are put across in a more scandolous and sensationalist way. Though, it can be argued that the reality of the entertainment is signified in the news, as the construction of the reporting and the way reports are compiled allow audiences to gain gratification from reports which are positive, for example The Royal Wedding or even latest results in sport.
In many ways, audiences can watch the news mainly for information, but certain audiences might expect the news to be delivered in a way that is entertianing but informs the audiences at the same time.
Evidently, educational programmes such as Brainiac on Sky 3 is constructed to be entertaining, as audiences gain instant gratification by watching programmes where they see the information being delivered in a practical way, as signified with the explosive experiments on the show. Rather than just being informed in a straightforward way, audiences can have a wider access to information across different platforms and formats, such as magazines, blogs and other sources. Audiences watch the news to be informed of current affairs and are more aware of events, as they are reported from around the world and can be explained in detail, as seen with the BBC Breakfast Show which informs audiences about issues through facts, figures and other ways.
In my view, the reality of the information is recieved more clearer through entertainment, as celebrity stories in magazines are aimed at celebrities' lives and are put across in a more scandolous and sensationalist way. Though, it can be argued that the reality of the entertainment is signified in the news, as the construction of the reporting and the way reports are compiled allow audiences to gain gratification from reports which are positive, for example The Royal Wedding or even latest results in sport.
Saturday 30 April 2011
Postmodernism Exam Practice
To what extent would you say that contemporary television news broadcasting is postmodern?
It can be seen that contemporary televesion news is postmodern as it involves inertextuality, bricolage and metanarrative, and Baudrillard's simulacra and hyper reality.
Firstly, it is said that intertextuality and bricolage is a concept of postmodernism and it could be signified in the news. Intertexuality can be signified with news reports where footage from other reports from different news channels such as Al Jazeera or other footage can be used again but with more information, as signified with the Libya conflict, where previous footage is used to show current events. The audience therefore can gaining meaning and see development in the event and follow the event as it is happening, as signified with the Royal Wedding. Therefore, the news would be postmodern as audiences can understand current events whether they've watched the intertextual reference or not.
The element bricolage is also signified in the television news, as some reports do have a mixture of news and documentary , for example sound bridging, voice overs, expert interviews, accounts from witnesses and events that link to the story. Also, metanarrative is also seen in the news as it provides a range of narratives (reports and stories) that help shape our society and culture.
Jean Baudrillard's theory on simulacrum and hyperreality theories which suggests that reality is "the simulation of something which never really existed"shows how the news simulates events around the world , so audiences think the event we are experiencing isnt real as no one in the "actual event" is watching it from the comfort of our home. For example the war we are experiencing is a simulation in our own cultural context.
Overall, the television news broadcasting is post modern as it contains hyperreality, intertextuality, bricolage of which a postmodern text is derived from. The repetion of previpous events may inform audiences and make them view the current event . Also news broadcasting can be postmodern as it mixes elements of documentary and news and can be seen to be a simualtion, as audiences are convinced that the war is ultimately devastating and results in poverty, but to an extent this may not entirely be true.
It can be seen that contemporary televesion news is postmodern as it involves inertextuality, bricolage and metanarrative, and Baudrillard's simulacra and hyper reality.
Firstly, it is said that intertextuality and bricolage is a concept of postmodernism and it could be signified in the news. Intertexuality can be signified with news reports where footage from other reports from different news channels such as Al Jazeera or other footage can be used again but with more information, as signified with the Libya conflict, where previous footage is used to show current events. The audience therefore can gaining meaning and see development in the event and follow the event as it is happening, as signified with the Royal Wedding. Therefore, the news would be postmodern as audiences can understand current events whether they've watched the intertextual reference or not.
The element bricolage is also signified in the television news, as some reports do have a mixture of news and documentary , for example sound bridging, voice overs, expert interviews, accounts from witnesses and events that link to the story. Also, metanarrative is also seen in the news as it provides a range of narratives (reports and stories) that help shape our society and culture.
Jean Baudrillard's theory on simulacrum and hyperreality theories which suggests that reality is "the simulation of something which never really existed"shows how the news simulates events around the world , so audiences think the event we are experiencing isnt real as no one in the "actual event" is watching it from the comfort of our home. For example the war we are experiencing is a simulation in our own cultural context.
Overall, the television news broadcasting is post modern as it contains hyperreality, intertextuality, bricolage of which a postmodern text is derived from. The repetion of previpous events may inform audiences and make them view the current event . Also news broadcasting can be postmodern as it mixes elements of documentary and news and can be seen to be a simualtion, as audiences are convinced that the war is ultimately devastating and results in poverty, but to an extent this may not entirely be true.
Reality TV Exam Practice
Watch an episode of a contemporary reality game show. In what ways do the editors construct contestants into particular character roles? Is this helpful for the audience or does it manipulate audience responses too far?
This episode from 2010's I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here constructs character roles of celebrities such as Gillian McKeith as being melodramatic and petrified of being faced with the bush tucker trials. In most of the challenges, Gillian is constructed to be more scared, which contrasts with her celebrity profile of being quite calm and confident in her show 'You are what you eat'. The show offers gratifications to audiences, as they get a chance to view celebrities in a new light and discover their real personalities. The editors try to construct the roles of celebrities as being leaders, villians or duplicitous characters in order to allow audiences to identify and sympathise with a particular celebrity such as Stacey Soloman or Dom Joly.
Through the use of long shots and close up shots, the audience are allowed to be voyeurs and listen to the celebrities discusses the trials and tribulations of the jungle and each other. The show also offers audiences a chance to identify with celebrities such as Gillian McKeith. Yet , the audiences may have less sympathy for celebrities who appear to have a game plan or just try to gain sympathy by audiences, just to remain in the jungle and potentially win.
It can be argued that the editors do manipulate audience responses to character roles, as celebrities on I'm a Celebrity are constructed to be liked and disliked, as audiences may not have sympathy for Gillian McKeith for example, as she reportedly claimed that she was pregnant in order to leave the jungle, therefore audiences may resent her as she is making a mockery of the show and is being unfair to the other contestants. The interviews by each celebrity surrounding the fire incident shows the audience what each celebrity feels about each other, as gradually certain celebrities might resent each other and cause feuds. Yet it can be argued that by constructing characters as being bad or duplicitous may be going too far, as the celebrities might not be trying to cause trouble in the camp.
On the whole it can be argued that the construction of character roles could manipulate audience responses to far, as certain celebrities might be team players, yet could be constructed as being the so called 'resented, and sly characters', as seen with Jenny.
This episode from 2010's I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here constructs character roles of celebrities such as Gillian McKeith as being melodramatic and petrified of being faced with the bush tucker trials. In most of the challenges, Gillian is constructed to be more scared, which contrasts with her celebrity profile of being quite calm and confident in her show 'You are what you eat'. The show offers gratifications to audiences, as they get a chance to view celebrities in a new light and discover their real personalities. The editors try to construct the roles of celebrities as being leaders, villians or duplicitous characters in order to allow audiences to identify and sympathise with a particular celebrity such as Stacey Soloman or Dom Joly.
Through the use of long shots and close up shots, the audience are allowed to be voyeurs and listen to the celebrities discusses the trials and tribulations of the jungle and each other. The show also offers audiences a chance to identify with celebrities such as Gillian McKeith. Yet , the audiences may have less sympathy for celebrities who appear to have a game plan or just try to gain sympathy by audiences, just to remain in the jungle and potentially win.
It can be argued that the editors do manipulate audience responses to character roles, as celebrities on I'm a Celebrity are constructed to be liked and disliked, as audiences may not have sympathy for Gillian McKeith for example, as she reportedly claimed that she was pregnant in order to leave the jungle, therefore audiences may resent her as she is making a mockery of the show and is being unfair to the other contestants. The interviews by each celebrity surrounding the fire incident shows the audience what each celebrity feels about each other, as gradually certain celebrities might resent each other and cause feuds. Yet it can be argued that by constructing characters as being bad or duplicitous may be going too far, as the celebrities might not be trying to cause trouble in the camp.
On the whole it can be argued that the construction of character roles could manipulate audience responses to far, as certain celebrities might be team players, yet could be constructed as being the so called 'resented, and sly characters', as seen with Jenny.
News Values Exam Practice
Analyse a news broadcast in terms of news values employed during selection and construction, possible gate keeping and possible bias in the broadcast. How explicit are these factors to the audience? Does this matter?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b010r3xy/BBC_News_at_Six_29_04_2011/
Frequency is signified in BBC's news values as they select latest news, for example the protests in Libya and the recent attempts by rebels and Gaddafi's supporters to siege land on the border with Tunisia. In the last few months , the news coverage has been focused on Libya and the efforts to end Gaddafi's dictatorship, therefore the BBC see it fitting to report on these events. The continuity news value is evident in BBC's news reports, as the events in Libya are constantly changing and are eventful, as signified with Gaddafi's troops claiming land on the border with Tunisia and contains repetition and regular updates of other ongoing events, such as the Royal Wedding.
The repeated reporting on the royal wedding of Kate Middleton and future King, William, refers to elite persons, as the wedding is broadcast worldwide and draws attention to royalty and instills patriotic values into audiences. There is also mini interviews with the public and thier reactions to the wedding, with one person talking about waiting overnight to see the event and street parties in Ilkley, East Belfast and other areas in the UK.
Another report linked to dynamics is the recent tornado in Alabama which has left many people homless and has destroyed the livehoods of many people. The sounds of people screaming and shots of the tornado sweeping across the state signify how destructive the tornado is. The high angle shot of Alabama signifies how much chaos and destruction has been done throughout the state, with the voiceover saying how search and resue teams are searching for missing people in the wreckage. As well as this , the reference to consance and Syria signified how people are protesting against the current government and President Asad's re
In terms of the way the show was structured, the gatekeepers show external news of negativity, as signfied with Libya, and Syria, where protestors were killed by police. The proximity of news involving the British citizen killed in a cafe in Marrakesh, as well as the conflict in Bristol , where 15 people were killed due to the building of a Tesco supermarket in the area. Therefore, the local news became closer to home,although the negative news in selected at the end, the programme concludes with the main event; The Royal Wedding.
The bias report surrounds Syria, as 500 people were killed and actually stigmatises the protestors, as events in Syria have only recently emerged and could potentially erupt into a wider conflict between people and the Syrian government.
Though, these factors may not be explicit to audiences, as the programme lasts half an hour and only mentions the daily news, which is only a fraction of the programme which is undermined by the talked about Royal Wedding . Yet, the BBC might have chosen these stories, as they could affect a larger audience, as signfied with the tornado in Alabama , the protests in Syria to name a few. However, these factors may not immediately affect the audiences, as they can access news on the internet, smartphones and other devices to gain information on events going on in the world. The News proves to be an outlet for audiences to be curious of events and to follow their interests on events as they progress.
Although, audiences would be unwilling to pursue the wider news, as BBC news covers the top stories and broadens events into time slots, which may be enough for audiences who might not find the time to catch up with latest stories.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b010r3xy/BBC_News_at_Six_29_04_2011/
Frequency is signified in BBC's news values as they select latest news, for example the protests in Libya and the recent attempts by rebels and Gaddafi's supporters to siege land on the border with Tunisia. In the last few months , the news coverage has been focused on Libya and the efforts to end Gaddafi's dictatorship, therefore the BBC see it fitting to report on these events. The continuity news value is evident in BBC's news reports, as the events in Libya are constantly changing and are eventful, as signified with Gaddafi's troops claiming land on the border with Tunisia and contains repetition and regular updates of other ongoing events, such as the Royal Wedding.
The repeated reporting on the royal wedding of Kate Middleton and future King, William, refers to elite persons, as the wedding is broadcast worldwide and draws attention to royalty and instills patriotic values into audiences. There is also mini interviews with the public and thier reactions to the wedding, with one person talking about waiting overnight to see the event and street parties in Ilkley, East Belfast and other areas in the UK.
Another report linked to dynamics is the recent tornado in Alabama which has left many people homless and has destroyed the livehoods of many people. The sounds of people screaming and shots of the tornado sweeping across the state signify how destructive the tornado is. The high angle shot of Alabama signifies how much chaos and destruction has been done throughout the state, with the voiceover saying how search and resue teams are searching for missing people in the wreckage. As well as this , the reference to consance and Syria signified how people are protesting against the current government and President Asad's re
In terms of the way the show was structured, the gatekeepers show external news of negativity, as signfied with Libya, and Syria, where protestors were killed by police. The proximity of news involving the British citizen killed in a cafe in Marrakesh, as well as the conflict in Bristol , where 15 people were killed due to the building of a Tesco supermarket in the area. Therefore, the local news became closer to home,although the negative news in selected at the end, the programme concludes with the main event; The Royal Wedding.
The bias report surrounds Syria, as 500 people were killed and actually stigmatises the protestors, as events in Syria have only recently emerged and could potentially erupt into a wider conflict between people and the Syrian government.
Though, these factors may not be explicit to audiences, as the programme lasts half an hour and only mentions the daily news, which is only a fraction of the programme which is undermined by the talked about Royal Wedding . Yet, the BBC might have chosen these stories, as they could affect a larger audience, as signfied with the tornado in Alabama , the protests in Syria to name a few. However, these factors may not immediately affect the audiences, as they can access news on the internet, smartphones and other devices to gain information on events going on in the world. The News proves to be an outlet for audiences to be curious of events and to follow their interests on events as they progress.
Although, audiences would be unwilling to pursue the wider news, as BBC news covers the top stories and broadens events into time slots, which may be enough for audiences who might not find the time to catch up with latest stories.
Friday 29 April 2011
Representation and Regulation: Exam Practice
Family Guy has more stereotypes than Eastenders, as Eastenders contains fairly limited representations of different groups that are featured in the UK. In Family Guy, gender is fairly represented through the male and female characters of Peter Griffin and Lois Griffin. Peter, on one hand is represented as being immature and gullible, as he purchases outlandish items such as a 1920s magazine kiosk, helicopters, and other unimaginable items and is often dominant, as he doesn't listen to his wife. However, Lois Griffin is represented as being practical and sensible, as she makes the right decisions, as signified when she removes the carpet in the house to prevent Peter from statically shocking everyone , due to his fuzzy pyjamas. However, she is also sexually driven and can be seen to be alluring to other males such as Quagmire. The female newsreader Diane Simmons is a female character that is subordinated, as she has little to say on the news and is a sex object that is controlled by her co anchor Tom Tucker.
