representation

Representation:

MM50:

1.) "The Female Gaze" - an article that explores the "gaze" on women, portrayed by the media to preferably have a perfect body - tiny waist, flawless hair, makeup etc, etc - things that just can't be achieved on a realistic level. The article explores what is called 'sizeism', explaining an enforced view and expectation of women to have the perfect size, as well as the effects of it on women, such as anxiety, self-esteem doubts, etc.

2.) A film documentary that actually speaks out on this topic, "A Perfect 14" introduces various terminologies, such as listed before (sizeism) such as 'weightism'. The purpose of the documentary is to essentially expose the true and realistic side difference between what you see in the media for appeal (photoshopped, unrealistic and impossible images), rather than realistically of what woman should and are actually like, which is also unsurprisingly normal. The documentary demonstrates the use of different media theories, and holds convincing things such as interviews from the "experts" in the field.

3.) A media expert, Laura Mulvey introduces the 'Male Gaze', where instead women view other women from a man's perspective, in order to see what appeals to them (the men). This sort of is a secondary perspective so to say to the alternative 'Female Gaze' where women are being objectified by men for merely their physical appearance; cleavage etc, only.

4.) I'd like to think the representation of women in the media is completely fine, as long as we understand that it does not necessarily aim for how women should or shouldn't look, it's more appealed to the aesthetics of the commercial department, i.e. modelling where then links to business etc, and shouldn't be seen as an inducement to a "right" reality. The media obviously of course doesn't feature size 14, despite the fact that it is an average size for the average British woman - reason being that again as stated before, the image just doesn't appeal enough for something like modelling, plus size varies in different countries, hence why media doesn't target just Britain but is universal, so things are obviously very dynamic and can at least encourage women to strive for their goals.

5.) "A Perfect 14" teaser reveals how some models are affected by the comments that revolve around their media image, and that they also express how and why things such as a woman's weight shouldn't be a barrier to your self-confidence/esteem etc.

index

1) Media consumption audit
2) Language and Genre: Reading an image - advert analyses
3) Institution: major media institution research and presentation
4) Institution: brand values
5) Institution: CoolBrands research
6) Narrative: narrative theory YouTube clip analysis
7) Audience: psychographics
8) Audience: audience theory blog tasks/questions
9) Audience: audience theory - dependency theory
10) Representation: clip analysis - dominant and alternative representations
11) Representation theory: 500 word analysis on blog
12) Representation: Media Magazine articles and questions
13) Ideology: BBQ QT analysis and binary opposition
14) Ideology: Media Magazine reading

Ideology and binary opposition:

Examples of binary opposition shown in the clip and ideologies:

The binary opposition that represents Levi Strauss' theory is especially blatant in this case, showing the power of high-social class and low-social class - where voices are only heard and automatically accepted to the higher-social class in which case this is Nigel Farage, as seen he is a politician, therefore his ideas would appeal more and bring more value, and are also enforced because of this, even though he may be biased or wrong. An extended ideology of this is, dominant to be more specific is also Russell Brand's past, he is known to have associations with drugs so his views on more serious topics, especially politics would maybe seem out of hand, even though it is genuinely his true and sober opinion. In addition to this could also be prejudgements from clothing, Russell wears a very casual and unfitting outfit in situations like discussing politics, whereas Nigel is in a very formal, tie and suit outfit, and just from this we can take one person more seriously than the other.  

Representation: collage

Stereotypes about women usually range from house-cleaning, motherhood to its other alternative side, for example playing video games.

Stereotypes that Muslim women in their traditional veils are seen as a threat, and this suspicion has unsurprisingly risen from the Paris attacks. Or every ethnicity that is generally supposed to follow Islam do not. 

