Comparative Youth Culture- Theory of teenage representation

1. Comparative
Youth Culture
Theory of Teenage
Representation

2. Comparative Youth Culture
 This theory originates from Michael Brake’s book,
written in 1985, titled “Comparative Youth
Culture”. Within this theory Brake breaks down the
representations of teenagers into 4 different
groupings, these being:
 - Respectable Youth
 - Delinquent Youth
 - Cultural Rebels
 - Politically Militant Youth

3. Respectable Youth
 These are youths that pass through life without
any legal or controversial complications, straying
away from anything that may be regarded as
deviant. They are often portrayed as studios and
sociable.

4. Example- The undertones, my
perfect cousin
 Are ‘respectable youths’ represented in the media? If so, how? Is the representation fair
or accurate?
 Within ‘The undertones, my perfect cousin’, the use of dialogue represents the
respectable youth as what is considered to be the ideal teenager. The use of phrases
such as “The pride of the family” and “Golden Child”, creates a highly positive
undertone, and suggests respectable youths to be favoured over others. They are also
represented as highly intelligent, as found from the reference to the Respectable Youth’s
accomplishments, this being various degrees and educational achievements, thus
conveying the respectable youth to be well-behaved and well educated. Also it can be
seen that in regards to how other teenagers react to this type of youth that their position
is envied by others, suggesting the respectable youth to be the type that receives the
highest level of approval in regards to how they are regarded within society, as
conveyed through the apparent favouritism the characters parents harbour in regards to
their successful and well respected son.
 In regards to the fairness of this representation this is rather respectable to teenagers
and challenges the negative stereotype that teenagers are antisocial and uninterested
in education. However, in regards to the accuracy oft his presentation, this example
communicates the perfect example of what is to be considered the ‘Perfect’ teenage
role model, thus the positivity of this example could be somewhat exaggerated, as not
all teenagers fit into just one of these grouping but may possess elements from each.

5. Delinquent Youth
 These are often regarded as the epitome my of the
negative teenage stereotype. They are regarded as
violent and often believed to commit illegal acts. The
males within this group are often regarded as intimidating
and rebellious, whereas the females within this group are
more revered for retaining a reputation of promiscuity.

6. Example- Kidulthood
 Are ‘delinquent youths’ represented in the media? If so, how? Is the representation fair or accurate?
Within ‘Kidulthood’ the characters are represented as stereotypical to that of delinquent youths. The
males within the piece, are portrayed as travelling in gangs, in which they take on a rather intimidating
persona, as communicated through their hoodies, which often shadow their identity and conform to the
violent and somewhat legally suspicious stereotype that these teens possess. The teens can also be
seen to be somewhat reckless and inconsiderate of others, this can be inferred from their violent actions
within public places, such as cafes and clubs, suggesting them to often disturb the peace of the public,
inciting fear into different age groupings and sometimes their own (as can be seen from their looming
intimidation upon some teenagers, whose well dressed appearance could suggest them to be
respectable teens). Thus revealing this group to hold a sense of forced dominance over the other teenage
representative groups.
The females within this group are also portrayed as somewhat cheap, as connoted through their heavy
application of make up as well as their suggested involvement in acts of promiscuity. For example, when
one of the female characters can be seen to be laughing and intimately flirting with one of the male
characters.
In regards to the fairness oft his representation, this is highly negative and although may reflect some of
the actions that teenagers commit, is somewhat exaggerative in regards to emphasising the overall
negativity that is held over teenagers. Never the less, this is somewhat reflective of the actions of minority
teenage groups. However, the piece does lack significant identification or context as to the reasoning
behind this groups actions, for example, upbringing and background may influence this groups life
decisions.

7. Cultural Rebels
 These are teenagers that rebel for the sake of self
expression, often stemming from middle class
background with a high quality education. They
are non-violent and protest for the sake of their
ideas, often regarded as involved upon the fringes
of Bohemian tradition.

8. Example- 1967 Hippie
Temptation TV Documentary
 Are ‘cultural rebels’ represented in the media? If so, how? Is the representation fair or accurate?
Within this documentary the cultural rebels are presented as hard working individuals, as stated by
the narrator. This forms a rather positive representation in regards to this group, closer in relation to
that of respectable youths rather than that of those holding a reputation for delinquency. They are
also presented as rather inspirational and expressive, possessing values in art, music and having
fun. This rather playful, experimental nature to this group can be inferred from the mise en scene of
the teens, mostly in regards to their actions and props, such as that of musical instruments,
connoting a sense of artistic affluence, as well as their cheerful aptitude, connoting a sense of
friendliness and sociability.
In regards to the fairness oft his representation this is highly positive in regards to the contribution
and demeanour of teenagers. However, this could be regarded as somewhat overly bias in view,
perhaps exaggerating the positivity of this group, as some of their rebellious actions could perhaps
lead to issues with the law as well as a disruption of the peace.

9. Political Militant Youths
 This group is often regarded as somewhat angry
and aggressive who protest against and resist
certain political decisions in order to communicate
their point of view (which can often be delivered in
the form of violence, e.g. damaging public
property- breaking windows, stirring and
disrupting the peace in order to make themselves
heard).

10. Example- November 2010
Student Protest
 Are ‘Politically Militant Youths’ represented in the media? If so, how? Is the representation fair or
accurate?
 Within this extract from a news report regarding the November 2010 Student Protest, political militant
youths are represented as reckless, energetic and determined. This can be seen from the sheer
amount of youths that gathered during this protest, connoting a sense of unity, and a sense of pride
within their group and in regards to their rights. This creates a rather positive representation of
political militant youths, as this portrays them as strong in character and resilient. However they can
also be regarded as somewhat disruptive of the peace and pose a potential threat to the pubic. This
can be inferred from the recorded intervention of the police, in which they can be seen to be breaking
apart any beginnings of violence, this therefore portrays this group to be somewhat aggressive or
perhaps angry at society, and recklessly willing to resist it, as these protesters do, not in violence, but
by resisting to cease their rebellious actions, in which they continually advance their protest down the
streets of London. Thus forming a somewhat negative representation perhaps in regards to their
disrespect towards the law and authority.
 In regards to the fairness of this representation this is a rather honest portrayal of teens angered by
political changes, communicating a frustrated and determined group, willing to risk of resisting the
law in order to convey their point of view. However, in regards to the accuracy, this example
conveyed a relatively peaceful representation of political militant youths, whereas, this group is
stereotypically known for its use of aggression and violence, thus suggesting the accuracy of this
example to be somewhat questionable as its content does not particular conform to this main
negative/ passionate idea.