These representations contrast with Eastenders, where there are a range of representations of different groups, such as homosexuals, black people and Asian families. Firstly women are presented as being obnoxious and sexually alluring, as signified with Kim Fox. Other dominant representations of women include Zainab Masood, who controls her husband and is in charge of their company Masala Masood. Women are also represented as always being concerned with love as Heather Trott is really excited to go on a website with someone else. Men are also represented as being dominant, as signified with Phil Mitchell and Max Branning, but are also represented as sly , as signfied with Michael Moon.
There are alternative representations of men, such as being sad and emotional, as Jack Branning grieves his child who died in a cot death, and other men being concerned about him and caring towards him, as signified with Alfie Moon.
In accordance to the other representations, ethinic minorities are represented as being active members of the community and are caring to other characters, as signified with the Masood family, which is an alternative representation in a post 9/11 era, where Muslims are demonised in the media and are resented.
In this episode from Eastenders, the most stereotyped group are teenagers. They are represented as being confused, angry, bullies and troublesome, as signified with Ben Mitchell, who makes a false profile on a dating website, in order to appeal to Heather but in a negative way, which will cause her to feel lonely. The other stereotypes are signified as being rebellious and relaxed, as seen with Fat Boy who acts like a black person with an informal, slang accent.
In contrast to Eastenders, Family Guy constructs stereotypes in order to create humour and often mocks and exaggerates these representations to entertain audiences.Therefore, audiences would be able to identify with these stereotypes and mock them without being in trouble, as they are represented as the extremes of what they recognise in their own lives. Yet, in Eastenders, most of the groups are fairly constructed in order to show audiences that alternative representations of these groups do exist, as men are able to be dominant, yet be emotional and caring and ethnic groups such as British Muslims are not evil or threatening to the status quo. Yet it can be argued whether the institution has any hegemonic values, as teenagers and women are not fairly represented and men are to a larger extent.
These representations contrast with Eastenders, where there are a range of representations of different groups, such as homosexuals, black people and Asian families. Firstly women are presented as being obnoxious and sexually alluring, as signified with Kim Fox. Other dominant representations of women include Zainab Masood, who controls her husband and is in charge of their company Masala Masood. Women are also represented as always being concerned with love as Heather Trott is really excited to go on a website with someone else. Men are also represented as being dominant, as signified with Phil Mitchell and Max Branning, but are also represented as sly , as signfied with Michael Moon.
There are alternative representations of men, such as being sad and emotional, as Jack Branning grieves his child who died in a cot death, and other men being concerned about him and caring towards him, as signified with Alfie Moon.
In accordance to the other representations, ethinic minorities are represented as being active members of the community and are caring to other characters, as signified with the Masood family, which is an alternative representation in a post 9/11 era, where Muslims are demonised in the media and are resented.
In this episode from Eastenders, the most stereotyped group are teenagers. They are represented as being confused, angry, bullies and troublesome, as signified with Ben Mitchell, who makes a false profile on a dating website, in order to appeal to Heather but in a negative way, which will cause her to feel lonely. The other stereotypes are signified as being rebellious and relaxed, as seen with Fat Boy who acts like a black person with an informal, slang accent.
In contrast to Eastenders, Family Guy constructs stereotypes in order to create humour and often mocks and exaggerates these representations to entertain audiences.Therefore, audiences would be able to identify with these stereotypes and mock them without being in trouble, as they are represented as the extremes of what they recognise in their own lives. Yet, in Eastenders, most of the groups are fairly constructed in order to show audiences that alternative representations of these groups do exist, as men are able to be dominant, yet be emotional and caring and ethnic groups such as British Muslims are not evil or threatening to the status quo. Yet it can be argued whether the institution has any hegemonic values, as teenagers and women are not fairly represented and men are to a larger extent.
Wednesday 27 April 2011
Gender Studies Exam Practice
"Audiences feel safe with the idea of genre". How far do you feel this statement is true?
Audiences do feel safe with the idea of genre, because it's something they understand . Through genre, audience are able to distinguish certain convetions of a genre, for example guns, horses, deserts and cowboy hats connote that a film is a western. By being defined into a genre, audiences are able to expect certain things from it, as signified with gangster films which usually include violence, drug use and car chases.
In accordance, genere is culturally interwined in society, which allows audiences to identify with characters, events and the genre itself. Evidently, the reality genre is a part of British culture known as Reality TV by audiences, yet is a hybrid genre of soap opera, game shows which the audience may not know of.
The hybrid genreleads to genres becoming mixed and may confusing to some audiences. The arrival of a new genre may confound audiences, as they are unaware of the codes and conventions it contains. Yet. audiences may be curious of new genres, as it may adopt new conventions and may interest audiences through style , plot and characters. The recent influx of reality TV and Docusoap genres have become so popular, it suggests that audiences do like new genres and changes to TV.
Therefore, it can be convincingly argued that audiences feel safe with genre, as they can be familiar with the conventions of the genre , for example guns, cowboys connote a western. Yet, the emergence of new genres may suit certain audiences who may enjoy certain programmes such as Docusoaps and reality TV shows.
Audiences do feel safe with the idea of genre, because it's something they understand . Through genre, audience are able to distinguish certain convetions of a genre, for example guns, horses, deserts and cowboy hats connote that a film is a western. By being defined into a genre, audiences are able to expect certain things from it, as signified with gangster films which usually include violence, drug use and car chases.
In accordance, genere is culturally interwined in society, which allows audiences to identify with characters, events and the genre itself. Evidently, the reality genre is a part of British culture known as Reality TV by audiences, yet is a hybrid genre of soap opera, game shows which the audience may not know of.
The hybrid genreleads to genres becoming mixed and may confusing to some audiences. The arrival of a new genre may confound audiences, as they are unaware of the codes and conventions it contains. Yet. audiences may be curious of new genres, as it may adopt new conventions and may interest audiences through style , plot and characters. The recent influx of reality TV and Docusoap genres have become so popular, it suggests that audiences do like new genres and changes to TV.
Therefore, it can be convincingly argued that audiences feel safe with genre, as they can be familiar with the conventions of the genre , for example guns, cowboys connote a western. Yet, the emergence of new genres may suit certain audiences who may enjoy certain programmes such as Docusoaps and reality TV shows.
Censorship Exam Practice
Will we ever reach a point where as an audience, we are so desensitised that we don't need the BBFC anymore?
In my opinion, there will not be a point where the BBFC is not needed. As the audience become more desensitised to texts, producers would try to take advantage, by making their films more explicit. Different audiences such as children would be susceptible to what they see and may be negatively influenced, hence they would be unable to question what they see in the text, as it is constantly visible in the media.
It can be argued that the BBFC won't be needed in the future as audiences are becoming more desensitised, as signified with lads mags and newspapers such as The Sun's page 3, which contain sexual content on the front covers and inside the publication. This exposure to immoral content can also be stemmed from violent video games like COD, Kane and Lynch, which are mainly played by younger audiences, who can gain access to mature rated games fairly easily.
However, the exposure to such games may result in a moral panic, as younger audiences are influenced by these games, hence the need for more control than the BBFC is required. Though, previous cases have proved that the BBFC is essential, as signified with the Manhunt game, which supposedly inspired two teenagers to kidnap and kill 3 year old, Jamie Bulger. The methods used by the two boys can be seen in the film Childs Play 3, which one of their parents had rented. This case clarifies how the need for the BBFC is essential , as they could access the game easily and be negatively influenced by it.
If audiences do get more desensitised in the future, the need to ban such games could be well enforced. Or, the need for higher age ratings might well be introduced, instead of getting rid of the BBFC.
In my opinion, there will not be a point where the BBFC is not needed. As the audience become more desensitised to texts, producers would try to take advantage, by making their films more explicit. Different audiences such as children would be susceptible to what they see and may be negatively influenced, hence they would be unable to question what they see in the text, as it is constantly visible in the media.
It can be argued that the BBFC won't be needed in the future as audiences are becoming more desensitised, as signified with lads mags and newspapers such as The Sun's page 3, which contain sexual content on the front covers and inside the publication. This exposure to immoral content can also be stemmed from violent video games like COD, Kane and Lynch, which are mainly played by younger audiences, who can gain access to mature rated games fairly easily.
However, the exposure to such games may result in a moral panic, as younger audiences are influenced by these games, hence the need for more control than the BBFC is required. Though, previous cases have proved that the BBFC is essential, as signified with the Manhunt game, which supposedly inspired two teenagers to kidnap and kill 3 year old, Jamie Bulger. The methods used by the two boys can be seen in the film Childs Play 3, which one of their parents had rented. This case clarifies how the need for the BBFC is essential , as they could access the game easily and be negatively influenced by it.
If audiences do get more desensitised in the future, the need to ban such games could be well enforced. Or, the need for higher age ratings might well be introduced, instead of getting rid of the BBFC.
Media Ownership Exam Practice
Virgin has three major sections of their conglomorate: Virgin Media , Virgin Consumer products such as Virgin Radio, as well as transport such as Virgin trains and radio stations.
Virgin Media
This is section in the conglomerate deals with broadband services for consumers. In addition, this section also covers Virgin TV, which competes with Sky to offer a vast range of programmes. Along with this, Virgin Media also includes phone packages which are improved in order to appeal to consumers. The addition of mobile services with the broadband service is offered by Virgin . Virgin Radio is also an established product which broadcasts globally, for example Italy, India, Thailand, France and other countries.
Virgin Consumer Products
Virgin is well known for its Megastore which allows consumers to purchase CDs, DVDs games, books, apparel and electronics from stores around the world. As well as this, Virgin also has products such as Virgin books, Virgin Wines and other commerical products which cater for the audiences' needs. The addition of Virgin Holidays makes its easier for consumers to fly with Virgin as they could offer quality services to different countries.
Virgin Transport
Virgin is widely recognised for its transport- from aeroplanes to trains, Virgin's trains travel around the UK , for example London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and are a vital service for many commuters . The addition of Virgin Atlantic aeroplanes allows coommuters to travel to Dubai, Florida and other countries, thus being recognised as a global brand.
Saturday 23 April 2011
Media Mock Exam Revision
Task 5- Episode from The Simpsons
'The Great Simpsina'
Dominant Reading
The Simpsons is a family orientated show which contains humour and satirises society.
Negotiated Reading
The Simpsons is a show which contains humour and conventional American stereotypes such as Chief Wiggum, but also has social and political messages.
Oppositional Reading
The Simpsons is a show which contains negative stereotypes and has humour which may offend countries such as China. The show contains poor role models and actually does'nt represent the ideal American family and has gradually begun to tire in terms of plot, structure and ideas.
The reading which is closest to my own is the negotiated reading, as it enables me to look at the underlying conventions of the text and defines what the producers of the show are trying to convey in each episode. By having stereotypes which are believable, I am able to be more familiar with the text and identify with different characters.
'The Great Simpsina'
Dominant Reading
The Simpsons is a family orientated show which contains humour and satirises society.
Negotiated Reading
The Simpsons is a show which contains humour and conventional American stereotypes such as Chief Wiggum, but also has social and political messages.
Oppositional Reading
The Simpsons is a show which contains negative stereotypes and has humour which may offend countries such as China. The show contains poor role models and actually does'nt represent the ideal American family and has gradually begun to tire in terms of plot, structure and ideas.
The reading which is closest to my own is the negotiated reading, as it enables me to look at the underlying conventions of the text and defines what the producers of the show are trying to convey in each episode. By having stereotypes which are believable, I am able to be more familiar with the text and identify with different characters.
Media Mock Exam Revision
Task 4- Violent Scene from a gangster film
Scarface (1983)
What is the effect of the scene on the audience?
In this scene from Scarface (1983) injects ideologies into the audience that violence is acceptable. The medium shot of the protagonist, Tony Montana with the machine gun connotes power and invincibility, as the protagonist feels in power whilst holding the gun. The adult audience could have oppositional readings towards the text, as it condones violence and features content which could result in younger audience copying the violence with tragic consequences. The diegitic sound of the gunfire and the tracking shot of the protagonist allows the audience to identify with Montana, as he is about to face his enemy and be killed. The contrapuntal sound of the Cuban music connotes tension, as the Montana is surrounded by the enemy and may not escape out of his mansion alive.
The constant parallel sound of gunfire and destruction may result in the audience becoming desensitised to the violence, as they may not realise the consequences in real life and may have a lack of morals. Yet it can be argued that the audience could watch the film in order to be educated on the consequences of drugs and power and may watch the scene in order to fit into a crowd. By watching this scene, the audience are able to identify with Montana's last moments in the film and gain gratifications through the reckless violence and destruction. In order ways, the audience may watch the scene in order to divert from real life, as the audience's expectations are fulfilled, as the violence in the film allows them to realise that being involved in crime is not as beneficial as it is constructed in the film itself. Though, the audience may also gain rounded views of the crime circuit by watching the film and this scene, as the gangsters are wealthy, violent and are represented as being all powerful. To younger audiences, the crime underworld may seem profitable and rich, but is mostly shallow and results in death, as signified with this scene.
Scarface (1983)
What is the effect of the scene on the audience?
In this scene from Scarface (1983) injects ideologies into the audience that violence is acceptable. The medium shot of the protagonist, Tony Montana with the machine gun connotes power and invincibility, as the protagonist feels in power whilst holding the gun. The adult audience could have oppositional readings towards the text, as it condones violence and features content which could result in younger audience copying the violence with tragic consequences. The diegitic sound of the gunfire and the tracking shot of the protagonist allows the audience to identify with Montana, as he is about to face his enemy and be killed. The contrapuntal sound of the Cuban music connotes tension, as the Montana is surrounded by the enemy and may not escape out of his mansion alive.