Representation theories: 

1.) The different groups of people obviously are - the crazy woman, also known to be Tiffany, and instead of being neither a dominant or an alternative stereotype, although it does have hints of alternative representations such as the woman, Tiffany being the dominant and controlling figure against a male character. This in particular challenges Medhurtst's theory as in short, we are known that woman are in fact not generally to be over the man, and are rather conventionally seen as the "damsel in distress", especially in movies. The problem revolves around common knowledge and sense as a divorced women who has had a rough past will most likely be psycho. This then also opens up Richard Dyer's theory that characteristics of a person, despite male or female are responsible for differentiating from different types of groups, e.g. generally man is seen as strong and dominant, but Dyer's theory suggests characteristics are dynamic and vary in each person, and say otherwise. The trailer also demonstrates something similar to media texts i.e. news, because the plot and genre all reflect to the real world - nothing is bizarre like for example, a fantasy genre, so it is completely normal. Also typically from bad stereotypes created by media-shows such as Jeremy Kyle generally have been seen to create a bad image on the women in a relationship.

Representation:

Representation

The clip demonstrates 3 groups, including men, people of white background and prejudgment from appearance.

Men - A dominant portrayal, seeing that women do not usually play sports, especially basketball. Additionally, tennis, volleyball or badminton instead.  

White background - An alternative portrayal as it challenges the stereotype thought to usually only see people of a black background to play basketball.

Prejudgment from appearance- One of the guys point out that them wearing a jersey makes them good at basketball by default, however later on we see that this is obviously not the case.

A blatant stereotype is that people of a white background are not very good at basketball, or mediocre at best, and I think this strongly comes from institutions such as the NBA, where the majority of professional players are black.   

Audience theory:

Hypodermic needle model

1.) The Mail online article is a prime example and demonstration of the hypodermic needle theory - the article title itself is an implausible and unrefined statement made, and sets a very negative view on video-games. Association with words "aggressive behaviour" already conjures up images of violence, and to think that 20 minutes of violent video-games reflects itself on the player would definitely impress a parent, to say the least. This is a good example of the hypodermic needle theory because realistically speaking, different players have different attitudes and reactions in respect, for example someone might be really competitive and may take the game seriously, or someone else who plays for recreational reasons may be the exact opposite, so the title gives a really vague and biased view. 

2.) Similar to the second article from The Daily Mail also demonstrates the hypodermic needle theory. Immediately we can spot the picture - a presumably young boy with denotations of a criminal as his identification is partially covered. But then to also have an unexplained, irrational link between video-games and criminal hacking is just absurd, and I would say is the main criticism for this article, and again like the previous article it presents a very bad view of gamers who like to play for excessive hours. In result both articles evade the actual reason behind each wrong doings and blames it on video-games with adamant opinions which are almost speculative. 

Two-step flow model

1.) The two-step flow model is definitely an improvement from the mindless hypodermic needle model demonstrations, and is good to see less narrow-minded views being said. With that being mind, the two-step flow model allows more voices to be heard as it says that the media is not the reason for opinions, but rather "opinion leaders" which I completely agree to. There are lots of icons and inspirational people for young teenagers out there, and obviously their followers would agree with whatever opinion they share on social media. So in short, yes I think the two-step flow model is still relevant to this day, however hopefully in the future more enlightened individuals will stop making it this relevant. 

2.) TotalBiscuit, evident by his nickname "The Cynical Brit" fits into the two-step flow model as his large subscriber base of 2 million + obviously implies that he is a well respected and popular YouTuber. The combination of different games along with a large audience has a highly likelihood of the audience playing the same game too, or in some instances for example, he does a review and the game is rated positively, we might have pre-opinion of it being a good game too.

3.) The title "influential" might have been sarcastic for the One Direction band members, and the two - David Cameron and One Direction hold completely different occupations in their hands. It might represent a two-step flow model as all are celebrities and obviously as explained before, their views are special, just because they are popular. The two also contrast. A well-educated, politician would obviously tweet more influential things about democracy and other sorts of things that have value to our world system, unlike a boy band who would conventionally tweet about what they had for breakfast, yet still hold attraction because they are opinion leaders.  

4.) Jamal Edwards could be an opinion leader as he is affiliated with SBTV - one of UK'S most popular music company and run by a small group of young people. Different social media such as YouTube could possibly increase his credit for filming and as a result, increasing his reputation and eventually making him noteworthy enough to be seen as an opinion leader.   

