2. Representation
Representation is how various groups are identified. For
example, a group may be represented by a character who fits
their stereotypes. Examples of this are TV shows like ‘The only
way is Essex’ which attempts to represent The Essex community
as shallow and clumsy. However, it does not always have to be
stereotypical, nor does it have to be negative. In some TV shows
different are represented quite positively.
3. Stereotypes
The definition of a stereotype is a generalization of a particular
group in society. It does not necessarily have to be true, rather it
simply has to be accepted. Various groups that are commonly
subjected to stereotypes are:
• Gender
• Age
• Ethnicity
• Sexuality
• Class and status
• Physically and mentally disabled
• Regional Location
4. Verisimilitude
Verisimilitude is how similar to real life TV show. It doesn’t
always have to deviate from stereotypes, but It can be quite
similar to them. Usually, TV shows with a high verisimilitude are
subject to one or two stereotypes, through never all since it
would become satirical. Verisimilitude does not have to be
consistent factor, as some TV shows are realistic about one thing
can be quite lenient about the reality of another.
5. Gender representation
Gender is shown in various ways In the media. It is usually
characterised by a characters masculinity or femininity.
It defines the way in which a certain character acts or behaves
around others. Gender carries with it lots of stereotypes and
representations, some true and some false.
6. Age representation
Age is a very prevalent subject within media, and is probably
one of the more similarly represented aspects of the media.
The verisimilitude of each of the different representations do
not usually vary by much across different productions, and
different ages are represented in the same way.
7. Ethnicity representation
Ethnicity id probably one of the most sensitive subjects in the
media. Some productions represent different ethnicities in
different ways. This is not always as simple as white people
versus black people, or any other stereotypes. It exists
8. Sexuality representation
Your sexuality is defined by your sexual orientation. This could
be described as bisexual, homosexuality or heterosexuality. It
generally shows up in different shows with various stigmas
attached to it. However, it does not necessarily mean that gay
men act like women or lesbians act like men all of the time.
9. Class and Status
Status defines the amount of power a particular individual has
within a group of people or an organisation. Class refers to a
particular individuals background which often invole’s the
location of there home and the amount of money they earn.
One can have status within their own class.