The constant parallel sound of gunfire and destruction may result in the audience becoming desensitised to the violence, as they may not realise the consequences in real life and may have a lack of morals. Yet it can be argued that the audience could watch the film in order to be educated on the consequences of drugs and power and may watch the scene in order to fit into a crowd. By watching this scene, the audience are able to identify with Montana's last moments in the film and gain gratifications through the reckless violence and destruction. In order ways, the audience may watch the scene in order to divert from real life, as the audience's expectations are fulfilled, as the violence in the film allows them to realise that being involved in crime is not as beneficial as it is constructed in the film itself. Though, the audience may also gain rounded views of the crime circuit by watching the film and this scene, as the gangsters are wealthy, violent and are represented as being all powerful. To younger audiences, the crime underworld may seem profitable and rich, but is mostly shallow and results in death, as signified with this scene.
Wednesday 20 April 2011
Media Mock Exam Revision
Task 3 - Representation Essay
Media representations rarely challenge the dominant values of society nor do they give a voice to those with little power. To what extent is this true for the group or place you have studied? Why?
In the media, hegemonic institutions often create negative representations of groups and places , for example homosexuals and black males are marginalised and demonised in the tabloid press. By marginalising these groups, the elite are enforcing their dominant values and injecting their ideologies into the audience.Yet, specific groups in the media try to challenge the dominant values and representations which are created by the elite. Groups such as obese people, homosexuals, ethnic minorities and women are fairly represented across the media, as seen with soap operas such as Eastenders, Coronation Street, which signify these groups in order to represent a tolerant society. The representation of obese people for example on reality television shows such as The Biggest Loser on ITV could signify to the audience, that this group should be accepted and not marginalised in society.
On one hand, higher institutions do in fact subordinate groups in the media, as signified with teenagers. In the print platform, teenagers are often negatively represented as being deviant and irresponsible. Teenage black males are represented as being violent and as Stan Cohen states, they are 'folk devils who violate societal values of self control'. As well as the print platform, teenage males in general are predominantly involved in crime and are constructed as being deviant on shows such as Waterloo Road and Crimewatch on BBC1. On these shows, teenagers are affiliated with drugs, theft of vehicles and are represented as being manic and troublesome. As well as teenage males, teenage girls are negatively represented as being irresponsible, as they get pregnant at a young age. By representing teenagers in this way, the audience are injected with ideologies that teenagers are irresponsible and immature.
Likewise, the representation of homosexuals and ethnic minorities in the media is often negative, as they are constructed by the elite to be resented. In television shows such as Glee, homosexuals are stereotyped as being flamboyant, but are often subordinated by the dominant white male. Similarly, ethnic minorities are marginalised in the media, as signified with muslims, who are constructed by the hegemonic elite to be radical and evil. The marginalisation of these groups in the media and the misrepresentation of these groups results in the audience having oppositional readings to them and results in these groups being unable to challenge the status quo. The elite therefore inject thier ideologies into the audience that these groups are harmful and gain a collective view that these groups are threatening, when they are often not.
In many hip hop and rap music videos, women are subordinated in order to maintain the status of the dominant male singer. By fetishising through close up shots of areas of the women's body, such as the breasts and legs, the male audience gain scocophilic pleasures out of watching women. The inclusion of women in music videos, who are wearing scantily clad clothing fulfills the male audiences' fantasies, as women are subservient to men in the videos and are constructed as 'eye candy' for the dominant male. Therefore, the male audience could have negotiated readings with the producers, as males are being tempted by glamorous women.
In contrast, it can be argued that women in music videos do have power, which could challenge dominant ideologies, as signified with Lady Gaga's music videos, such as Alejandro, where men are chained and are subservient to the dominant female. As well as Lady Gaga, emerging female music artists challenge dominant hegemonic values, as songs such as 'Do it like a dude' by Jessie J represent women as being dominant and superior to men, and in many ways contains post- feminist values, as it perpetuates the idea that women can be equal to men and do the same jobs as men. The emerging music videos by female music artists do challenge ideologies held by the hegemonic elite, as women in these videos are more dominant and through their songs try to represent themselves more fairly.
Similarly, the representation of obese people and obesity in the media has often been negative, with obese people being marginalised or ridiculed in films such as Austin Powers: Goldmember, Superbad and in soap operas such as Eastenders , where Heather Trott is undesirable due to her appearance. However in the media recently, initiatives have been implemented in order to raise awareness of obesity, with shows such as the Biggest Loser, Supersize vs Superskinny and other shows which are aimed at weight loss. By having fair stereotypes of obese people who desire to be thin, audiences can be more aware and accepting of obese people and understand their emotional pain whilst going through rigid diets. Whilst previous deemed undersirable, shapely women feature on fashion magazines such as Vogue , in contrast to previous years where obese women were ostracized from magazines due to thier appeareance.
As well as obese people, ethnic minorities and disabled people are more prevelant in the media, with television dramas such as Glee and Eastenders encouraging fair representations of these groups. By including these representations, audiences are able to be identify with them and be more acceptable of groups, which were previously marginalised. In many films, ethnic minorities such as black people, British Asians challenge dominant values, as they are dominant lead characters in films, as seen with Bend it Like Beckham, The Book of Eli and other films which have ethnic minorities. The inclusion of these representations of other groups encourages the audience to realise that diversity should be accepted in the media and also should allow accurate representations to emerge in the media.
In conclusion, it can be seen that media representations to often challenge the dominant values of society, as modern representations of ethnic minorities, obese people, teenagers and the disabled are more fair, as audiences can realise that these groups are normal and not deviant. The position of these groups across different platforms breaks the barriers enforced by the hegemonic elite, as obese people are represented as being committed to become more healthy and are constructed to be more determined to succeed, as evident on The Biggest Loser. The emerging range of female music artists gives power to them, as they can challenge dominant values, by subordinating males in their videos or through their lyrics, as signified with Jessie J, Lady Gaga, Kesha and other female artists.
Media representations rarely challenge the dominant values of society nor do they give a voice to those with little power. To what extent is this true for the group or place you have studied? Why?
In the media, hegemonic institutions often create negative representations of groups and places , for example homosexuals and black males are marginalised and demonised in the tabloid press. By marginalising these groups, the elite are enforcing their dominant values and injecting their ideologies into the audience.Yet, specific groups in the media try to challenge the dominant values and representations which are created by the elite. Groups such as obese people, homosexuals, ethnic minorities and women are fairly represented across the media, as seen with soap operas such as Eastenders, Coronation Street, which signify these groups in order to represent a tolerant society. The representation of obese people for example on reality television shows such as The Biggest Loser on ITV could signify to the audience, that this group should be accepted and not marginalised in society.
On one hand, higher institutions do in fact subordinate groups in the media, as signified with teenagers. In the print platform, teenagers are often negatively represented as being deviant and irresponsible. Teenage black males are represented as being violent and as Stan Cohen states, they are 'folk devils who violate societal values of self control'. As well as the print platform, teenage males in general are predominantly involved in crime and are constructed as being deviant on shows such as Waterloo Road and Crimewatch on BBC1. On these shows, teenagers are affiliated with drugs, theft of vehicles and are represented as being manic and troublesome. As well as teenage males, teenage girls are negatively represented as being irresponsible, as they get pregnant at a young age. By representing teenagers in this way, the audience are injected with ideologies that teenagers are irresponsible and immature.
Likewise, the representation of homosexuals and ethnic minorities in the media is often negative, as they are constructed by the elite to be resented. In television shows such as Glee, homosexuals are stereotyped as being flamboyant, but are often subordinated by the dominant white male. Similarly, ethnic minorities are marginalised in the media, as signified with muslims, who are constructed by the hegemonic elite to be radical and evil. The marginalisation of these groups in the media and the misrepresentation of these groups results in the audience having oppositional readings to them and results in these groups being unable to challenge the status quo. The elite therefore inject thier ideologies into the audience that these groups are harmful and gain a collective view that these groups are threatening, when they are often not.
In many hip hop and rap music videos, women are subordinated in order to maintain the status of the dominant male singer. By fetishising through close up shots of areas of the women's body, such as the breasts and legs, the male audience gain scocophilic pleasures out of watching women. The inclusion of women in music videos, who are wearing scantily clad clothing fulfills the male audiences' fantasies, as women are subservient to men in the videos and are constructed as 'eye candy' for the dominant male. Therefore, the male audience could have negotiated readings with the producers, as males are being tempted by glamorous women.
In contrast, it can be argued that women in music videos do have power, which could challenge dominant ideologies, as signified with Lady Gaga's music videos, such as Alejandro, where men are chained and are subservient to the dominant female. As well as Lady Gaga, emerging female music artists challenge dominant hegemonic values, as songs such as 'Do it like a dude' by Jessie J represent women as being dominant and superior to men, and in many ways contains post- feminist values, as it perpetuates the idea that women can be equal to men and do the same jobs as men. The emerging music videos by female music artists do challenge ideologies held by the hegemonic elite, as women in these videos are more dominant and through their songs try to represent themselves more fairly.
Similarly, the representation of obese people and obesity in the media has often been negative, with obese people being marginalised or ridiculed in films such as Austin Powers: Goldmember, Superbad and in soap operas such as Eastenders , where Heather Trott is undesirable due to her appearance. However in the media recently, initiatives have been implemented in order to raise awareness of obesity, with shows such as the Biggest Loser, Supersize vs Superskinny and other shows which are aimed at weight loss. By having fair stereotypes of obese people who desire to be thin, audiences can be more aware and accepting of obese people and understand their emotional pain whilst going through rigid diets. Whilst previous deemed undersirable, shapely women feature on fashion magazines such as Vogue , in contrast to previous years where obese women were ostracized from magazines due to thier appeareance.
As well as obese people, ethnic minorities and disabled people are more prevelant in the media, with television dramas such as Glee and Eastenders encouraging fair representations of these groups. By including these representations, audiences are able to be identify with them and be more acceptable of groups, which were previously marginalised. In many films, ethnic minorities such as black people, British Asians challenge dominant values, as they are dominant lead characters in films, as seen with Bend it Like Beckham, The Book of Eli and other films which have ethnic minorities. The inclusion of these representations of other groups encourages the audience to realise that diversity should be accepted in the media and also should allow accurate representations to emerge in the media.
In conclusion, it can be seen that media representations to often challenge the dominant values of society, as modern representations of ethnic minorities, obese people, teenagers and the disabled are more fair, as audiences can realise that these groups are normal and not deviant. The position of these groups across different platforms breaks the barriers enforced by the hegemonic elite, as obese people are represented as being committed to become more healthy and are constructed to be more determined to succeed, as evident on The Biggest Loser. The emerging range of female music artists gives power to them, as they can challenge dominant values, by subordinating males in their videos or through their lyrics, as signified with Jessie J, Lady Gaga, Kesha and other female artists.
Tuesday 19 April 2011
Media Mock Exam Revision
Task 2- New and Digital Media Essay
"Media institutions are right to feel threatened by new/digital media." Consider this statement and show how media institutions are reacting to technological developments
In today's society, new and digital media has managed to challenge the way traditional media institutions exhibit their products. The emergence of e media has contributed to many institutions competing against each other to advertise and exhibit their products. As well as this, the recent resurgence of smart phones and their apps have provided media institutions with another opportunity to showcase their products and compete with rival institutions, for example mobile phone tariff companies such as T Mobile and Orange compete across apps, as well as on social networking sites. The presence of social networking sites such as Facebook allows media institutions to target their audiences via advertising on side bars and banners on social networking pages.
One way in which media institutions are reacting to technological developments is through social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Myspace. By typing keywords in the search toolbar, institutions target audiences based around their preferences. Notably, companies such as the mobile tariff company Orange may target audiences to purchase one of their packages, which gives them better mobile phone minutes or texts. Media institutions therefore pay Facebook to have their adverts published on profile pages on social networking sites. The presence of the like button at the bottom of each advert on Facebook may increase the advert's influence.
Similarly, media institutions may turn to having websites in order to react to the technological developments, as broadcasting institutions such as the BBC, Channel 4, Five, Sky and other channels allow audiences to watch their favourite shows on media players such as iPlayer. By having this service, media institutions may generate more audience share and receive feedback from audiences on news stories, via comments at the bottom of each news article. The BBC's website fulfills its remit which is to inform, educate and entertain, as audiences can be updated with rolling news, educated on political issues, religion and other issues and also be entertained by watching their programmes on BBC iPlayer. Similarly, conglomerates such as News Corporation may take advantage of technological developments, by having websites, as they can entertain and educate their audience through their products such as 20th Century Fox, National Geographic Channel Worldwide.
In regards to News Corporation, media institutions may react to technological developments by exhibiting their products on latest technology, such as smart phones and PDAs. Interestingly, News Corp decision to launch an exclusive online newspaper on the iPad signifies how media institutions are reacting to technological developments, as News Corp can target a specific market and generate profit through the pay wall. The possible launch of this newspaper may result in competition between newspaper companies, as News Corp's newspapers such as The Sun are available in the form of apps on smartphones such as the Apple iPhone, Blackberry phone and HTC phones. Rival newspaper companies may have to progress onto new technologies such as smart phones and portable devices such as the iPad in order to appeal to their audience, who are updated on latest news on the go. The hegemonic influence of News Corp shows how it has means of mental production, as they can enforce a pay wall , in order for audiences to pay to view their content.
Likewise, media institutions may react to technological developments by having their products published in the form of a smart phone application. Evidently, newspapers such as The Guardian has an iPhone app which allows the audience to be informed of the latest news on the go. Similarly, BBC has a smart phone app which allows adult audiences to be updated with news, as well as entertained with programmes on BBC i Player. By having these apps on smart phones, institutions can generate profit , but also appeal to different audiences, as seen with News Corp's The Sun iPhone app. As well as this, audiences from the UK can also access news apps from the US for example, thus resulting in a global relationship and can be inundated with financial news from the Bloomberg app, as well as New York Times and ABC news which have their own apps on the Apple iPhone.
On the whole it can be seen that media institutions are reacting to technological developments, as institutions such as News Corp have launched an exclusive online newspaper on the iPad which is rejuvenating the newspaper industry and progressing onto newer technological formats. Similarly, media institutions have their own websites where they can inform, educate and entertain audiences and also promote their products on these sites. The emergence of latest technologies such as the smart phone allows media institutions to exhibit their company and provides a mobile service, where audiences can be updated with rolling news, as seen with the BBC News app.