Cool Brands Research;

Top 5 brands that I admire:

#1. YouTube

My first and foremost choice would have to be without a doubt, YouTube, mostly because majority of my time on browsing consists of entertainment - YouTube gives me all that with endless videos. 

YouTube's brand values consists of (regarding Gillian Dyer's lines of appeal) comedy and humor. Comedy and humor are always people's agreed source of passing time, and that seems to be the majority of the viral videos. However speaking realistically, about almost all of Dyer's appeals can be applied to specifically YouTube, taking note that it is an extremely popular video-sharing website, where anyone can post anything. 

#2. Sony

My second institution would have to be Sony. I admire them because they have pioneered gaming consoles, noteworthy having PS2 sold a milestone of a 150 million units sold in 2011, as well as a staggering 1.5 Billion game copies sold. I admire Sony because I feel it has to do more with the emotional roots of my liking, because having been a child, my days were on the PS2 with endless hours.

Sony's brand values would easily fall into the entertainment department, as they are mainly known for their games consoles, also to mention their expansion with TV's, headphones, speakers, camera's etc. It may even fall into art and culture with cameras involved.

#3. Instagram

My third choice is Instagram. I find the app to give us an insight of the unseen beauty's of the world, hence why it falls into art, culture and history, as well as nature and the nature world's department. You can also find it to be a galore of teenager selfies, which appeals to the self-importance and pride group, but also Dyer's appeal of happy families can also be apart of this as it is in fact, a social media, and you can share photos for your friends and families to see.   

#4. Netflix

Fourth choice would be Netflix. I just find their place in the market so stable, even after all these years of lots of other media outlets coming in, yet still maintaining Netflix popularity to be impressive. Brand values that Netflix possesses are very vague as the only and most likely reason would be for entertainment, therefore has no specific group, but if it were to have one it would fall under "happy families" in my opinion.

#5. Apple

My last choice would be Apple. I find their products to be of excellent quality, along with the undeniable high prices that make it feel much more premium, and definitely meets my standards, speaking strictly for their smartphones, only. Apple's products, especially because of their computers would fall under Dyer's appeal of luxurious, rich lifestyles - I say this because in my honest opinion the prices do not reflect their specifications, but in the end it is still a very nice thing to have.  

Dependency theory:

1.) I generally, about nine out of ten times, use the media for entertainment, and in rare instances I will read an article, but for things other than entertainment wise, I'm always doing so for homework purposes. 

2.) I strongly think the majority of people living daily lives, too busy to focus on world affairs and the media are strongly dependent by it, just because they don't seem to care much about it or don't have the time. But to those who have the opportunity and can tackle all these things, yet still depend on the media are the ones that usually lack incentive and again, don't care enough because it doesn't affect them.

3.) I think our dependence on media has changed a lot over the past 10 years, especially because people's voices and controversial opinions have raised questions on whether we can REALLY depend on the media or not, from all these false reports in the past that have manipulated. 

PRESENTATION: PSYCHOGRAPHICS

Presentation: PSYCHOGRAPHICS

Narrative blog task:

From the first few initial seconds there is a blatant identification of Thomas (the protagonist) being applied to Propp's list of stock characters as possibly the Hero or Helper, simply because he is mourning for the loss of his dying friend, hence why this is a perfect example of disequilibrium, according to Todorov's theories. The disequilibrium is the simply the inevitable death of his friend, and are therefore given a linear narrative pattern of his death. In addition as we progress further, we see a demonstration of enigma codes - at a first glance we see gloomy, unfocused figures that may arise questions to whether they are good or bad, simply adding more suspense and "more salt to the wound" as to say.

Right from the start we see the conventions of an action movie, the binary opposition of hero and villain according to Propp's theory. We also see Todorov's equilibrium due to the villian (Joker) being caught, and under surveillance from Batman and the cops, therefore also meaning that all is well and everything is under control.

