Media

1. T Y P I C A L
R E P R E S E N T A T I O N S
O F ; A G E , C L A S S ,
G E N D E R A N D P L A C E

2. AGE
Younger characters, usually teenagers, are viewed in quite a negative
light. They are associated with gangs, crime and violence, and this
particular stereotype has stuck with those between the ages 15-21. The
movie Kidulthood is a good example which shows how the teenage
characters want to grow up so fast, dealing with issues you’d expect
adults to have, such as; drugs, alcohol, violence and pregnancy. Within my
trailer I am going to stick with this stereotype, as my characters are
teenagers. They are also going to be experiencing; drugs, alcohol,
violence and smoking.
Also within my trailer I have a slightly older character, (but not by that
much). This character is a teacher, so he will be wise and mature
compared to the teenagers, he stereotypically should know the difference
between right and wrong. He does not support the troublesome
behaviour that the teens are known to have, and becomes concerned
when one of his well-behaved students (my main character) has a drastic
change to her attitude.

3. CLASS
Another thing most troublesome teenagers who are found in gangs have in
common, is the fact they are considered low down in the class system, people
say they have “no motivation to get educated” and instead find themselves
dealing with illegal issues from such a young age.
Lower class (occasionally described as working class) are those employed in low-
paying wage jobs with very little economic security. The term "lower class" also
refers to people with low income.
The working class is sometimes separated into those who are employed but
lacking financial security, and those who are long-term unemployed and/or
homeless.
Race and other large-scale groupings can also influence class standing. The
association of particular ethnic groups with class statuses is common in many
societies. As a result of conquest or internal ethnic differentiation, a ruling class
is often ethnically homogenous and particular races or ethnic groups in some
societies are legally or customarily restricted to occupying particular class
positions. Which ethnicities are considered as belonging to high or low classes
varies from society to society.

4. GENDER
Boys are shown to be tough, strong and not afraid to encounter any form of
danger, especially the ones in gangs, as keeping their image and their stereotype
is important to them.
And girls are stereotyped as, hopeless, relying on people to protect them or look
out for them, as they are emotionally unstable most of the time. And are
considered weak and not able to fend for themselves.
Within my trailer, I decided to do a countertype, where the girls are the ones in a
gang and the ones who cause trouble, are violent and experience tough issues.
This role reversal between genders is what I have considered from the beginning
to make my trailer different from the typical Social Realism movies out there
including boys.
Although females and males are still not equal, the differences between gender
are not so vast anymore. However, many social institutions, still use gender
stereotypes, basing on the theory, that they are well known to everyone and help
the receivers to understand the content of the message.

5. PLACE
The place, (or location) is important as it sets the tone for specific characters. It
gives the viewers a better idea of what the character is like, for instance; regularly
showing someone at a library tells the viewers that this character may be well
educated, and interested in Literature or learning in general.
Within my trailer my main character will be shown always at school within the
beginning, which will show that she is a well behaved child who cares about her
education. Eventually she will mix with the wrong crowd and will always be
shown anywhere but in class, this will tell the readers these characters do not
care abut their education and would much rather be hanging out whilst doing
illegal activities.