"Media institutions are right to feel threatened by new/digital media." Consider this statement and show how media institutions are reacting to technological developments
In today's society, new and digital media has managed to challenge the way traditional media institutions exhibit their products. The emergence of e media has contributed to many institutions competing against each other to advertise and exhibit their products. As well as this, the recent resurgence of smart phones and their apps have provided media institutions with another opportunity to showcase their products and compete with rival institutions, for example mobile phone tariff companies such as T Mobile and Orange compete across apps, as well as on social networking sites. The presence of social networking sites such as Facebook allows media institutions to target their audiences via advertising on side bars and banners on social networking pages.
One way in which media institutions are reacting to technological developments is through social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Myspace. By typing keywords in the search toolbar, institutions target audiences based around their preferences. Notably, companies such as the mobile tariff company Orange may target audiences to purchase one of their packages, which gives them better mobile phone minutes or texts. Media institutions therefore pay Facebook to have their adverts published on profile pages on social networking sites. The presence of the like button at the bottom of each advert on Facebook may increase the advert's influence.
Similarly, media institutions may turn to having websites in order to react to the technological developments, as broadcasting institutions such as the BBC, Channel 4, Five, Sky and other channels allow audiences to watch their favourite shows on media players such as iPlayer. By having this service, media institutions may generate more audience share and receive feedback from audiences on news stories, via comments at the bottom of each news article. The BBC's website fulfills its remit which is to inform, educate and entertain, as audiences can be updated with rolling news, educated on political issues, religion and other issues and also be entertained by watching their programmes on BBC iPlayer. Similarly, conglomerates such as News Corporation may take advantage of technological developments, by having websites, as they can entertain and educate their audience through their products such as 20th Century Fox, National Geographic Channel Worldwide.
In regards to News Corporation, media institutions may react to technological developments by exhibiting their products on latest technology, such as smart phones and PDAs. Interestingly, News Corp decision to launch an exclusive online newspaper on the iPad signifies how media institutions are reacting to technological developments, as News Corp can target a specific market and generate profit through the pay wall. The possible launch of this newspaper may result in competition between newspaper companies, as News Corp's newspapers such as The Sun are available in the form of apps on smartphones such as the Apple iPhone, Blackberry phone and HTC phones. Rival newspaper companies may have to progress onto new technologies such as smart phones and portable devices such as the iPad in order to appeal to their audience, who are updated on latest news on the go. The hegemonic influence of News Corp shows how it has means of mental production, as they can enforce a pay wall , in order for audiences to pay to view their content.
Likewise, media institutions may react to technological developments by having their products published in the form of a smart phone application. Evidently, newspapers such as The Guardian has an iPhone app which allows the audience to be informed of the latest news on the go. Similarly, BBC has a smart phone app which allows adult audiences to be updated with news, as well as entertained with programmes on BBC i Player. By having these apps on smart phones, institutions can generate profit , but also appeal to different audiences, as seen with News Corp's The Sun iPhone app. As well as this, audiences from the UK can also access news apps from the US for example, thus resulting in a global relationship and can be inundated with financial news from the Bloomberg app, as well as New York Times and ABC news which have their own apps on the Apple iPhone.
On the whole it can be seen that media institutions are reacting to technological developments, as institutions such as News Corp have launched an exclusive online newspaper on the iPad which is rejuvenating the newspaper industry and progressing onto newer technological formats. Similarly, media institutions have their own websites where they can inform, educate and entertain audiences and also promote their products on these sites. The emergence of latest technologies such as the smart phone allows media institutions to exhibit their company and provides a mobile service, where audiences can be updated with rolling news, as seen with the BBC News app.
Thursday 14 April 2011
Media Mock Exam Revision
3) To what extent has new and digital media given younger audiences the opportunities to shape their own media representations? (12 marks)
The emergence of new and digital media has allowed audiences to shape their own media representations, as platforms such as e media and broadcast allow younger audiences to be more plural in the way they represent themselves. Through social networking sites for example, teenagers can represent themselves and challenge beliefs through discussion pages . Yet it can be argued that younger audiences are still misrepresented in the media, as teenage boys in particular are objectified as being 'folk devils' who often 'violate societal values of self control'. Similarly, younger audiences are influenced by the media in negative ways, for example teenagers may play video games and be injected with ideologies of violence or may watch rap videos and adopt a 'gangster' attitude.
On one hand, it can be argued that new and digital media has allowed younger audiences to shape their own media representations, as they can represent themselves more accurately through social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. The younger audiences can join discussion groups and represent themselves more positively.
The emergence of new and digital media has allowed audiences to shape their own media representations, as platforms such as e media and broadcast allow younger audiences to be more plural in the way they represent themselves. Through social networking sites for example, teenagers can represent themselves and challenge beliefs through discussion pages . Yet it can be argued that younger audiences are still misrepresented in the media, as teenage boys in particular are objectified as being 'folk devils' who often 'violate societal values of self control'. Similarly, younger audiences are influenced by the media in negative ways, for example teenagers may play video games and be injected with ideologies of violence or may watch rap videos and adopt a 'gangster' attitude.
On one hand, it can be argued that new and digital media has allowed younger audiences to shape their own media representations, as they can represent themselves more accurately through social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. The younger audiences can join discussion groups and represent themselves more positively.
Wednesday 13 April 2011
Media Mock Revision
2) Consider the view that the current representation of teenagers is simply another 'moral panic'. (12 marks)
The representation of teenagers in the trailer for the video game 'Bully' can be seen to be a moral panic, as the game perpetuates the stereotype of teenage boys to be rebellious and deviant. The representation of the protagonist may result in audiences having oppositional readings to the text, as teenage boys who play the game may be injected with ideologies that creating mayhem in school is acceptable. As well as this, teenagers in the game can be referred to as folk devils, as stated by Stan Cohen, as the game condones violence and havoc in a school setting. The title 'Bully' connotes rebellion and disorder and may allow audiences such as adults to have negative views towards the game, as it promotes disorder and may result in the teenage male audience being dumbed down by playing the game.
Similarly, the trailer for the Channel 4 programme 'Skins' constructs negative representations of teenagers, and can be signified as a moral panic, as teenagers indulge in immoral behaviour such as smoking , drinking alcohol, doing drugs and other unethical behaviour. The fact that the producers construct these representations of teenagers may result in a moral panic, as an adult audience may feel that the programme promotes teenagers to be antisocial and irrational. The montage of teenagers smoking, drinking alcohol and having same sex relationships may result in adults gaining negative views about teenagers , as they can be corrupted by society and be influenced by the media. The adult audience may also have oppositional readings towards the text, as the teenage audience who predominately watch the show are being dumbed down, as it fails to teach them about the risks of smoking, alcohol and under age relationships.
However, certain representations of teenagers in the media, such as Glee and Eastenders can not be seen to be a moral panic, as these alternative representations of teenagers signify how teenagers are not violent and deviant. In Eastenders, Tamwar Masood is constructed as a stereotypical teenage Muslim boy who is an academic and is family orientated. Therefore, this alternative representation shows the audience that teenagers are successful and not entirely bad. The hit US television drama, Glee also constructs positive representations of teenagers who are willing to become confident through music. By having these alternative representations, audiences are urged to have positive views towards teenagers, who desire to be successful and not deviant, as seen in the trailers for Skins and Bully.
The representation of teenagers in the trailer for the video game 'Bully' can be seen to be a moral panic, as the game perpetuates the stereotype of teenage boys to be rebellious and deviant. The representation of the protagonist may result in audiences having oppositional readings to the text, as teenage boys who play the game may be injected with ideologies that creating mayhem in school is acceptable. As well as this, teenagers in the game can be referred to as folk devils, as stated by Stan Cohen, as the game condones violence and havoc in a school setting. The title 'Bully' connotes rebellion and disorder and may allow audiences such as adults to have negative views towards the game, as it promotes disorder and may result in the teenage male audience being dumbed down by playing the game.
Similarly, the trailer for the Channel 4 programme 'Skins' constructs negative representations of teenagers, and can be signified as a moral panic, as teenagers indulge in immoral behaviour such as smoking , drinking alcohol, doing drugs and other unethical behaviour. The fact that the producers construct these representations of teenagers may result in a moral panic, as an adult audience may feel that the programme promotes teenagers to be antisocial and irrational. The montage of teenagers smoking, drinking alcohol and having same sex relationships may result in adults gaining negative views about teenagers , as they can be corrupted by society and be influenced by the media. The adult audience may also have oppositional readings towards the text, as the teenage audience who predominately watch the show are being dumbed down, as it fails to teach them about the risks of smoking, alcohol and under age relationships.
However, certain representations of teenagers in the media, such as Glee and Eastenders can not be seen to be a moral panic, as these alternative representations of teenagers signify how teenagers are not violent and deviant. In Eastenders, Tamwar Masood is constructed as a stereotypical teenage Muslim boy who is an academic and is family orientated. Therefore, this alternative representation shows the audience that teenagers are successful and not entirely bad. The hit US television drama, Glee also constructs positive representations of teenagers who are willing to become confident through music. By having these alternative representations, audiences are urged to have positive views towards teenagers, who desire to be successful and not deviant, as seen in the trailers for Skins and Bully.
Media Studies Mock Revision
Task 1
1) Compare and contrast the representation of teenagers in the two texts.
(8 marks)
The representation of teenagers in the video game trailer for Bully is negative, as teenage boys in particular are objectified as being social deviants, as signified by the way the main character is dressed, with his shirt tucked out and by the way he talks. The use of medium shots of the 'bully' harassing school kids and creating havoc in the science laboratory injects messages into the audience that teenage boys are wild and troublesome. In many ways, an adult audience may have oppositional readings to the text, as it condones trouble and violence. By playing the game, teenage boys are injected with ideologies that creating havoc and being rebellious is acceptable. The teenage male audience for this game may reenact scenes from the game, such as the character using a slingshot at students and using the fire extinguisher at other students in order to harass them.
Likewise, in the trailer for Skins, teenagers are objectified as being rebellious, as signified by the montage which includes close up shots of teenagers smoking, having same sex relationships. In effect, the trailer may result in a moral panic, as adults may have oppositional readings to what the programme Skins actually mediates, as teenagers may be influenced by what they see and can adopt habits such as smoking, which could be harmful to their health. In many ways, the trailer may result in different audiences such as adults gaining negative views towards teenagers, as they are constructed to be rebellious and folk devils , as coined by Stan Cohen. In contrast to the trailer for Bully, the producers of Skins may be educating other audiences on teenage life and construct fairer representations of teenagers in order to signify how teenage life if about experimenting and being troublesome.
Across both texts, teenagers are negatively represented as being rebellious and deviant, as the trailer for the video game Bully constructs teenagers as being troublesome and deviant, as they can be liberal in what they do , for example the protagonist can use a fire extinguisher to harass other students and can cause mayhem in classrooms. Similarly, the trailer for Skins perpetuates a negative representation of teenagers, as they are more rebellious in the way they act and the fact that they can smoke, do drugs and have same sex relationships at a young age. The representation of teenagers in both texts may result in a moral panic, as adults may feel that teenagers are corrupted by society and are injected with ideologies that experimenting with drugs, causing mayhem and having relationships with members of the same sex is acceptable.
1) Compare and contrast the representation of teenagers in the two texts.
(8 marks)
The representation of teenagers in the video game trailer for Bully is negative, as teenage boys in particular are objectified as being social deviants, as signified by the way the main character is dressed, with his shirt tucked out and by the way he talks. The use of medium shots of the 'bully' harassing school kids and creating havoc in the science laboratory injects messages into the audience that teenage boys are wild and troublesome. In many ways, an adult audience may have oppositional readings to the text, as it condones trouble and violence. By playing the game, teenage boys are injected with ideologies that creating havoc and being rebellious is acceptable. The teenage male audience for this game may reenact scenes from the game, such as the character using a slingshot at students and using the fire extinguisher at other students in order to harass them.
Likewise, in the trailer for Skins, teenagers are objectified as being rebellious, as signified by the montage which includes close up shots of teenagers smoking, having same sex relationships. In effect, the trailer may result in a moral panic, as adults may have oppositional readings to what the programme Skins actually mediates, as teenagers may be influenced by what they see and can adopt habits such as smoking, which could be harmful to their health. In many ways, the trailer may result in different audiences such as adults gaining negative views towards teenagers, as they are constructed to be rebellious and folk devils , as coined by Stan Cohen. In contrast to the trailer for Bully, the producers of Skins may be educating other audiences on teenage life and construct fairer representations of teenagers in order to signify how teenage life if about experimenting and being troublesome.
Across both texts, teenagers are negatively represented as being rebellious and deviant, as the trailer for the video game Bully constructs teenagers as being troublesome and deviant, as they can be liberal in what they do , for example the protagonist can use a fire extinguisher to harass other students and can cause mayhem in classrooms. Similarly, the trailer for Skins perpetuates a negative representation of teenagers, as they are more rebellious in the way they act and the fact that they can smoke, do drugs and have same sex relationships at a young age. The representation of teenagers in both texts may result in a moral panic, as adults may feel that teenagers are corrupted by society and are injected with ideologies that experimenting with drugs, causing mayhem and having relationships with members of the same sex is acceptable.
Tuesday 12 April 2011
Media Studies Mock Revision
Media Issues and Debates
Post 9/11 and the media
What are the issues raised regarding the representation of ethnic minority groups?
In the media, ethnic minorities are marginalised by the hegemonic elite across platforms such as broadcast, print and the e media. In many television shows, ethnic minorities are constructed as token characters, such as Glee, Eastenders and often are subordinated in order to signify the dominant white male character, as seen with many American teenage films, such as High School Musical, Juno etc.
In regards to the print platform, many right wing newspapers such as the Daily Mail, The Daily Express often stigmatise and marginalise ethnic minorities, as evident in the Daily Mail's article 'Black drug offenders are 'eight times more likely to be jailed than whites'. This article creates a moral panic in the audience, as they are inject with ideologies that black men are dangerous and are often misrepresented as being criminals. Similar articles representing black men in a similar way may cause the audience to gain certain views about black people being criminals, most of which may be false , hence this group may be signified as folk devils who violate societal values of self control, as coined by Stan Cohen.
