The binary structure portrays some groups as having more power than others based on stereotypes. It represents age as professionals in their 30s-40s holding power over youth and elders, gender as males dominating over sexualized females, race as the ethnic majority portrayed positively over minority groups, class as the working class over upper and lower classes, and sexuality as heterosexuals over homosexuals through stereotypical portrayals. The media represents the binary structure to appeal to mainstream audiences and uphold the views of those in power positions within the film industry.

1. Binary Structure

2. What is the binary structure?
The binary structure is used to make things more powerful than
others things . For example a man is portrayed to be more powerful
than a woman. Binary structuralism is a representation of stereotypes
opposite to each other; stereotypes are over simplified definition of
a person or a type of person and this is what the binary structure is
based arounds as a stereotype is a generalisation.

3. Age
Age is used in the binary structure to represent the professionals as
the ones who holds the power. These professionals are within the
ages of their mid 30s to late 40s; and the reason why they hold the
power is because they are stereotyped to be the best fit in society as
young people and old people are portrayed negatively in society.
Youths are seen as trouble makers and a nuisance in society as they
form gangs, cause violence, and criminal acts. On the other hand the
elderly are seen as ultra- conservative, old fashioned and out of touch

4. Gender
In the film industry movies generally portray males to have more
power even if the movies is about a woman. This is normally shown
through sexual objectification which is when through the gaze
females are portrayed as sexual objects and is represented as being
weak in different ways. For example in science fiction movies the
villain normally kidnaps the girl and tortures her until the brave
strong super hero comes to her rescue. Even if the man is being
objectified he will still look powerful and strong and he will also look
at his subjects head on. Whiles for women they will look weak,
vulnerable and childlike.

5. Race
• The binary structure of race in the film industry portray the ethical
minority groups negatively because audiences often look for images
which compliment their own self images and as most of the
population is a certain type of race that is what the film industry
aim to make powerful as the majority would be happy buying those
films. An example of this is in England as 80% of television views are
British ideas passed through media, regardless of the ethical
minority groups. The ethnic minority groups are portrayed to be
involved in drugs, violent and having anti-social behaviour. The
EMG’s are often aware of the inability to climb the social ladder so
they respond to this reality by acting drastic and through
frustration.

6. Class
In terms of class in the binary structure the working class is seen as
the people with the most power. This is because most of the people
in society are the working class so the film industry is trying to make
their films relatable for the majority; in order for more people to buy
the movies. However the upper class and the lower class are
represented negatively. The upper class are represented to be selfish,
ignorant, and unpopular. As for lower class their portrayed as violent,
lazy and constantly complaining about their situation.

7. Sexuality
For sexuality the binary structure make the straight people the ideal
people to be as their portrayed as the natural and normal human
being making them have the power. However for homosexuals their
portrayed thorough their stereotype and that is either being ultra-
feminine or ultra masculine depending on their gender. For example
in many movies or soap the male homosexuals are working in a place
of hospitality or industries based on designing, bars and clubs. This is
seen to be jobs females would normally take up. On the other hand
for female homosexuals their jobs are based around mechanics
,violent sports and more jobs that males would normally do. In
general their lifestyle is portrayed negatively as into drugs ,sex and
partying.

8. How is it represented in the media?
In conclusion all these aspects are represented due to what the
leaders of the film industry wants. As the leader are middle aged,
male British, working class, straight people who want their views to
be represented in a positive way; that means having to portray what
they aren't in a negative way to uplift their beliefs.