Stereotypes in the media

Stereotypes have and perhaps always will be a key part of the media and the messages portrayed within it. A stereotype is a fixed viewpoint on areas of society that includes both people and places including the popular sexist stereotype that women can't drive. News media use stereotypes to reinforce the hegemonic model and push forward the produces proffered ideology and it is arguably in news media that stereotypes are used most heavily (shortly followed by comedy) though it is not just these genres that use stereotypes.

The first of two builders sketches on the popular Harry and Paul sketches challenges the stereotype that builders are loud, obnoxious and uneducated whereas in this sketch the two men involved are or at least seem to be well educated, talking about Stephen \Fry. 

Those that can't analysis

Those That Can’t analysis

Those that can’t, is an upbeat, easy to understand comedy set in a school in the south of wales. The title is taken from a self-explanatory figure of speech: Those that can, do and those that can’t, teach.” Another notable point is the name of the school: Tom Jones Comprehensive, this is a reference to the well-known singer who is Welsh.

The drama opens with a woman’s voice introducing the school as Tom Jones Comprehensive.  The voice appears to have a weak Welsh accent with elements of an English accent suggesting that the woman has spent time in England perhaps in university. The woman is putting forward the idea of a student council. The rest of the meeting consists of stronger male Welsh accents who obviously disagree and respond with harsh sarcasm and statements like: “Maybe we should issue the students with guns.” This upholds the stereotype that the Welsh are simple and old-fashioned as it shows that the men are against the idea of change especially when the idea is brought forward by a woman who is younger and therefore should be less experienced than the rest of the male staff. This point is etherised by the fact that the men appear to be middle class and middle aged and probably have very traditional sociological views.

After the scene changes we are in what appears to be the playground where two students are chatting about political elections and who their parents voted for. Again the voices are Welsh setting in stone the fact that the school is in Wales.  The voices are loud and while this may be because the playground is a loud place full of people but in my opinion this aspect of the scene has more to denote than that. The fact that these two children are so loud could be another push at Welsh stereotypes, this one being that the welsh, while they are (stereotypically) happy people this scene also says that they welsh are also loud and childish which links back to the staff room scene by saying that the men were acting childish. Back to the conversation; the first of the children says that his dad voted for labour because they look after the working man to which the other says “but your dad hasn’t got a job,” the other defends his point by mentioning that they would if he had one. The other child then says that his dad voted for conservative because “he don’t pay taxes for the riff raff on the Pous Estate.” The point is then risen that he lives on that estate which he again defends with: “but we’ve got and extension.” This suggest that the adults are no more politically aware than the children, another stereotype on Welsh intelligence.

The accents, while they are all sound welsh in some way only one or two of them are actually convincing. This I think is meant to add to the comedy alongside the overuse of stereotypes. The music is another signifier to the fact that we are listening to some sort of comedy.

The non-diegetic music has an upbeat pop punk vibe similar to that of You Me At Six, All Time Low and A Day To Remember. We then get the same short blast when introducing the playground scene. This music seems to have nothing to say about the stereotypes of the Welsh and is simply there to allow younger audiences to connect with and enjoy the program. The song that introduces the final scene in the extract however is a diegetic old Welsh hymn which upholds once again the stereotype of the traditional Welshman.

The ambiance on the voices and the way they are placed in the scene is the dead giveaway that they are in a classroom in the first scene, this is aided by the muffled sounds of the playground that suggest that the room has at least one window onto outside and is on the ground floor.

The next scene is in the playground as we can hear the ball bouncing that we could hear in the first scene  only it is placed in the middle of the scene this time, the two characters seem to shout over the noise of the playground.

The final scene comes in and set in the school hall we can hear the echo on peoples voices particularly as they sing. While the first two scenes don’t seem to have any meaning but the second seems to suggest that the Welsh are empty headed.

The editing is slowly paced with a transition introduced by the pop song and a cross fade into the hymn for the last scene. This slow editing could be another stab at the comedy of stereotypes by saying that the Welsh are slow in the head but the way it is paced (three scenes with two short up beat intervals) is strikingly similar to the average school day.