In the beginning we see a blatant cry of help from the hostages and the little boy, as well as armed terrorists that signify an action code - that all will surely be killed. However Todorov's theory of potential new equilibrium and equilibrium is demonstrated may prove otherwise, when the Iron Man arrives. Potential new equilibrium because we are not sure whether everything prevails according to what we expect as an audience of linear narrative to have a typical, conventional scenes where the hero saves everyone. So in this case, the hostages would have to be "The Princess" according to Propp's theory, and The Villains to obviously be the terrorists because they cause complications. 

Media consumption audit:

Newspapers:

I actually do in fact sometimes read The Suns newspapers, just because I find the mixture of in my definition "appropriate" and "inappropriate"to be on the same level and more interesting, and after all I think that is what appeals and matters in newspapers. In terms of sections I don't really have a specific page because I don't have an interest or seek any specific news, sometimes I even randomly flick to a page. Internet wise, I don't really look up The Sun online either - I am too occupied by other stuff in the Internet, to say the least.

Television:

I'd say I spend roughly around 7 hours watching television, including weekdays and weekends. I usually watch TV when I'm just eating a snack, on my phone, and those sorts of little things. I find myself hard to completely direct my attention to television, primarily because I frankly find shows nowadays to be very, very boring, but it's better than sitting in silence staring at a wall. Unsurprisingly, my favorite programmes would have to be The Simpsons and Family guy, I just find the adult humor to be absolutely hilarious. I'd sometimes also watch "Educating Cardiff", just to see the on goings of peers to my age and the teenager dynamics of it.

Radio:

I do not listen to radio, at all, except probably because I had to during last year's GCSE art classes. 

Cinema:

During the last month I have actually seen in cinemas, Maze Runner: Scorch Trails  - an actually excellent movie that I had genuine hype about. My next one will be the last Hunger Games triology, Mocking Jay part 2 in November! Usually movies that I know I will enjoy, are the ones I watch in cinemas with friends. Other than that I just watch films through presumably illegal websites, which I probably shouldn't mention, but I do watch movies. 

Online:

The Internet is my favorite place to be - I practically almost live off it. There is just so much possibilities in the online world that is unfathomable to describe in words. And I'd probably access the Internet through every compatible device I could find, and in any spare time. The main sites I access are YouTube and of course Google. It is the source and information to everything in my needs. I also have a YouTube channel that I upload games to, not as quite as often, but a lot during school time off. I spend confidently about everyday on the Internet, whether it is for entertainment or educational purposes, more of entertainment, and I am probably getting too much of it. 

Blog feedback learner response

Blog feedback learner response:

Mr. Harsley feedback:

WWW: In general, you’ve made an excellent start – your advert analysis is particularly high quality and you’ve shown already you’ve got good analytical skills. This is a great sign! I also like that you’re talking about your passion for editing. Your institution work is detailed too.

EBI: This is a strange one – the work you’ve done is impressive but you are missing two pieces of work: the media consumption audit and an analysis of your own advert. I’m assuming this is down to a lack of organisation rather than trying to avoid work because everything else you’ve done is high quality. However, organisation IS a major part of Media – managing major coursework projects is a challenge and you must make it a priority to improve this aspect of your work.

LR: Firstly, complete and post the two missing pieces of work. Next, reflect on your first month of AS Media. What is your strongest piece of work so far? What is your weakest? What specific skills or knowledge do you need to develop over the rest of the course?

LR, response: My best work would probably most likely be the 50 cent and a pick from my own advert analysis, partially due to the fact that analysing is sometimes sort of my "speciality", and all these ideas spring to my head, but not always. 

Institution: Brand values

Microsoft:

1.) Microsoft has pioneered computers and technologies that we see today, and therefore appeals to other potentially successful business'. The brand values it shows relate to experts - you cannot code a computer or build one without experience and knowledge, therefore there is a significant spot in the market. In addition Microsoft fits into Dyer's lines of appeals, such as aspirational values because a computer allows you to access all sorts of information with the use of a computer, and ONLY some software compatible on one. For example, a music editing software for upcoming producers, DJ etc . 

2.) Microsoft pioneers the technology and computer department.