Likewise, ethnic minorities are also objectified in television programmes such as 'Crimewatch', where black men, pakistanis and other ethnic groups are represented as being deviant and troublesome. By marginalising the ethnic minorities in this way, the hegemonic elite are able to inject ideologies into the audience that ethnic minorities are deviants. Similarly, ethnic minorities on this show are accurately represented as being criminals, in order to cause fear in the audience, who may have oppositional readings to criminals and a negotiated reading with the producers of the show, as they are trying to detain these social deviants.
In the same way, the media has become Islamaphobic following the 9/11 attacks and has therefore subordinated muslims as being 'folk devils' as suggested by Stan Cohen. Across the print and broadcast platform, muslims are represented as being evil , as signified in the film Four Lions, where the four muslims desire to be suicide bombers and are driven to cause destruction. Evidently, in tabloid newspapers such as The Daily Mail, The Evening Standard and the Sun, muslims are demonised and subordinated by the elite. The fact that these newspapers are mainly right wing could signify how the white elite want to subordinate this ethnic group in order to stay in power.
Post 9/11 and the media
What are the issues raised regarding the representation of ethnic minority groups?
In the media, ethnic minorities are marginalised by the hegemonic elite across platforms such as broadcast, print and the e media. In many television shows, ethnic minorities are constructed as token characters, such as Glee, Eastenders and often are subordinated in order to signify the dominant white male character, as seen with many American teenage films, such as High School Musical, Juno etc.
In regards to the print platform, many right wing newspapers such as the Daily Mail, The Daily Express often stigmatise and marginalise ethnic minorities, as evident in the Daily Mail's article 'Black drug offenders are 'eight times more likely to be jailed than whites'. This article creates a moral panic in the audience, as they are inject with ideologies that black men are dangerous and are often misrepresented as being criminals. Similar articles representing black men in a similar way may cause the audience to gain certain views about black people being criminals, most of which may be false , hence this group may be signified as folk devils who violate societal values of self control, as coined by Stan Cohen.
Likewise, ethnic minorities are also objectified in television programmes such as 'Crimewatch', where black men, pakistanis and other ethnic groups are represented as being deviant and troublesome. By marginalising the ethnic minorities in this way, the hegemonic elite are able to inject ideologies into the audience that ethnic minorities are deviants. Similarly, ethnic minorities on this show are accurately represented as being criminals, in order to cause fear in the audience, who may have oppositional readings to criminals and a negotiated reading with the producers of the show, as they are trying to detain these social deviants.
In the same way, the media has become Islamaphobic following the 9/11 attacks and has therefore subordinated muslims as being 'folk devils' as suggested by Stan Cohen. Across the print and broadcast platform, muslims are represented as being evil , as signified in the film Four Lions, where the four muslims desire to be suicide bombers and are driven to cause destruction. Evidently, in tabloid newspapers such as The Daily Mail, The Evening Standard and the Sun, muslims are demonised and subordinated by the elite. The fact that these newspapers are mainly right wing could signify how the white elite want to subordinate this ethnic group in order to stay in power.
Tuesday 5 April 2011
Section A Exam Questions
3. There are always concerns about new technology. In your view, what are the possible benefits and problems attached to social networking, particularly on the Internet? ( 12 marks)
In regards to social networking on the Internet, there are many benefits and problems which make social networking a balanced platform in the media. Moreover it can be convincingly argued that social networking poses benefits to the audience, as they can make friends, join pages and groups and can interact with the content, such as question polls and can be liberal in what they post, comment and do on their social networking profiles. Yet, social networking does also have its problems, in that paedophiles and rapists can stalk young girls and prey on children. As well as this, other concerns may be that accounts such as Facebook accounts can be hacked and fraud could occur. Many sceptics of social network also argue that it dumbs down the audience and is a place where users mindlessly stare at a screen for long periods of time and are narcissistic, as they take pictures of themselves and take pride in themself.
Firstly, one such problem of social networking would that it is a platform for paedophiles and rapists to prey on their victims, as users openly share their contact information therefore allowing paedophiles and rapists to target young girls who are vulnerable . As seen with cases where grown men have stalk young girls into having sex on sites such as Facebook.
Another problem surrounding social networking would be that it allows fraudsters and hackers to infiltrate users' information, as public Facebook accounts which have less security allow anyone to have access to the users' contact details, such as name, email address, location and date of birth. In effect, this breach of security may result in a moral panic, as the audience would be unable to trust sites, where the security is not not safe.
Most importantly, it can also be argued that social networking is a social problem, as parents may have oppositional readings to these sites, as children may be hooked to these sites and may spend a lengthy amount of time on Facebook for example. By spending a long time on Facebook, the audience may feel that social networking is dumbing down audiences such as teenagers, as they are more concerned with what their friends are commenting and actually spend less time reading books or studying.
In other ways, social networking is a problem for young children, as they may be susceptible to cyber bullying and could be taunted and bullied online. The bullies may insult their victims through hateful messages and embarrassing secrets and could therefore be a concern for children and parents,who may feel that social networking sites are unsafe.
In contrast, social networking has its advantages, as the audience can interact with other users and create their own account where they can comment on what they are thinking and can send pictures, videos and URL links to friends. As well as this, social networking is also effective, as the audience are able to interact with celebrities, as evident with Twitter. Therefore, the barrier between celebrities and the audience is lifted, thus making the relationship more accessible. Social networking may be beneficial to the audience, as they can gain an insight into themselves by joining groups and pages which may teach them something. The audience can also gain greater self esteem , as they can join groups and comment on what they think, feel etc.
Alongside this, the audience can also benefit from social networking, as they can form relationships by joining dating groups and can attend events where they can meet new people. The audience can also follow celebrities on Twitter and converse with them , thus making the celebrity/audience relationship more close. As well as this, the audience may use social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter for surveillance , as well as communication, as they can chat to friends via Facebook chat and can also post up comments and chat to people across the world. The audience can also benefit by liking and joining fan pages of news companies such as The BBC and Sky Sports on Fcaebook and can follow these pages and be inundated with the latest news and sport headlines. Moreover, the audience can also use social networking for diversion, as they can play games on Facebook, for example Mindjolt Games and can play endorsed games such as Mafia Wars which has proven to be a global gaming hit.
By having a Facebook, Twitter or Myspace account, audiences can talk to and interact with users around the world and share similar interests with people around the world. By having photos, videos, and comments, the audience can also see what other users have on their profiles and can emulate them and join different groups and like different pages.
Notably, social networking sites has many benefits which may be useful to business and companies , as Facebook, Twitter and Myspace allows companies to sell and advertise their products. Evidently, Orange may advertise their mobile phone contract packages on the Facebook homepage, in order to attract a teenage demographic. As well as this, other companies may use keywords which have been entered by the audience in their profiles to target specific products at the audience, such as football boots. The advertising on Facebook may often lead to competing interests from different companies who may try to compete to sell their product and gain ad space on sites and become recognised.
In regards to social networking on the Internet, there are many benefits and problems which make social networking a balanced platform in the media. Moreover it can be convincingly argued that social networking poses benefits to the audience, as they can make friends, join pages and groups and can interact with the content, such as question polls and can be liberal in what they post, comment and do on their social networking profiles. Yet, social networking does also have its problems, in that paedophiles and rapists can stalk young girls and prey on children. As well as this, other concerns may be that accounts such as Facebook accounts can be hacked and fraud could occur. Many sceptics of social network also argue that it dumbs down the audience and is a place where users mindlessly stare at a screen for long periods of time and are narcissistic, as they take pictures of themselves and take pride in themself.
Firstly, one such problem of social networking would that it is a platform for paedophiles and rapists to prey on their victims, as users openly share their contact information therefore allowing paedophiles and rapists to target young girls who are vulnerable . As seen with cases where grown men have stalk young girls into having sex on sites such as Facebook.
Another problem surrounding social networking would be that it allows fraudsters and hackers to infiltrate users' information, as public Facebook accounts which have less security allow anyone to have access to the users' contact details, such as name, email address, location and date of birth. In effect, this breach of security may result in a moral panic, as the audience would be unable to trust sites, where the security is not not safe.
Most importantly, it can also be argued that social networking is a social problem, as parents may have oppositional readings to these sites, as children may be hooked to these sites and may spend a lengthy amount of time on Facebook for example. By spending a long time on Facebook, the audience may feel that social networking is dumbing down audiences such as teenagers, as they are more concerned with what their friends are commenting and actually spend less time reading books or studying.
In other ways, social networking is a problem for young children, as they may be susceptible to cyber bullying and could be taunted and bullied online. The bullies may insult their victims through hateful messages and embarrassing secrets and could therefore be a concern for children and parents,who may feel that social networking sites are unsafe.
In contrast, social networking has its advantages, as the audience can interact with other users and create their own account where they can comment on what they are thinking and can send pictures, videos and URL links to friends. As well as this, social networking is also effective, as the audience are able to interact with celebrities, as evident with Twitter. Therefore, the barrier between celebrities and the audience is lifted, thus making the relationship more accessible. Social networking may be beneficial to the audience, as they can gain an insight into themselves by joining groups and pages which may teach them something. The audience can also gain greater self esteem , as they can join groups and comment on what they think, feel etc.
Alongside this, the audience can also benefit from social networking, as they can form relationships by joining dating groups and can attend events where they can meet new people. The audience can also follow celebrities on Twitter and converse with them , thus making the celebrity/audience relationship more close. As well as this, the audience may use social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter for surveillance , as well as communication, as they can chat to friends via Facebook chat and can also post up comments and chat to people across the world. The audience can also benefit by liking and joining fan pages of news companies such as The BBC and Sky Sports on Fcaebook and can follow these pages and be inundated with the latest news and sport headlines. Moreover, the audience can also use social networking for diversion, as they can play games on Facebook, for example Mindjolt Games and can play endorsed games such as Mafia Wars which has proven to be a global gaming hit.
By having a Facebook, Twitter or Myspace account, audiences can talk to and interact with users around the world and share similar interests with people around the world. By having photos, videos, and comments, the audience can also see what other users have on their profiles and can emulate them and join different groups and like different pages.
Notably, social networking sites has many benefits which may be useful to business and companies , as Facebook, Twitter and Myspace allows companies to sell and advertise their products. Evidently, Orange may advertise their mobile phone contract packages on the Facebook homepage, in order to attract a teenage demographic. As well as this, other companies may use keywords which have been entered by the audience in their profiles to target specific products at the audience, such as football boots. The advertising on Facebook may often lead to competing interests from different companies who may try to compete to sell their product and gain ad space on sites and become recognised.
Section A Exam Questions
2. Consider the view that the current press treatment of teenagers is simply another 'moral panic' (12 marks)
In both of the texts, the press often treat teenagers in a negative way, as The Metro front page features a moral panic, as teenagers have access to social networking sites such as Myspace and UGC sites such as Youtube, whereby they can reach to a wider teenage audience. However, the Daily Mail article treats teenagers in a less threatening way, as it explores how teenagers who join gangs are often neglected by their families and therefore resort to joining gangs in order to 'fit into the crowd' and be associated with people who understand them.
The front page of the Metro which was published on 21 February 2007 signifies the treatment of teenagers as a moral panic, as they use the Internet to advertise and recruit members into their gang. By posting videos of teenagers with firearms, drugs and fast cars, other audiences may be injected with ideologies that teenagers are a 'threat' and a 'menace' to society , as they are embedded with pluralistic and liberal values and are part of a moral panic, as they have the resource of the Internet to recruit new members, which may lead to a long term concern. Whats more, the teenagers are also more unethical, as they use violence to intimidate rivals and other teenagers and actively endorse violence. In relation to when the article was published , the media was rife with news related to gun and knife crime. In effect, a moral panic was created which advocated the ban of such guns and dangerous weapons and teenagers in particular were victims of knife and gun related attacks. In conjunction to this, the article stigmatizes teenagers for condoning violence and signifies how teenagers in gangs are threatening to the social order, as 'innocent' and 'naive' children can be involved in gangs and be trapped in gang warfare and live a life of violence.
In contrast, the Daily Mail article states that the treatment of teenagers is not a moral panic, as they themselves are a victim to a society which injects ideologies into them. By being influenced by crime films, TV programmes and black gangsta music, teenagers are influenced by what they see in music videos , as they get the impression that being a gangster is fashionable, therefore copy the style of a gangster as well as using slang. The fact that teenagers are in a group may make audiences deem them to be in a gang whereby they are violent. Moreover, it can be argued that the press treatment of teenagers is more than a moral panic, as the media is mainly to blame alongside family life and non existent role models which cause teenagers to end up joining gangs . The influx of ideologies enforced onto teenagers may result in them being desensitised and being unable to challenge the ideologies which are put onto them by the media. The lack of role models results in teenagers being susceptible to crime, as they may emulate relatives and be corrupted or dumbed down by what they see on television.
In both of the texts, the press often treat teenagers in a negative way, as The Metro front page features a moral panic, as teenagers have access to social networking sites such as Myspace and UGC sites such as Youtube, whereby they can reach to a wider teenage audience. However, the Daily Mail article treats teenagers in a less threatening way, as it explores how teenagers who join gangs are often neglected by their families and therefore resort to joining gangs in order to 'fit into the crowd' and be associated with people who understand them.
The front page of the Metro which was published on 21 February 2007 signifies the treatment of teenagers as a moral panic, as they use the Internet to advertise and recruit members into their gang. By posting videos of teenagers with firearms, drugs and fast cars, other audiences may be injected with ideologies that teenagers are a 'threat' and a 'menace' to society , as they are embedded with pluralistic and liberal values and are part of a moral panic, as they have the resource of the Internet to recruit new members, which may lead to a long term concern. Whats more, the teenagers are also more unethical, as they use violence to intimidate rivals and other teenagers and actively endorse violence. In relation to when the article was published , the media was rife with news related to gun and knife crime. In effect, a moral panic was created which advocated the ban of such guns and dangerous weapons and teenagers in particular were victims of knife and gun related attacks. In conjunction to this, the article stigmatizes teenagers for condoning violence and signifies how teenagers in gangs are threatening to the social order, as 'innocent' and 'naive' children can be involved in gangs and be trapped in gang warfare and live a life of violence.