In conclusion there seems to be no overly serious statement, the stereotyping of the Welsh is simply used for comic effect and is not meant to offend. In relation to the reading of the text’s I believe that the intended reading is that in a changing world there is nothing wrong with change and in some cases change is for the better. The oppositional reading of the text would be that all Welsh people are simple minded and slow with the older generation still living in the 60s and 70s.

Media Language- Part 1

TV- Supernatural

Supernatural is a supernatural drama with areas of suspenseful horror added in key areas of the series. Through the media language we can tell that the series falls within the horror genre with it's use of low key lighting and while there are some unconventional scenes shot and set in daylight many key scenes are filmed in dark spaces. There is also the very cliche horror style music in some parts of an episode though often use simply to build up tensions rather than to signify a scare. on a much more specific note towards the end of the first episode off the first series (and throughout the series) we see an ornately crafted curated knife though it is never used. given the series plot it is easy to assume that the knife has some sort of otherworldly capabilities in it's own right but as nothing more than a knife in this situation it denotes that there will be violence.

Film- 

Radio- Jake Thomson on Kerrang Radio

Jake Thomson's program is a music based broadcast that fits in the midday slot (10:00 to 14:00) on the popular rock, punk and metal station; Kerrang. As a midday program the songs are upbeat and the conversation is lighthearted and approachable. The station's jingles and interludes often feature modern sounding, often distorted voice overs and sharp guitar riffs. these two simple things denote a lot about the program. The guitar riffs are self explanatory in that they denote the fact that the channel primarily plays rock music the distorted voice over simply helps to bring the programs to the 21st century. 

Ideology

The ideology of a media text is the idea behind a media text, this is often a hidden message that the producer wants the consumer to understand. It is and always has been a part of media texts as ideologies can and often do alter the way a person views areas of their life and the world around them.

Ideology can be broken down in to three categories called readings so called because of how the audience reads the media text. A preferred reading is achieved when the consumer of the text comes away from the text agreeing with what the text's producer is trying to convey for example the preferred reading of most disaster films, most notably "The Day After Tomorrow," is centered on climate change and the fact that unless we as the human race don't change our ways of pollution and destruction the planet we call home will destroy us. On the opposing side is an aptly named; oppositional reading reading where the viewer comes away with the opposite idea to what producer wanted to convey e.g. Breaking Bad the oppositional reading would be that working in a meth lab is a good source of income. Between these two readings is the Negotiated reading where a viewer partially agrees and partially disagrees with the media text for example in the The X Factor shows how easy it is to become and international superstar but in that ten week period the contestants are working for up to eighteen hours.

Top Boy- The preferred reading of this popular Channel 4 TV series is that while yes the young people in these gangs do have fun on occasion there are more cons than pros; bad things do happen and people do get hurt and in the long run it is better to avoid involvement in gangs. An oppositional reading would be that gangs are cool, I want to get a gun and steal cars.

The opposed reading would be an interest in gang culture and the want to buy a gun.

My media consumption

My media consumption

I watch five to ten hours of TV a week, most of which is made up of films via Film 4 other channels that may show films on occasion. While at home (away from RNC) I will listen to morning news programs while having breakfast or talking to my parents or siblings. I read newspapers a lot less than I used to, perhaps once or twice every few weeks in comparison to when I am at home or even while I was in 6^th Form when I read I every day. Most of my news comes from the radio which similarly I have listened to less since coming to RNC, I listen perhaps once or twice a week or more if it is on in the background, often Kerrang. I regularly buy and read magazines including Kerrang,My media consumption

I watch five to ten hours of TV a week, most of which is made up of films via Film 4 other channels that may show films on occasion. While at home (away from RNC) I will listen to morning news programs while having breakfast or talking to my parents or siblings. I read newspapers a lot less than I used to, perhaps once or twice every few weeks in comparison to when I am at home or even while I was in 6^th Form when I read I every day. Most of my news comes from the radio which similarly I have listened to less since coming to RNC, I listen perhaps once or twice a week or more if it is on in the background, often Kerrang. I regularly buy and read magazines including Kerrang,My media consumption

