Chapter 3 – Media representations Week 4 – Representation
Long et. Al., Chapter 3, p118-157
Con ceptualising an d defi ning representation
Conceptualising and defining representation
- we see the world through mass media, but media representations are never divorced from cultural,
social, political, and historical contexts -> how are representations constructed?
WEEK 2: representation = equivalence or icon -> relates to the relationship between a sign and its
referent: iconic signs look like the thing that they represent (photo of Taylor Swift looks like Taylor)
-> BUT such a picture is not literally the thing it represents (because of the process of mediation)
Representation = to describe or depict something, to call it up in the mind by description, portrayal,
or imagination. It also means to symbolise, to stand for, to be a specimen of, or to substitute for.
Multiple meanings of ‘represent’
- represent = ‘equivalent’ or ‘corresponding to’
- something or someone acting as a substitute for something or someone
- the way things or indiviuals are deemed to typify or epitomise particular qualitites (the Beatles
‘representing’ the 1960s)
Representation in particular: individuals and groups
- representation takes place through all forms of media work: verbal rhetoric (words used in reports
and scripts), and also via the modes in which those words are represented and delivered.
- images are iconic (the representation looks like the thing it presents, denotation)
- BUT also, representative figures also serve to ‘connote’ further levels of meaning
(connotation): aspects of society or culture.
- such representations contribute to the construction of our knowledge and understanding of society
Type: archetype and stereotype
- Archetype = a ‘perfect’ or idealised person or thing that exhibits certain core values and identities
that offer a model or pattern for the way cultures are viewed.” (can be positive or negative!): heroes,
villains (Zeus, Superman)
-> Superman’s possible meanings (truth, justice) are represented by his appearance and deeds
- Stereotype = a process involving the expression of an exaggerated belief about a group that serves
to qualify or justify the conduct towards that group and those who hold and express that belief.”
Stereotypes: nature and function
- stereotypes are more used for minority social groups with less power in society than the majority
- the burden of representation usually falls on a single figure
- the speed of the assumptions/predictions made about other persons makes stereotyping so damaging
- our perception of stereotypes is conditioned by their use in other sectors of society (religions, jokes,
paintings)
- the everywhereness of stereotypes disguises their constructedness -> we tend to see them as natural
SUMMARY | Media Studies (Long et. Al.)
Long et. Al., Chapter 3, p118-157
Con ceptualising an d defi ning representation
Conceptualising and defining representation
- we see the world through mass media, but media representations are never divorced from cultural,
social, political, and historical contexts -> how are representations constructed?
WEEK 2: representation = equivalence or icon -> relates to the relationship between a sign and its
referent: iconic signs look like the thing that they represent (photo of Taylor Swift looks like Taylor)
-> BUT such a picture is not literally the thing it represents (because of the process of mediation)
Representation = to describe or depict something, to call it up in the mind by description, portrayal,
or imagination. It also means to symbolise, to stand for, to be a specimen of, or to substitute for.
Multiple meanings of ‘represent’
- represent = ‘equivalent’ or ‘corresponding to’
- something or someone acting as a substitute for something or someone
- the way things or indiviuals are deemed to typify or epitomise particular qualitites (the Beatles
‘representing’ the 1960s)
Representation in particular: individuals and groups
- representation takes place through all forms of media work: verbal rhetoric (words used in reports
and scripts), and also via the modes in which those words are represented and delivered.
- images are iconic (the representation looks like the thing it presents, denotation)
- BUT also, representative figures also serve to ‘connote’ further levels of meaning
(connotation): aspects of society or culture.
- such representations contribute to the construction of our knowledge and understanding of society
Type: archetype and stereotype
- Archetype = a ‘perfect’ or idealised person or thing that exhibits certain core values and identities
that offer a model or pattern for the way cultures are viewed.” (can be positive or negative!): heroes,
villains (Zeus, Superman)
-> Superman’s possible meanings (truth, justice) are represented by his appearance and deeds
- Stereotype = a process involving the expression of an exaggerated belief about a group that serves
to qualify or justify the conduct towards that group and those who hold and express that belief.”
Stereotypes: nature and function
- stereotypes are more used for minority social groups with less power in society than the majority
- the burden of representation usually falls on a single figure
- the speed of the assumptions/predictions made about other persons makes stereotyping so damaging
- our perception of stereotypes is conditioned by their use in other sectors of society (religions, jokes,
paintings)
- the everywhereness of stereotypes disguises their constructedness -> we tend to see them as natural
SUMMARY | Media Studies (Long et. Al.)
