1. • Compare the differing representations of people in ‘The Might
Redcar’, ‘Benefits Street’ and ‘Skint’.
The programs ‘Skint’ and ‘Benefit Street’ are reflected in a positive light.
This is because it shows how normal life is for under-privileged people
by using humour to present this. However, these programs display the
‘stereotypical’ person on benefits. This is because it displays a lot of
references around drugs and crime. Even though this is presented in
a humour like way, it is still the main topic of where peoples benefit
money is going. It also displays the people on the program as dumb
and chav like, which again adds the humour. With the program trying
to make the overall program as funny, it makes the program seems
positive because it distracts the audience from the seriousness.
However, the program ‘The mighty redcar’ it reflects the program in a
non bias and realistic manor. It show the people as kind and fair but
also expresses the struggles they are going through. This sways
away from the stereotypes by trying to get the audience to connect
with the characters on a more personal level. This shows ‘the might
redcar’ are presenting the people as positive because of how heart
hitting the documentary is.
• What do you think the aim of each of these programs is?
The aim for ‘Skint’ and ‘Benefit street’ is to come across as serious but with
humour. This is because they both concentrate around topics like
crime and drugs, but shows the people involved as funny. This is
because they have highlighted the stereotypes for people on benefits
clearly. Where as, in the ‘mighty redcar’ it shows people in a more
realistic light. This shows this program is there to inform the audience
by making us feel sorry for the characters.
• Are these programs biased?
I would say ‘Skint’ and ‘Benefit street’ are bias. This is because they are
reflecting the people on benefits how the audience wants to view
them. This is because they are following stereotypes which makes it
more humour based rather than informing them.
2. Where as, ‘the mighty redcar’ is not bias. This is because the program is
their to inform, which makes the information included realistic and
heart hitting.