I watch five to ten hours of TV a week, most of which is made up of films via Film 4 other channels that may show films on occasion. While at home (away from RNC) I will listen to morning news programs while having breakfast or talking to my parents or siblings. I read newspapers a lot less than I used to, perhaps once or twice every few weeks in comparison to when I am at home or even while I was in 6^th Form when I read I every day. Most of my news comes from the radio which similarly I have listened to less since coming to RNC, I listen perhaps once or twice a week or more if it is on in the background, often Kerrang. I regularly buy and read magazines including Kerrang, White dwarf and other topical magazines covering music, games and other media. I only go to the cinema once or twice a year, despite taking an interest in a number of recent films e.g. Man of Steel, World War Z and The Evil Dead. The last film I saw was Kick Ass 2, on the other hand I watch films via DVD on and almost daily basis; mostly horror, sci-fi and fantasy films as well as some action films and comedy films though comedy films are used as more of a back ground to what I am doing. I listen to CDs daily while just relaxing though often while reading, drawing, writing or putting together/painting models.  I use the internet on a daily basis in order to access most of the above media as well as to access social networks and forums.

I try to access the news at least once a week in order to keep on top of what is happening internationally as well as nationally, I mostly use the BBC as it is while still largely biased still rather impartial and reliable. I take no interest in soaps so there for can say nothing about them. I enjoy documentaries though watch more at home than I do at RNC, these include Air Crash Investigation, Sons of Guns and anything on the unexplained. I only watch a few sitcoms, most of which I only know about because of their over popularity e.g. friends. I do however thoroughly  enjoy friends and The IT Crowd mostly because their references to geek culture and even then I only watch them if they are on. The same can be said for comedies, I watch Live at the Apollo if it is on but the only two comedy programs I actively look forward to watching are Russell Howard’s Good News and Mock the Week simply because I am informed of the fast weeks news and get some laughs out of it at the same time. I don’t watch any quizzes or game shows as they bore me. I watch Kerrang regularly while at home in the background but I don’t watch any specific music programs. I don’t watch any arts programs. I watch several TV dramas though mostly through streaming websites, these most commonly include: Supernatural, The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad. I often hear radio dramas while having my hair cut but take no interest in them as they often seem bland.

Most of my media consumption is done alone as it is what I prefer in order to take in as much as I can. I will sometimes watch movies with friends but usually if I have already seen it.

One of my favourite series is Supernatureal, I like it because of the time and effort taken to research the several paranormal phenomenon that go into each series as well as the well timed sarcastic humour and relatable characters.

A program I don’t like is The X Factor as I despise it’s promotion of pre formulated, manufactured music as well as its predictability and the fact of how overly “set up” it is.

I don’t think I have very typical media habits in comparison to the public and other students at RNC, and this in part is what I aim for. I think this way because of the overall popularity of programs such as the X Factor. Though in terms of the comedy I enjoy I would say that I do fit into the majority.

White dwarf and other topical magazines covering music, games and other media. I only go to the cinema once or twice a year, despite taking an interest in a number of recent films e.g. Man of Steel, World War Z and The Evil Dead. The last film I saw was Kick Ass 2, on the other hand I watch films via DVD on and almost daily basis; mostly horror, sci-fi and fantasy films as well as some action films and comedy films though comedy films are used as more of a back ground to what I am doing. I listen to CDs daily while just relaxing though often while reading, drawing, writing or putting together/painting models.  I use the internet on a daily basis in order to access most of the above media as well as to access social networks and forums.