In contrast, the Daily Mail article states that the treatment of teenagers is not a moral panic, as they themselves are a victim to a society which injects ideologies into them. By being influenced by crime films, TV programmes and black gangsta music, teenagers are influenced by what they see in music videos , as they get the impression that being a gangster is fashionable, therefore copy the style of a gangster as well as using slang. The fact that teenagers are in a group may make audiences deem them to be in a gang whereby they are violent. Moreover, it can be argued that the press treatment of teenagers is more than a moral panic, as the media is mainly to blame alongside family life and non existent role models which cause teenagers to end up joining gangs . The influx of ideologies enforced onto teenagers may result in them being desensitised and being unable to challenge the ideologies which are put onto them by the media. The lack of role models results in teenagers being susceptible to crime, as they may emulate relatives and be corrupted or dumbed down by what they see on television.
Section A Exam Questions
- Compare and contrast the two texts with particular reference to the representations of teenagers (8 marks)
Likewise, in The Daily Mail website, teenagers are represented as being influenced by violence, yet resent the term of being in a 'gang'. By being influenced by 'black gangsta music' and TV programmes such as 'Crime Watch', teenagers may be injected with the idea that being a 'gangster' is acceptable, as they can 'fit into a crowd' and can be expressive. However, audiences such as parents may prevent their children from entering gangs, as they can be prone to violence and be involved in conflict with rival gangs. The mention of 'gang culture' in the media, as evident in The Metro front page results in a wider moral panic, as parents may feel that the media is injecting teenagers with ideologies that being a gangster is cool and that wearing a distinct style of clothing makes you 'tough'.
Across both texts, teenagers are negatively represented as being socially deviant, as the Metro front page signifies how teenagers are influenced by teenagers from gangs to join their gang and are persuaded to be involved in a gang whereby they can be liberal, for example take drugs and be violent. Similarly, the Daily Mail article perpetuates the view that teenagers are negatively represented, due to a lock of authoritative role models and a disruptive family life. Therefore, teenagers are likely to join gangs , as they can 'fit into a crowd' and be understood by gang members. The mention of videos of gangs on Myspace and Youtube creates a moral panic, as audiences feel that teenagers are more violent and disrupt the status quo, as they are liberal and can appeal to teenagers on Yotube, thus signifying how social networking sites and UGC sites can be an outlet for gangs to recruit.
Essay Question
Media representations favour those with power at the expense of those without. To what extent do you think this statement is true?
In the media, the higher institutions create media representations which favour them in order to keep their positions stronger. Generally, media representations of teenagers in the media have often been constructed as being negative, especially with black males who are often linked with violence. Similarly, the media misrepresents ethnic minorities across platforms such as television and print , as they may pose a threat to the elite. By subordinating these representations, more dominant representations of white males for example may favour the elite. Evidently, obese people are another example of representations who are marginalised in society, yet gradually more representations of obese people are evident in the media, for example Glee includes dominant characters who are obese.
In regards to teenagers, media representations in the tabloid press and on the broadcast platform favour the elite, as they are often represented as being deviant and troublesome, as seen in the BBC television drama "Waterloo Road". The show gives a supposed 'accurate' representation of teenagers in a school setting and constructs teenagers boys such as Kyle Stack in particular to be deviant and troublesome. Therefore, these representations favour those with power, as they can inject ideologies into the audience that teenagers may disrupt the social order and be menaces to society.
In accordance, black teenage males are subject to being constructed as social deviants in the media, especially on the broadcast and print platforms. The negative representations of black males on television shows such as 'CrimeWatch' and in newspapers such as The Daily Mail and free sheets such as The Metro and The Evening Standard signifies that this group are threatening and creates a moral panic that convinces the audience to believe that teenage black males are deviant in society.
Likewise, the representation of homosexuals in the media favours those with power, as they are often marginalised in the media by the elite, in newspapers such as The Daily Mail. The representation of homosexuals in this newspaper is often misconstructed, as the elite try to subordinate other groups in order to remain powerful. In television shows such as 'Ugly Betty', homosexuals are often represented as being flamboyant, bitchy and melodramatic, as evident with Mark who is PA to Wilhemina Slater. By marginalising these characters, the elite would want to keep their position at the top and would want to instill ideologies into the audience that homosexuals are evil/ worthless in society.
In accordance to this, immigrants may also be marginalised by those in power, as the audience would be injected with the ideology that immigrants are threatening, as they steal people's jobs and are given accommodation first when they arrive in the UK. The media representation of immigrants is often mediated as being evil and threatening to society, as evident in the Daily Mail, where immigrants are victimised by the press for stealing British people's jobs. Therefore, the audience would immediately resent immigrants without necessarily understanding their situations and reasons why they have entered the UK.
The media representations of obese people favour those with power at the expense of those without, as obese people are victimised and resented particularly in the print platform, as fashion magazines such as Vogue and lads mags such as Zoo and Nuts don't include shapely/obese women in their magazines, as they feel that they are 'ugly' and 'undesirable'. In regards to Cohen, 'obese people are folk devils who violate societal values of self control', therefore media institutions may have a right to construct obese people as being undesirable and could marginalise this group as folk devils. By marginalising these characters , the powerful elite can have more of an influence on what the audience sees and injects messages into the audience that obesity and obese people are a concern to society.
In contrast, obese people can be alternatively represented in the media by the higher institutions, for example James Corden is one of the main characters in the BBC Drama 'Gavin and Stacey and is accepted for his appearance. Likewise, in Glee, Mercedes Jones is accepted for her weight and offers hope for other obese people to be successful in the media. Moreover, reality shows such as 'The Biggest Loser' and 'Supersize vs Superskinny' on ITV perpetuate the fair representation of obese people who desire to be accepted for wanting to be slim and are mediated in the show as being determined to succeed with their goal of losing weight.
Similarly, the representation of women in music videos tends to favour the elite, as particularly in hip hop and rap videos, women are objectified and subordinated in order to represent the lead male singer as dominant. Evidently, in Rihanna's 'Rude Boy' video, she is dressed in short, revealing clothing and is jirating around the man thus connoting her sexual desires. As well as this, her body is fetished in order to arouse the male's scopophilic pleasures, as the video and others by artists such as 50 cent and Lil Wayne feature women wearing scantily clad clothing and are dancing around the male. Generally, most of these videos subordinate women in order to assert the dominance of the male audience.
On the whole, media representations do, in fact favour those with power at the expense of those without, as representations of teenagers, homosexuals and immigrants are often mediated in the tabloid press, as well as other platforms as being deviant and threatening to the status quo. By marginalising these groups in the media, the elite inject messages into the audience that these groups are threatening and will affect society in a negative way. However, alternative representations of these groups in the media, for example obese people in reality television shows do give power to those without, as the alternative representations may widen the audience's understanding and make the audience realise that these groups pose no threat and should therefore be accepted in society.
In the media, the higher institutions create media representations which favour them in order to keep their positions stronger. Generally, media representations of teenagers in the media have often been constructed as being negative, especially with black males who are often linked with violence. Similarly, the media misrepresents ethnic minorities across platforms such as television and print , as they may pose a threat to the elite. By subordinating these representations, more dominant representations of white males for example may favour the elite. Evidently, obese people are another example of representations who are marginalised in society, yet gradually more representations of obese people are evident in the media, for example Glee includes dominant characters who are obese.
In regards to teenagers, media representations in the tabloid press and on the broadcast platform favour the elite, as they are often represented as being deviant and troublesome, as seen in the BBC television drama "Waterloo Road". The show gives a supposed 'accurate' representation of teenagers in a school setting and constructs teenagers boys such as Kyle Stack in particular to be deviant and troublesome. Therefore, these representations favour those with power, as they can inject ideologies into the audience that teenagers may disrupt the social order and be menaces to society.
In accordance, black teenage males are subject to being constructed as social deviants in the media, especially on the broadcast and print platforms. The negative representations of black males on television shows such as 'CrimeWatch' and in newspapers such as The Daily Mail and free sheets such as The Metro and The Evening Standard signifies that this group are threatening and creates a moral panic that convinces the audience to believe that teenage black males are deviant in society.
Likewise, the representation of homosexuals in the media favours those with power, as they are often marginalised in the media by the elite, in newspapers such as The Daily Mail. The representation of homosexuals in this newspaper is often misconstructed, as the elite try to subordinate other groups in order to remain powerful. In television shows such as 'Ugly Betty', homosexuals are often represented as being flamboyant, bitchy and melodramatic, as evident with Mark who is PA to Wilhemina Slater. By marginalising these characters, the elite would want to keep their position at the top and would want to instill ideologies into the audience that homosexuals are evil/ worthless in society.
In accordance to this, immigrants may also be marginalised by those in power, as the audience would be injected with the ideology that immigrants are threatening, as they steal people's jobs and are given accommodation first when they arrive in the UK. The media representation of immigrants is often mediated as being evil and threatening to society, as evident in the Daily Mail, where immigrants are victimised by the press for stealing British people's jobs. Therefore, the audience would immediately resent immigrants without necessarily understanding their situations and reasons why they have entered the UK.
The media representations of obese people favour those with power at the expense of those without, as obese people are victimised and resented particularly in the print platform, as fashion magazines such as Vogue and lads mags such as Zoo and Nuts don't include shapely/obese women in their magazines, as they feel that they are 'ugly' and 'undesirable'. In regards to Cohen, 'obese people are folk devils who violate societal values of self control', therefore media institutions may have a right to construct obese people as being undesirable and could marginalise this group as folk devils. By marginalising these characters , the powerful elite can have more of an influence on what the audience sees and injects messages into the audience that obesity and obese people are a concern to society.
In contrast, obese people can be alternatively represented in the media by the higher institutions, for example James Corden is one of the main characters in the BBC Drama 'Gavin and Stacey and is accepted for his appearance. Likewise, in Glee, Mercedes Jones is accepted for her weight and offers hope for other obese people to be successful in the media. Moreover, reality shows such as 'The Biggest Loser' and 'Supersize vs Superskinny' on ITV perpetuate the fair representation of obese people who desire to be accepted for wanting to be slim and are mediated in the show as being determined to succeed with their goal of losing weight.
Similarly, the representation of women in music videos tends to favour the elite, as particularly in hip hop and rap videos, women are objectified and subordinated in order to represent the lead male singer as dominant. Evidently, in Rihanna's 'Rude Boy' video, she is dressed in short, revealing clothing and is jirating around the man thus connoting her sexual desires. As well as this, her body is fetished in order to arouse the male's scopophilic pleasures, as the video and others by artists such as 50 cent and Lil Wayne feature women wearing scantily clad clothing and are dancing around the male. Generally, most of these videos subordinate women in order to assert the dominance of the male audience.
On the whole, media representations do, in fact favour those with power at the expense of those without, as representations of teenagers, homosexuals and immigrants are often mediated in the tabloid press, as well as other platforms as being deviant and threatening to the status quo. By marginalising these groups in the media, the elite inject messages into the audience that these groups are threatening and will affect society in a negative way. However, alternative representations of these groups in the media, for example obese people in reality television shows do give power to those without, as the alternative representations may widen the audience's understanding and make the audience realise that these groups pose no threat and should therefore be accepted in society.
Tuesday 29 March 2011
Did the washing machine change the world more than the internet?
In my opinion, the washing machine has changed the world more than the internet. Although the internet is helpful for information and entertainment, it is mainly for entertainment needs. Yet, internet has been beneficial in communication, as audiences can send and recieve messages in an instant. Moreover, the washing machine has been more revolutionary, as it has liberalised the roles of women, as the washing machine can wash clothes and give women more time to enjoy themselves and not feel restricted to housework tasks. The internet has made family communication less accessible, as the audience spends more time on the internet and less time on intellectual things such as reading. The washing machine on the other hand, has allowed women to be more liberal in terms of housework, and has allowed them to be more independent.
Monday 28 March 2011
Representation Essay Question
It has been said that media representations often reflect social and political concerns of the age in which they are created. Discuss
Over the years, media representations have been constructed in order to reflect the zeitgeist of different years. Notably, the rise of the femme fatale in the early 1940s and 50s challenged the earlier representations of women as housewives, with films such as 'Double Indemnity' (1944) representing women as being powerful and seductive. Nowadays, the constant celebrification of celebrities, reflects social concerns, as the audience are obsessed with celebrities and are able to approach them , with social networking sites such as Twitter bridging the gap between the audience and the celebrity. In music videos, women are subordinated and sexually objectified, as evident in Rihanna's video 'Rude Boy'.Yet, specific media representations may reflect important social and political concerns, such as obesity. The growth of shows based around healthy eating and exercise, for example 'The Biggest Loser' are an example of the social concern, as obese people are often misrepresented as being undesirable and lazy or even marginalised as token characters in films or television shows.
The emergence of the femme fatale in the 1940s and 50s reflected the social and political concerns of that age, as women were being constructed as being dominant and powerful, in contrast to their stereotypical representation as housewives, as seen in television advertising, for example Fairy washing up detergent. Evidently, the film noir genre signified women as the seductive, yet dangerous characters, as seen in 'Double Indemnity' (1994) where Phyllis Dietrichson plays a beautiful yet dangerous femme fatale character, who threatens male superiority. The emergence of the femme fatale certianly confounded fears in men about women having power, as men tried to maintain the status quo by having more power, as evident in television advertising, where 35% of the TV charcters were female in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. However, in the 1970s, women stood up for equality to men and resorted to marches and publicity stunts such as 'burning their bras' in order to speak out against patriachy and misogny towards women.