3._) Microsoft is "Innovative" 

LIDL/ALDI:

1.) LIDL/ALDI are known to be the cheapest supermarket brand. (they are owned by the same company) They are very generous with their prices, and therefore appeals a friendly nature of fulfilling customer's needs, rather than for profit. They then fit into the happy family category of Dyer's lines of appeal. LIDL and Aldi may also fall into nature and the natural world, some of their products are from the result without harming the environment, example local fruits and vegetables.

2.) Lidl and Aldi generally have the most lowest prices.

3.) LIDL/aldi are "generous"


APPLE:

1.) Similar to Microsoft, Apple is known for it's glamorizing, classy, edgy gadgets, and famously known for their smartphones. The company strongly may be for a rich, luxurious lifestyle oriented person as their phones are pricey. It also may appeal to the appealing of self-importance and pride, as owning the latest smartphone is always a cool thing. Apple's ideas are also always innovative, sometimes but it just shows the extent of their customer value after releasing 7 versions of their smartphone.

2.) Apple are very innovative and gives value to the rich, luxurious lifestyle

3/) Apple are "grand"


MacDonalds:

1.) McDonalds - probably the most popular and sustained fast-food franchise to ever come. It definitely fits into the appeal of a happy family, evident by their "happy meal" menu for kids. Macdonalds is typically a place where you go after a night out, or just something quick to grab on the way to work, or home - it makes no difference. Its for all sorts of people, family or just by yourself. The fast-food restaurant may also fall into the appeal of childhood as toys are given out to children, hence why it falls into family again

2.) Macdonalds is friendly for all ages and all sorts of people

3.) MacDonald is a "mixture"




  



    

institution feedback and learner reponse

• handout has questions/gaps - a really nice idea that immediately encourages engagement
• good to see some conversations between students discussing the questions. Also good to put answers up clearly straight away in case anyone was wrong
• two hugely important brands - HBO & WB
• history and breadth of institution is covered well - "US version of Virgin Media" is a great way to describe it
• presentation lacks depth after starting so well and you should always try to avoid reading text off the slide to your audience - we can all read!
• it would have been nice to have a plenary or little activity at the end to finish the lesson of

WWW: we have gave enough essential details to know main points about TimeWarner. We have allowed ourselves to interact with students by giving small starter activities. We have added lots of picture that associate with TimeWarner - this has ultimately made the presentation more appealing.

EBI: We will try not to read the exact same thing displayed on the board. from our sheets. We wll try to include more information on each slide to compensate for not engaging as much as we expected. Instead of people having to read all information on handouts, we could instead summarize information on it.

A sentence for each institution covered in lesson:

Trinity Mirror - one of the biggest multimedia institutions in the UK.

BSkyB - Britain's largest telecommunication company has had lots of logo transformations throughout the year, 7 to be exact

News Corporation - they bought movie studio 20th Century Fox

Sony - it's video game console expansions - the PSP, PS2, PS3, PS4 so far have 260 million units sold

Vivendi - the company showcases music, television, films, tickets and video hosting services i.e stream Twitch

Time Warner - it is the largest tv & entertainment company. Top 3 with Disney and and Comcast)

Viacom - World's sixth largest broadcasting and cable company

Additional institutions:

BBC- BBC - also known as "British Broadcasting Corporation" is the second largest broadcaster, as well as the world's oldest national broadcasting organisation. BBC's initial release and uprising began in a Marconi factory in Chelmsford, June 1920. Then during 1923- 1926 it's everlasting expansion grew, and grew from a private business to a public service corporation. The business' status was going fine, until during the second World War in 1939- 7th June 1946 they had to suspend, due to obvious reasons. Then later more modernly, in 2002 they introduced BBC Four, then a few years to 2008, BBC news was introduced. Radio's such as BBC Radio 7 in 2011 came along for a supplement to Radio 4. 2011 to present, BBC's finance is stable, their 20% reduction in costs during 2011 October has made it that much better.