I try to access the news at least once a week in order to keep on top of what is happening internationally as well as nationally, I mostly use the BBC as it is while still largely biased still rather impartial and reliable. I take no interest in soaps so there for can say nothing about them. I enjoy documentaries though watch more at home than I do at RNC, these include Air Crash Investigation, Sons of Guns and anything on the unexplained. I only watch a few sitcoms, most of which I only know about because of their over popularity e.g. friends. I do however thoroughly  enjoy friends and The IT Crowd mostly because their references to geek culture and even then I only watch them if they are on. The same can be said for comedies, I watch Live at the Apollo if it is on but the only two comedy programs I actively look forward to watching are Russell Howard’s Good News and Mock the Week simply because I am informed of the fast weeks news and get some laughs out of it at the same time. I don’t watch any quizzes or game shows as they bore me. I watch Kerrang regularly while at home in the background but I don’t watch any specific music programs. I don’t watch any arts programs. I watch several TV dramas though mostly through streaming websites, these most commonly include: Supernatural, The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad. I often hear radio dramas while having my hair cut but take no interest in them as they often seem bland.

Most of my media consumption is done alone as it is what I prefer in order to take in as much as I can. I will sometimes watch movies with friends but usually if I have already seen it.

One of my favourite series is Supernatureal, I like it because of the time and effort taken to research the several paranormal phenomenon that go into each series as well as the well timed sarcastic humour and relatable characters.

A program I don’t like is The X Factor as I despise it’s promotion of pre formulated, manufactured music as well as its predictability and the fact of how overly “set up” it is.

I don’t think I have very typical media habits in comparison to the public and other students at RNC, and this in part is what I aim for. I think this way because of the overall popularity of programs such as the X Factor. Though in terms of the comedy I enjoy I would say that I do fit into the majority. White dwarf and other topical magazines covering music, games and other media. I only go to the cinema once or twice a year, despite taking an interest in a number of recent films e.g. Man of Steel, World War Z and The Evil Dead. The last film I saw was Kick Ass 2, on the other hand I watch films via DVD on and almost daily basis; mostly horror, sci-fi and fantasy films as well as some action films and comedy films though comedy films are used as more of a back ground to what I am doing. I listen to CDs daily while just relaxing though often while reading, drawing, writing or putting together/painting models.  I use the internet on a daily basis in order to access most of the above media as well as to access social networks and forums.

I try to access the news at least once a week in order to keep on top of what is happening internationally as well as nationally, I mostly use the BBC as it is while still largely biased still rather impartial and reliable. I take no interest in soaps so there for can say nothing about them. I enjoy documentaries though watch more at home than I do at RNC, these include Air Crash Investigation, Sons of Guns and anything on the unexplained. I only watch a few sitcoms, most of which I only know about because of their over popularity e.g. friends. I do however thoroughly  enjoy friends and The IT Crowd mostly because their references to geek culture and even then I only watch them if they are on. The same can be said for comedies, I watch Live at the Apollo if it is on but the only two comedy programs I actively look forward to watching are Russell Howard’s Good News and Mock the Week simply because I am informed of the fast weeks news and get some laughs out of it at the same time. I don’t watch any quizzes or game shows as they bore me. I watch Kerrang regularly while at home in the background but I don’t watch any specific music programs. I don’t watch any arts programs. I watch several TV dramas though mostly through streaming websites, these most commonly include: Supernatural, The Walking Dead and Breaking Bad. I often hear radio dramas while having my hair cut but take no interest in them as they often seem bland.

Most of my media consumption is done alone as it is what I prefer in order to take in as much as I can. I will sometimes watch movies with friends but usually if I have already seen it.

One of my favourite series is Supernatureal, I like it because of the time and effort taken to research the several paranormal phenomenon that go into each series as well as the well timed sarcastic humour and relatable characters.

A program I don’t like is The X Factor as I despise it’s promotion of pre formulated, manufactured music as well as its predictability and the fact of how overly “set up” it is.

I don’t think I have very typical media habits in comparison to the public and other students at RNC, and this in part is what I aim for. I think this way because of the overall popularity of programs such as the X Factor. Though in terms of the comedy I enjoy I would say that I do fit into the majority.