This document discusses the representation of "freaks" in modern media like reality television shows. It explores different perspectives people can take when viewing freak culture, such as being entertained, learning, or feeling pity. It argues that by agreeing with views that present certain people as freaks, we are wrongly vilifying them. The document also discusses how the media uses representations of freakish people to make audiences feel normal and compel them to conform to ideals of beauty.

1. Representation
‘Freaks’ in the X Factor

2. ‘Freak’ Shows date back to primitive times, when Britain
was ruled by the Greeks and Romans. And in their
‘traditional’ form right through to the Coney Island
‘Slideshow’s.
What are more modern traditional version?
Are we being forced to accept freak show culture as a
form of entertainment?
Being told what’s accepted is controlling (Marxist)

3. Pluralists place themselves in a number of positions
when viewing freak culture:
Punter to be entertained
Inquisitive learner
Opinion holder
One who pities
One who is made to feel humble
One who is made to feel empowered

4. Working on the theory that if a person is presented to
them as a freak via such mediums as an actual Freak
show or a modern medium such as TV (X Factor,
Jeremy Kyle), then they are undeniably freaks,
pluralists would argue that we do have a choice in this
matter.
By agreeing with the views of Simon Cowell and his
team we are in turn vilifying these people for merely
taking part in a televised competition – This is wrong.

5. Pluralism
It is the duty of the media to provide society with
freaks in order to keep a level of social order. By
placing the likes of Michael Jackson and Britney
Spears in the spotlight, the population feel
‘normal’ in comparison. In most cases, we accept
this.
Again, this is morally wrong.

6. What the post-modern model of the freak show
provides is a safe environment for the audience.
No longer do they have to come face to face with
their subject and hide their expressions of abject
terror, now they can scream and tut in disgust in
the safety of their own home.

7. Audience
The Hypodermic Needle Model comes very much
into play here with media producers constantly
trying to convince their audiences that they should
also be beautiful.
The repeated representations of freakish people on
TV compels the audience to react and thus ensure
their own appearance is more acceptable. This has
a huge effect on the marketing of beauty and
fashion products.

8. Audience
If we allow ourselves to be convinced by the
producers of programmes that we have to be
a certain way, then Cultivation Theory begins
to come into play.
Can we apply the ‘uses and gratifications’
theory to audiences of the X Factor.

9. Audience
• Information
finding out about relevant events and conditions in
immediate surroundings, society and the world
seeking advice on practical matters or opinion and
decision choices
satisfying curiosity and general interest
learning; self-education
gaining a sense of security through knowledge
• Personal Identity
finding reinforcement for personal values
finding models of behaviour
identifying with valued other (in the media)
gaining insight into one's self
Integration and Social Interaction
gaining insight into circumstances of others; social
empathy
identifying with others and gaining a sense of
belonging
finding a basis for conversation and social
interaction
having a substitute for real-life companionship
helping to carry out social roles
enabling one to connect with family, friends and
society
Entertainment
• escaping, or being diverted, from problems
relaxing
getting intrinsic cultural or aesthetic enjoyment
filling time
emotional release
sexual arousal

10. Audience
• Information
finding out about relevant events and conditions in
immediate surroundings, society and the world
seeking advice on practical matters or opinion and
decision choices
satisfying curiosity and general interest
learning; self-education
gaining a sense of security through knowledge
• Personal Identity
finding reinforcement for personal values
finding models of behaviour
identifying with valued other (in the media)
gaining insight into one's self
Integration and Social Interaction
gaining insight into circumstances of others; social
empathy
identifying with others and gaining a sense of
belonging
finding a basis for conversation and social
interaction
having a substitute for real-life companionship
helping to carry out social roles
enabling one to connect with family, friends and
society
Entertainment
• escaping, or being diverted, from problems
relaxing
getting intrinsic cultural or aesthetic enjoyment
filling time
emotional release
sexual arousal