The Walt Disney company - the company was named after it's original founder, "Walter" Elias, and founded in October 16, 1923. Walt Disney company is famous for the majority of kid's movies, with its recent movie, "Frozen" music video reaching alone 600 million YouTube views. Likewise, famously known Mickey Mouse pioneered the cartoon department during the 1928-1934 - the "Mickey Mouse and Silly Symphonies" was released. In addition the company's expansion grew significantly upon the release of Disney Land during 1955. Parents and children would come to it's attraction upon activities, costumed workers for children, meet and greets etc.

Comcast - Comcast Corporation, formerly known as "Comcast Holdings" is a multi-national mass media company, but what is significant is that it is the world's largest broadcasting and largest cable company by revenue, even beating BBC. Despite this, Comcast has been criticized for low satisfactory services, and is ranked one of the lowest in the industry. Comcast was founded in June 28, 1963, in Mississippi, United States by 3 founders: Daniel Aaron, Ralph J.Roberts and Julian A. Brodsky. Brian L. Roberts is the son of Ralph, and is the president/CEO of Comcast. The success of the company has made him one of the highest paid executives in the United States of America, during 2010. The total compensation was a staggering $31 million.
                                                   

John Gurung - MEST 2 blog

MEST 1 - Exam blog

A-Level Media Studies Introdcution

1.I have chosen media studies, because I find it to be a subject that I have genuine interest in, and that's what makes it such a great subject for me as I can both learn and enjoy - it is very motivating.

2. I think the media is important because it shares literally everything around the world, and simply is a less of a hassle for keeping up with the world, unless you're a caveman.

3. I hopefully will be able to learn, interpret, analyse, etc in contextual media ways, different from what I have learnt to do so by myself, so I will definitely be able to further and look into views from a different perspective.

4. I am interested particularly in films, the internet and video editing. I have self taught myself to be proficient in Sony Vegas, and hopefully Adobe After Effects if I am to take it to the next level.

5. I have never done Media GCSE, but I am very forward to learning it in an A-level.

6. My other post-16 subject are English Literature and ICT.

RBK 50 Cent advert 



From a first initial glance we can denote the rapper artist, 50 Cent of course, and a quote from him. Both a picture and a name referral in the advert could possibly mean he wants to have a strong recognition. Also to mention the finger prints to the right - possibly inferring his or someone's criminal past, and how the quote applies to them or him. Connoting his camouflaged snapback, it looks like a relation to the military forces, perhaps the "plan B" is joining the army if one is unsuccessful in an aspiration. The black and white/grey colour scheme is definitely very basic and dull, because we usually see a certain colour i.e green to pointer positiveness, or red for danger. However for black and white/grey we can possibly say that the two colours signify neutral values, because we have a balance of both colours. Maybe the colour scheme correlates the the quote; meaning people should take no chances. The rapper's pose and facial expression also says something. His mood we can tell is very serious, perhaps a direct nod to the reader, and effect the quote has to give. The composition and setting is also very serious and dull, because it is just pitch black. Maybe this is a way of nudging the readers to ignore everything else in the background; to not infer and take anything else, except the very nature of the quote. The type of shot is also very effecting, because as mentioned before how much meaning 50 Cent's facial expression has, perhaps the close up was a way to emphasize on it. The lighting was complementary of this too, because it is more focused on his face, again. Subject of matter, the advert and quote of matter was simply a way of reaching out to 50 Cent's fans who presumably are teenagers. This would be a particularly effective to the rapper's audience because he is an idol to them, and obviously the message would mean more.

The photo most likely has an oppositional reading to people, especially to those who are unfit, because the idea and recognition of a perfect model body shown is just not as possible. Hence the idea may be reinforced and have a down casting, significant effect as taking into account the things that generally occupy people, as opposed to a model and fitness related person that devotes most of their time to acquire body aesthetics. With that in note 99.9% , if not all of pictures that showcase an "ideal" body in the media are photo shopped, therefore divides what is actually possible and the expectation. The colour - a bright yellow theme connotes happiness, fun and ultimately, summer. In addition the body is more emphasized by the grey and very desaturated colour, however the choice of colours for this is very confusing - maybe it is an implication to my point earlier, that the two - summer and an unrealsitic body do not go together for everyone. Likewise the bold text is very "in your face" impacting.