Monday 11 April 2011
How is gender represented in this extract of Dr Who?
In this extract of Dr Who, a sci-fi TV drama genders have different roles.
Tuesday 5 April 2011
Controversity in Representing Ethnic Diversity.
The producer of Midsummer Murders has said that the part of the show's appeal is the absence of ethnic minorities and that the series wouldn't work if there was any racial diversity in the village life. He has been suspended for the comments he made however it rises the question whether ethnic diversity should be represented or whether the creators should be allowed the choice to exclude ethnically diverse characters.
Since 9/11 political issues are frequently involved when we see certain ethnic groups represented. Religion is a key signifier here. Religious figures being negatively represented and secular (non-religious) figures are treated more positively. The most negative stereotype of Muslim, Asian/Middle Eastern characters is similar to the old stereotype of the Northern Irish. (violent/backwards/deeply religious/fanatical)
More sympathetic representations may focus on issues of social class and status however working class black youths are commonly stereotyped as criminal, a stereotype that is spreading to Asian youths too.
With black youths in particular there is often a representation of heavily Americanised characters through language, dress and musical tastes for example. There may also be white racist characters to deal with.
Are different ethnic groups represented as having more in common than they do differences?
Sometimes ethnic groups are grouped together to make it easier to identify as a larger group e.g. black/Asian/white groups may be grouped together when representing teenagers
However sometimes TV dramas will use the stereotypical differences between ethnic groups to help the audience identify the group/character and their part in the story in a short amount of time.
Since 9/11 political issues are frequently involved when we see certain ethnic groups represented. Religion is a key signifier here. Religious figures being negatively represented and secular (non-religious) figures are treated more positively. The most negative stereotype of Muslim, Asian/Middle Eastern characters is similar to the old stereotype of the Northern Irish. (violent/backwards/deeply religious/fanatical)
More sympathetic representations may focus on issues of social class and status however working class black youths are commonly stereotyped as criminal, a stereotype that is spreading to Asian youths too.
With black youths in particular there is often a representation of heavily Americanised characters through language, dress and musical tastes for example. There may also be white racist characters to deal with.
Are different ethnic groups represented as having more in common than they do differences?
Sometimes ethnic groups are grouped together to make it easier to identify as a larger group e.g. black/Asian/white groups may be grouped together when representing teenagers
However sometimes TV dramas will use the stereotypical differences between ethnic groups to help the audience identify the group/character and their part in the story in a short amount of time.
Monday 4 April 2011
Extract from Secret Diary of a Call Girl - Disability Representation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auSAGvpM7W8
At the beginning the camera started at Belle's height but when she opened the door the camera automatically pans down to Blake's level which suggests he has less control in this situation. This is backed up by the fact his Dad has to accompany him and help him get out of his wheelchair and onto the bed. Blake's lack of control and ability in this situation is emphasised in the height difference between Blake and his Dad. The typical stereotype of disability is used here because his is represented as being unable to do basic things and there is a sense of awkwardness from his Dad and Belle about the situation. Belle is being particularly sensitive about the situation and more so that she would with other clients so this represents that in society there is a noticeable difference in they way able and disabled people are treated. The soundtrack is very slow and long which gives the audience a feeling of the unease in the room and also builds up sympathy for Blake. The room is quite light and luxurious with the fancy bed and the champagne glasses which make Blake look even more out of place because he is wearing quite dark clothing compared with Belle's light blue silk-style dress.
At the beginning the camera started at Belle's height but when she opened the door the camera automatically pans down to Blake's level which suggests he has less control in this situation. This is backed up by the fact his Dad has to accompany him and help him get out of his wheelchair and onto the bed. Blake's lack of control and ability in this situation is emphasised in the height difference between Blake and his Dad. The typical stereotype of disability is used here because his is represented as being unable to do basic things and there is a sense of awkwardness from his Dad and Belle about the situation. Belle is being particularly sensitive about the situation and more so that she would with other clients so this represents that in society there is a noticeable difference in they way able and disabled people are treated. The soundtrack is very slow and long which gives the audience a feeling of the unease in the room and also builds up sympathy for Blake. The room is quite light and luxurious with the fancy bed and the champagne glasses which make Blake look even more out of place because he is wearing quite dark clothing compared with Belle's light blue silk-style dress.
Sunday 3 April 2011
Todorov's Theory in Due Date
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf2AfVESbx0
Todorov's theory was that at the beginning of a narrative something would happen to disrupt the state of equilibrium of the main character. The story would then show the struggle of the main character to get back to normal. This is true in the case of Due Date because the main character, Peter, is about to return home where his wife is about to have their child which would normally be simple. However, he meets Ethan who gets him kicked off the plane and they ultimately have to journey together to get to LA which Ethan doesn't make easy for Peter. In the end they reach LA in time for Peter to be there for the delivery of his child, Peter and Ethan become friends and in the last scene Ethan is shown having achieved his dream of becoming an actor and Peter is with his family.
Todorov's theory was that at the beginning of a narrative something would happen to disrupt the state of equilibrium of the main character. The story would then show the struggle of the main character to get back to normal. This is true in the case of Due Date because the main character, Peter, is about to return home where his wife is about to have their child which would normally be simple. However, he meets Ethan who gets him kicked off the plane and they ultimately have to journey together to get to LA which Ethan doesn't make easy for Peter. In the end they reach LA in time for Peter to be there for the delivery of his child, Peter and Ethan become friends and in the last scene Ethan is shown having achieved his dream of becoming an actor and Peter is with his family.
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