1. D E F I N I T I O N : A L L M E D I A T E X T S A R E R E -
P R E S E N T A T I O N S O F R E A L I T Y . T H I S M E A N S
T H A T T H E Y A R E I N T E N T I O N A L L Y C O M P O S E D
B Y T H E I R P R O D U C E R S , A N D T H A T T H E Y A R E
E N T I R E L Y A R T I F I C I A L V E R S I O N S O F T H E
R E A L I T Y W E P E R C E I V E A R O U N D U S .
Representation
2. The different types of representations(1):
Representation is not an easy concept to define in a
simplistic way. It can have a number of different
senses. Dyer, suggests 4 variations;
• A selective Re-presentation of reality.
This is obvious in newspapers, where the form is
completely different from the events reported, but
less so in television serials, which often succeed in
creating the illusion of a transparent window on the
world with a similar time frame and rhythm to our
own.
3. The different types of representation (2):
• A typical or representation of reality
Media often use stereotypes to typify particular social
groups as a form of shorthand. i.e. Gender ,race ,age
• The process of speaking on behalf of or as a
representative of a particular position.
Whose views are being put forward in particular
messages? Whose voices are being heard.
4. The different types of representation (3):
• The meanings which media messages
represent for audiences.
What do readers bring to messages which affects how
they interpret them?
What actual sense is made when particular messages
are understand?
5. Associated theories with the theory of
representation
Hypodermic Needle Theory
Binary Opposites
6. So how does the idea of “re-presenting”
something have to do with media products?
“Identity is complicated. Everybody thinks
they’ve got one. Artists play with the idea of
identity in modern society” – David Gaundlett.
7. Examples of Questions to ask when analysing
representations
Who produced it?
What/who is represented in the text?
How is that thing represented?
Why was this particular representation (this shot,
framed from this angle, this story phrased in these
terms, etc) selected, and what might the alternatives
have been?
What frame of reference does the audience use when
understanding the representation?