Likewise, media representations reflect the social and political concerns the age in which they are created, as women in music videos are objectified and subordinated as sex objects. Music videos by Rihanna signify women as sex objects, as they are positioned around the dominant male and are dressed in revealing clothes such as bikinis. As Goffman states, "Men are shown in positions of intelligence. Women are physically portrayed in sexual or reclining poses with blank or inviting expressions." Therefore, women are subordinated in music videos and are dismembered by the use of close up shots to their bodies, such as the breasts or the legs , therefore men gain scocophilic pleasures out of watching women . In contrast, specific videos by Lady Gaga challenge the representation of women, as in her video 'Alejandro', she is constructed as being dominant and powerful, as signified by her black leather costume and position on a higher throne. The video challenges the representation of men, as they are subordinated and objectified, as signified by the fact that they are wearing women's tights and are chained by collars.
The representation of obesity in the media reflects the zeitgeist of the current age, as this issue is regarded as a moral panic in society, with campaigns by the BHF ( British Heart Foundation) to encourage people to exercise and be healthy by eating the right type of food. Moreover, obese people across the media have been marginalised and stereotypically represented as being lazy, greedy and undesirable, as seen with 'Fat Bastard' in Austin Powers , the Obese zombie woman who eats fingers in 'Doghouse', Peter Griffin in Family Guy and other misrepresented stereotypes. As Stanley Cohen suggests, "obese people are treated as folk devils who violate societal values of self control". Therefore, obese people have themselves to blame for their appearance and should be marginalised in society. In most films and television programmes, the obese person is often the 'token character' who is included in order to be ridiculed by the audience for their appearance. Similarly, obese people are also 'ostracized' or expelled from fictional platforms such as magazine advertising due to their appearance.
In conjunction to this, the media representation of obese people reflects a political concern, as well as a social concern, as the UK government is trying to limit obesity by enforcing campaigns to urge obese people to exercise and turn to eating healthier foods such as fruits and veg, e.g. Five a Day. However, alternative representations of obese people in the media shows how determined they are to become thin, for example The Biggest Loser and Supersize vs Superskinny fairly represents obese people as being focused and determined to shed the pounds for personal reasons and are supported by professionals and trainers to achieve thier goal. In these shows, the working class obese people are given a chance to represent themselves positively.
In conclusion, media representations do reflect social and political concerns of the age in which they are created, as they are reflecting the zeitgeist of the age, with representations of women, obese people and celebrities reflecting the audience's desires to what they want to see. By including obese people on television, the audience get a chance to see that obese people desire to want to be thin and have a right to be accepted in society. Similarly, women in specific music videos should be dominant as oppossed to passive.
Over the years, media representations have been constructed in order to reflect the zeitgeist of different years. Notably, the rise of the femme fatale in the early 1940s and 50s challenged the earlier representations of women as housewives, with films such as 'Double Indemnity' (1944) representing women as being powerful and seductive. Nowadays, the constant celebrification of celebrities, reflects social concerns, as the audience are obsessed with celebrities and are able to approach them , with social networking sites such as Twitter bridging the gap between the audience and the celebrity. In music videos, women are subordinated and sexually objectified, as evident in Rihanna's video 'Rude Boy'.Yet, specific media representations may reflect important social and political concerns, such as obesity. The growth of shows based around healthy eating and exercise, for example 'The Biggest Loser' are an example of the social concern, as obese people are often misrepresented as being undesirable and lazy or even marginalised as token characters in films or television shows.
The emergence of the femme fatale in the 1940s and 50s reflected the social and political concerns of that age, as women were being constructed as being dominant and powerful, in contrast to their stereotypical representation as housewives, as seen in television advertising, for example Fairy washing up detergent. Evidently, the film noir genre signified women as the seductive, yet dangerous characters, as seen in 'Double Indemnity' (1994) where Phyllis Dietrichson plays a beautiful yet dangerous femme fatale character, who threatens male superiority. The emergence of the femme fatale certianly confounded fears in men about women having power, as men tried to maintain the status quo by having more power, as evident in television advertising, where 35% of the TV charcters were female in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. However, in the 1970s, women stood up for equality to men and resorted to marches and publicity stunts such as 'burning their bras' in order to speak out against patriachy and misogny towards women.
Likewise, media representations reflect the social and political concerns the age in which they are created, as women in music videos are objectified and subordinated as sex objects. Music videos by Rihanna signify women as sex objects, as they are positioned around the dominant male and are dressed in revealing clothes such as bikinis. As Goffman states, "Men are shown in positions of intelligence. Women are physically portrayed in sexual or reclining poses with blank or inviting expressions." Therefore, women are subordinated in music videos and are dismembered by the use of close up shots to their bodies, such as the breasts or the legs , therefore men gain scocophilic pleasures out of watching women . In contrast, specific videos by Lady Gaga challenge the representation of women, as in her video 'Alejandro', she is constructed as being dominant and powerful, as signified by her black leather costume and position on a higher throne. The video challenges the representation of men, as they are subordinated and objectified, as signified by the fact that they are wearing women's tights and are chained by collars.
The representation of obesity in the media reflects the zeitgeist of the current age, as this issue is regarded as a moral panic in society, with campaigns by the BHF ( British Heart Foundation) to encourage people to exercise and be healthy by eating the right type of food. Moreover, obese people across the media have been marginalised and stereotypically represented as being lazy, greedy and undesirable, as seen with 'Fat Bastard' in Austin Powers , the Obese zombie woman who eats fingers in 'Doghouse', Peter Griffin in Family Guy and other misrepresented stereotypes. As Stanley Cohen suggests, "obese people are treated as folk devils who violate societal values of self control". Therefore, obese people have themselves to blame for their appearance and should be marginalised in society. In most films and television programmes, the obese person is often the 'token character' who is included in order to be ridiculed by the audience for their appearance. Similarly, obese people are also 'ostracized' or expelled from fictional platforms such as magazine advertising due to their appearance.
In conjunction to this, the media representation of obese people reflects a political concern, as well as a social concern, as the UK government is trying to limit obesity by enforcing campaigns to urge obese people to exercise and turn to eating healthier foods such as fruits and veg, e.g. Five a Day. However, alternative representations of obese people in the media shows how determined they are to become thin, for example The Biggest Loser and Supersize vs Superskinny fairly represents obese people as being focused and determined to shed the pounds for personal reasons and are supported by professionals and trainers to achieve thier goal. In these shows, the working class obese people are given a chance to represent themselves positively.
In conclusion, media representations do reflect social and political concerns of the age in which they are created, as they are reflecting the zeitgeist of the age, with representations of women, obese people and celebrities reflecting the audience's desires to what they want to see. By including obese people on television, the audience get a chance to see that obese people desire to want to be thin and have a right to be accepted in society. Similarly, women in specific music videos should be dominant as oppossed to passive.
Tuesday 22 March 2011
Net Neutraility Questions
What is Net Neutraility?
Net Neutraility is when all users have the right to send and receive packets of information equally. The consumers have the right to have the required amount of broadband speed which is offered to them by their ISPs , for example Virgin offers the full 10 mb to its customers and no less than that.
The internet traffic should be kept at the same speed
Is the internet neutral ?
In my opinion, the internet may not be neutral , as consumers have lower internet speeds depending on where they live, for example, consumers may get lower speeds if they are living further away from the internet station. The fact that ISPs offer higher speeds leads to competition between ISPs who are offering higher speeds. Yet, more people may have slower internet speeds due to file sharing, music downloading and movie downloads.
Should it be?
The internet should be neutral, as consumers should have the full required internet speed for their internet, as they are paying for the service. Yet, it can be argued that the internet should not be neutral, as consumers should be penalised by having their internet speed slowed down due to illegal music downloading, file sharing and movie downloading.
Net Neutraility is when all users have the right to send and receive packets of information equally. The consumers have the right to have the required amount of broadband speed which is offered to them by their ISPs , for example Virgin offers the full 10 mb to its customers and no less than that.
The internet traffic should be kept at the same speed
Is the internet neutral ?
In my opinion, the internet may not be neutral , as consumers have lower internet speeds depending on where they live, for example, consumers may get lower speeds if they are living further away from the internet station. The fact that ISPs offer higher speeds leads to competition between ISPs who are offering higher speeds. Yet, more people may have slower internet speeds due to file sharing, music downloading and movie downloads.
Should it be?
The internet should be neutral, as consumers should have the full required internet speed for their internet, as they are paying for the service. Yet, it can be argued that the internet should not be neutral, as consumers should be penalised by having their internet speed slowed down due to illegal music downloading, file sharing and movie downloading.
New York Times article on Net Neutrality
This article is gives an opinion on net neutraility and the fact that the policies surrounding net neutrality were slowed, as critics were skeptical of the plans by Google and Verizon, as consumers would have to be charged for a faster broadband service
Key points from the article:
Net Neutrality Policy Discussions Were Slowed
By VERNE G. KOPYTOFF
Julius Genachowski, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, said on Wednesday that he did not welcome a recent proposal by Google and Verizon about how to regulate Internet service. “I would have preferred if they didn’t do exactly what they did, when they did,” Mr. Genachowski said at the Web 2.0 Summit conference in San Francisco. “It slowed down some of the processes.”
Google and Verizon said in August that they supported rules that would block Internet service providers from charging companies more to send their content over a “fast lane.”
"... rules should not apply to Internet service over mobile phone networks or for any new broadband services rolled out in the future".
"... charging more for faster service would give an advantage to bigger companies and harm innovation".
"... the F.C.C. lacked the authority to keep Internet service providers – Comcast, in this case – from selectively slowing or blocking Internet traffic for certain services".
“We will make sure that we get the rules right, we need to make sure that what we do maximizes innovation and investment across the ecosystem.”
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/17/net-neutrality-policy-discussions-were-slowed/?ref=netneutrality
Key points from the article:
Net Neutrality Policy Discussions Were Slowed
By VERNE G. KOPYTOFF
Julius Genachowski, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, said on Wednesday that he did not welcome a recent proposal by Google and Verizon about how to regulate Internet service. “I would have preferred if they didn’t do exactly what they did, when they did,” Mr. Genachowski said at the Web 2.0 Summit conference in San Francisco. “It slowed down some of the processes.”
Google and Verizon said in August that they supported rules that would block Internet service providers from charging companies more to send their content over a “fast lane.”
"... rules should not apply to Internet service over mobile phone networks or for any new broadband services rolled out in the future".
"... charging more for faster service would give an advantage to bigger companies and harm innovation".
"... the F.C.C. lacked the authority to keep Internet service providers – Comcast, in this case – from selectively slowing or blocking Internet traffic for certain services".
“We will make sure that we get the rules right, we need to make sure that what we do maximizes innovation and investment across the ecosystem.”
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/17/net-neutrality-policy-discussions-were-slowed/?ref=netneutrality
Sunday 20 March 2011
The Telegraph Article on Net Neutrality
This article from The Telegraph gives a more solid opinion on net neutrality, as Barry Diller believes that net neutrality enables the consumers to have a fair right to access the same internet speed to everyone else. By not having net neutrality, consumers are 'held to ransom' by internet service providers and are not allowed to have the full broadband speed which was offered to them by their ISP. Diller feels that like any other utility, consumers should be given the right to get what they pay for- the required speed of broadband.
Net neutrality should be law, says media tycoon
Key points from article
Barry Diller, the chairman of IAC, which owns a host of internet companies, including Ask.com, Vimeo and The Daily Beast, has called for net neutrality to be enshrined in US law.
Speaking at South By Southwest in Austin, Texas, Diller said: “We need an unambiguous rule - a law - that nobody will step between the publisher and the consumer, full stop.”
"... without net neutrality, which guarantees that all internet traffic will be treated equally, regardless of its type, a small number of companies would be able to hold consumers “to ransom”.
Diller said that '.... internet access should be a utility, like electricity, and that service providers demands to be allowed to charge different amounts for different types of traffic was like “asking the toaster to pay for the electricity”.
“The internet is a miracle. It shouldn’t have happened [...] You push a button and you publish to the world.”
"... attempts to limit net neutrality were an attack on that freedom."
Diller echoed those views, saying that he had asked a cable company executive why he was against net neutrality, despite the inherent fairness of treating all traffic equally. The executive, who Diller did not name, told him: “Fairness has nothing to do with it. We get all the money right now. We don’t want anyone else to get the money and that’s why we’re against net neutrality.”
In Britain, the Government has refused to back net neutrality but Ed Vaizey, the Communications Minister, told the Telegraph last year that his priority was “an open internet”. He said: “Should the internet develop in a way that was detrimental to consumer interests we would seek to intervene.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/sxsw/8382431/Net-neutrality-should-be-law-says-media-tycoon.html
Net neutrality should be law, says media tycoon
Key points from article
Barry Diller, the chairman of IAC, which owns a host of internet companies, including Ask.com, Vimeo and The Daily Beast, has called for net neutrality to be enshrined in US law.
Speaking at South By Southwest in Austin, Texas, Diller said: “We need an unambiguous rule - a law - that nobody will step between the publisher and the consumer, full stop.”
"... without net neutrality, which guarantees that all internet traffic will be treated equally, regardless of its type, a small number of companies would be able to hold consumers “to ransom”.
Diller said that '.... internet access should be a utility, like electricity, and that service providers demands to be allowed to charge different amounts for different types of traffic was like “asking the toaster to pay for the electricity”.
“The internet is a miracle. It shouldn’t have happened [...] You push a button and you publish to the world.”
"... attempts to limit net neutrality were an attack on that freedom."
Diller echoed those views, saying that he had asked a cable company executive why he was against net neutrality, despite the inherent fairness of treating all traffic equally. The executive, who Diller did not name, told him: “Fairness has nothing to do with it. We get all the money right now. We don’t want anyone else to get the money and that’s why we’re against net neutrality.”
In Britain, the Government has refused to back net neutrality but Ed Vaizey, the Communications Minister, told the Telegraph last year that his priority was “an open internet”. He said: “Should the internet develop in a way that was detrimental to consumer interests we would seek to intervene.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/sxsw/8382431/Net-neutrality-should-be-law-says-media-tycoon.html
The Guardian Article on Net Neutrality
This article from The Guardian is based around net neutraility and the fact that ISPs ( Internet Service Providers) are willing to shift to a 'two speed internet' policy, where consumers get the full speed broadband they are offered. However, the ISPs are also trying to find ways of reducing the internet traffic if consumers are video viewing, music streaming or movie downloading illegally.
ISPs to outline stance on net neutrality
Key points from the article
BT, Sky and Virgin Media – along with the rest of Britain's leading internet service providers – will next week outline an industry-wide "code of practice" on how they explain controversial "two-speed internet" policies to customers.
The ISPs plan to publish how they manage internet traffic – such as video viewing, music streaming and movie downloading – in comparison to their rivals. That will make clear if they throttle popular services such as the BBC's iPlayer to maintain capacity for all customers on their network.
However, the companies – whose ranks also include the leading mobile operators – will not commit to a minimum service standard, even though some phone companies believe that "there should be a basic commitment to let people browse everything on the internet".
The agreement follows a wide-ranging debate on "net neutrality" – whether ISPs should be allowed to charge content companies such as the BBC or Google for faster delivery to the nation's homes.
Under the plans, described as a "voluntary code of conduct" by people at the meeting, ISPs will be compelled to publish a "scorecard" of how they speed up and slow down traffic and for which companies. But internet providers will still be allowed to throttle public access to video and peer-to-peer services if they wish.
Most ISPs manage traffic at peak times to enable faster speeds for their customers. The BBC has been in fights with ISPs over the amount of bandwidth used to stream its iPlayer service.
In November, the corporation said it would introduce a "traffic light system" on the iPlayer, so that viewers could say whether their connection was being slowed down by providers.
Mark Thompson, the BBC director general, publicly intervened in the net neutrality debate in January, saying an internet "fast lane" could undermine the corporation's responsibility to deliver programming to the nation's homes.
"As the web becomes a vehicle for the transport of richer and richer content, the question of whether all content from all providers is treated equally by the networks becomes ever sharper," he said.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/mar/09/isps-outline-stance-net-neutrality
ISPs to outline stance on net neutrality
Key points from the article
BT, Sky and Virgin Media – along with the rest of Britain's leading internet service providers – will next week outline an industry-wide "code of practice" on how they explain controversial "two-speed internet" policies to customers.
The ISPs plan to publish how they manage internet traffic – such as video viewing, music streaming and movie downloading – in comparison to their rivals. That will make clear if they throttle popular services such as the BBC's iPlayer to maintain capacity for all customers on their network.
However, the companies – whose ranks also include the leading mobile operators – will not commit to a minimum service standard, even though some phone companies believe that "there should be a basic commitment to let people browse everything on the internet".
The agreement follows a wide-ranging debate on "net neutrality" – whether ISPs should be allowed to charge content companies such as the BBC or Google for faster delivery to the nation's homes.
Under the plans, described as a "voluntary code of conduct" by people at the meeting, ISPs will be compelled to publish a "scorecard" of how they speed up and slow down traffic and for which companies. But internet providers will still be allowed to throttle public access to video and peer-to-peer services if they wish.
Most ISPs manage traffic at peak times to enable faster speeds for their customers. The BBC has been in fights with ISPs over the amount of bandwidth used to stream its iPlayer service.
In November, the corporation said it would introduce a "traffic light system" on the iPlayer, so that viewers could say whether their connection was being slowed down by providers.
Mark Thompson, the BBC director general, publicly intervened in the net neutrality debate in January, saying an internet "fast lane" could undermine the corporation's responsibility to deliver programming to the nation's homes.
"As the web becomes a vehicle for the transport of richer and richer content, the question of whether all content from all providers is treated equally by the networks becomes ever sharper," he said.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/mar/09/isps-outline-stance-net-neutrality
Tuesday 8 March 2011
Practice Exam Question
"Digital Media, has , in many ways changed how we consume media products. Who do you think benefits most- audiences or producers?
In today's society, digital media has managed to change the way in which the audience can consume media products, as platforms such as e media allow the audience to watch news and be updated on the latest rolling news stories via websites such as BBC news, Channel 4 and ITV. In addition, the audience have freedom of speech on the e media platform, as they can create their own videos and comment on videos made by other people. Similarly, the broadcast platform benefits the audience, as they can record TV shows they have missed on their PVRs and can watch +1 channels which have been time shifted to meet the needs of the audience. As well as the audience, producers can benefit from digital media, as companies such as Apple have the power to accept or reject applications, yet developers can generate profit from selling their products on an Apple app. In addition, producers can benefit from advertising on websites as well as social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, where adverts are tailored to the audiences' interests.
On one hand, producers may benefit more from digital media, as the e media platform enables them to appeal to a wider audience. Notably, producers can use online advertising as a way of appealing to specific audiences, for example teenagers. Adverts such as Orange mobile which appears on the Facebook homepage is aimed at teenagers, as the company intends to attract a younger audience to sign a mobile phone contract with Orange as well as other offers aimed at a teenage demographic. As well as this adverts for concerts and marketing for radio stations such as Capital Radio encourages the audience to consume their products. In regards to news, newspaper companies such as The Guardian have a comments section beneath every article, which benefits them , as they can be informed of what people think of news stories and current affairs. Similarly, the availability of blogs on the internet , as well as journalist pages on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter encourage a mutual relationship between the producers and the audience, as journalists may use the audiences' blog for research, with audiences responding to articles by journalists on the comments section in The Guardian. Though, the audience may be of use for journalists, as they may provide evidence surrounding injustices, as seen with the Ian Tomlinson incident, where he was beaten by police. By accessing a video of the incident, journalist Paul Lewis was able to scrutinise the police and benefited from the mutualistion of news with the audience.
Furthermore, the producers may benefit from digital media, as companies such as Apple can reject or accept application proposals by developers, hence benefiting from having the power to control what is in the App Store. Though, it can be adjudged that the developers benefit more, as they get 70% worth of revenue from having their apps in the App store and monitoring the App Store. As well as this, media conglomerates such as News Corp have taken advantage of change in digital media, as Murdoch's launch of The Daily, an exclusive online newspaper benefits producers, as the dynamic content has been aggregated and written by over 100 journalists from News Corp's host of newspapers , for example The New York Post, The New Yorker and News International. By having a push subscription feature, The Daily can generate profit , which would benefit the producers as well as News Corp, as it the first online newspaper on a handheld device. Though, producers of news based apps such as The Guardian, Yahoo News, New York Times can benefit by having their products on a smart phones such as Blackberries, Iphones and Android phones.
On the contrary, it can be argued that audiences benefit the most from digital media, as they can subscribe to RSS feeds based around any categories, for example sport, current affairs, on news websites such as BBC News, as well as newspaper websites such as The Guardian, The Independent and The Observer and a host of newspaper sites. Whats more, audiences have the chance to catch up on programmes they have missed on catch up services such as BBC iplayer, ITV player and Channel 4OD. By having this service, audiences can select a specific time to watch their favourite programmes and are not restricted to a daily schedule. Similarly, on the broadcast platform, audiences can record TV shows on their PVRs (Personal Video Recorders) and can watch +1 channels which are time shifted in order for the audience to watch their favourite shows.
In accordance to this, the Apple App store benefits the audience, as they are more plural in the fact that they can purchase apps based around their interests for example, business apps or gaming apps. The range of apps available in different categories offers gratifications to the audience, as the apps may be tailored to a specific group such as businessmen, parents and teenagers, as well as explorers and mainstreamers, as the app store is a big brand product, with new apps being launched every day. By having a wide variety of apps, audiences such as teenagers may purchase game apps for diversion , as well as apps for keeping current, as the A and B socio economic group might want to be updated by the latest news. Furthermore, the apps may also encourage personal identity, as the audience can improve their character, with apps such as Goal Happy focusing on organisation and work. These apps may also allow the audiences such as single people to form relationships, as evident with apps such as Mind The Gap which informs the user of love nearby. In addition, the audience may also purchase apps in order to fulfill their esteem needs and self actualisation needs, as specific apps are focused on productivity, for example Mind Your Business is aimed at businessmen and appointments which can be made or cancelled. The presence of these apps may make the audiences' life more convenient and beneficial, as they as they are regarded as 'status symbols' and contain a range of apps which can be accessed in one device.
Another way in which the audience benefits from digital media is that they can create their own content and are active producers of texts. The rise of citizen journalism benefits the audience, as they can voice their opinions towards injustice, as seen with the student protests, where students campaigned against higher tuition fees. Similarly, the audience have also been crucial in showing injustice surrounding the police, who have been beating protesters in protests, as evident with the G20 protests. In accordance to this, audiences can be informed of the scandals surrounding the government, as illustrated with MP's expenses in 2010, where MPs were scrutinised for thier spending of tax payer's money on themselves. Notably, the Wikileaks dossier which exposes different government secrets to the audience, thus resulting in a transparent government.
On the whole, it can be argued that audiences benefit more from digital media rather than producers, as they can produce their own content on viral sites such as Youtube and can have freedom of speech on blogs and contribute with journalists, as well as with journalism, as they can document the injustices of governments or certain individuals, for example Colonel Gaddafi in Libya and can document footage of events as they unfold, rather than being passive viewers of news. As well as this, the audience have the ability to watch news on catch up services such as BBC iplayer, ITV player and Channel 4OD and can also record shows which they have missed via PVRs, thus making it convenient for them to watch their shows at any time. As well as this, smart phones may benefit the audience, as they can purchase apps on the App store which may be based around their interests, for example games, sport.
On one hand, producers may benefit more from digital media, as the e media platform enables them to appeal to a wider audience. Notably, producers can use online advertising as a way of appealing to specific audiences, for example teenagers. Adverts such as Orange mobile which appears on the Facebook homepage is aimed at teenagers, as the company intends to attract a younger audience to sign a mobile phone contract with Orange as well as other offers aimed at a teenage demographic. As well as this adverts for concerts and marketing for radio stations such as Capital Radio encourages the audience to consume their products. In regards to news, newspaper companies such as The Guardian have a comments section beneath every article, which benefits them , as they can be informed of what people think of news stories and current affairs. Similarly, the availability of blogs on the internet , as well as journalist pages on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter encourage a mutual relationship between the producers and the audience, as journalists may use the audiences' blog for research, with audiences responding to articles by journalists on the comments section in The Guardian. Though, the audience may be of use for journalists, as they may provide evidence surrounding injustices, as seen with the Ian Tomlinson incident, where he was beaten by police. By accessing a video of the incident, journalist Paul Lewis was able to scrutinise the police and benefited from the mutualistion of news with the audience.
Furthermore, the producers may benefit from digital media, as companies such as Apple can reject or accept application proposals by developers, hence benefiting from having the power to control what is in the App Store. Though, it can be adjudged that the developers benefit more, as they get 70% worth of revenue from having their apps in the App store and monitoring the App Store. As well as this, media conglomerates such as News Corp have taken advantage of change in digital media, as Murdoch's launch of The Daily, an exclusive online newspaper benefits producers, as the dynamic content has been aggregated and written by over 100 journalists from News Corp's host of newspapers , for example The New York Post, The New Yorker and News International. By having a push subscription feature, The Daily can generate profit , which would benefit the producers as well as News Corp, as it the first online newspaper on a handheld device. Though, producers of news based apps such as The Guardian, Yahoo News, New York Times can benefit by having their products on a smart phones such as Blackberries, Iphones and Android phones.
On the contrary, it can be argued that audiences benefit the most from digital media, as they can subscribe to RSS feeds based around any categories, for example sport, current affairs, on news websites such as BBC News, as well as newspaper websites such as The Guardian, The Independent and The Observer and a host of newspaper sites. Whats more, audiences have the chance to catch up on programmes they have missed on catch up services such as BBC iplayer, ITV player and Channel 4OD. By having this service, audiences can select a specific time to watch their favourite programmes and are not restricted to a daily schedule. Similarly, on the broadcast platform, audiences can record TV shows on their PVRs (Personal Video Recorders) and can watch +1 channels which are time shifted in order for the audience to watch their favourite shows.
In accordance to this, the Apple App store benefits the audience, as they are more plural in the fact that they can purchase apps based around their interests for example, business apps or gaming apps. The range of apps available in different categories offers gratifications to the audience, as the apps may be tailored to a specific group such as businessmen, parents and teenagers, as well as explorers and mainstreamers, as the app store is a big brand product, with new apps being launched every day. By having a wide variety of apps, audiences such as teenagers may purchase game apps for diversion , as well as apps for keeping current, as the A and B socio economic group might want to be updated by the latest news. Furthermore, the apps may also encourage personal identity, as the audience can improve their character, with apps such as Goal Happy focusing on organisation and work. These apps may also allow the audiences such as single people to form relationships, as evident with apps such as Mind The Gap which informs the user of love nearby. In addition, the audience may also purchase apps in order to fulfill their esteem needs and self actualisation needs, as specific apps are focused on productivity, for example Mind Your Business is aimed at businessmen and appointments which can be made or cancelled. The presence of these apps may make the audiences' life more convenient and beneficial, as they as they are regarded as 'status symbols' and contain a range of apps which can be accessed in one device.
Another way in which the audience benefits from digital media is that they can create their own content and are active producers of texts. The rise of citizen journalism benefits the audience, as they can voice their opinions towards injustice, as seen with the student protests, where students campaigned against higher tuition fees. Similarly, the audience have also been crucial in showing injustice surrounding the police, who have been beating protesters in protests, as evident with the G20 protests. In accordance to this, audiences can be informed of the scandals surrounding the government, as illustrated with MP's expenses in 2010, where MPs were scrutinised for thier spending of tax payer's money on themselves. Notably, the Wikileaks dossier which exposes different government secrets to the audience, thus resulting in a transparent government.
On the whole, it can be argued that audiences benefit more from digital media rather than producers, as they can produce their own content on viral sites such as Youtube and can have freedom of speech on blogs and contribute with journalists, as well as with journalism, as they can document the injustices of governments or certain individuals, for example Colonel Gaddafi in Libya and can document footage of events as they unfold, rather than being passive viewers of news. As well as this, the audience have the ability to watch news on catch up services such as BBC iplayer, ITV player and Channel 4OD and can also record shows which they have missed via PVRs, thus making it convenient for them to watch their shows at any time. As well as this, smart phones may benefit the audience, as they can purchase apps on the App store which may be based around their interests, for example games, sport.
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