The document summarizes several media theorists and their perspectives on representation. It discusses Laura Mulvey's concept of the male gaze and how women are portrayed as passive objects in film. John Berger's theory that women appear for male objectification across media is also mentioned. Theories by Alvarado, Bell Hooks, Stuart Hall, and others address how ethnicity, race, gender, and class are commonly represented and interpreted in Western media through stereotypes, exoticism, and blurred associations. Narrative and audience reception theories are also briefly outlined.
This is the theory revision I created for my A2 Media group a couple of years ago. There is some general narrative theory, Media theory Laura Mulvey etc and Racial Representation theory, Stuart Hall, Paul Gilroy, bell hooks etc. This was based on Media and Collective Identity focusing on the representation of black culture in British Film and American Music Videos.
This is the theory revision I created for my A2 Media group a couple of years ago. There is some general narrative theory, Media theory Laura Mulvey etc and Racial Representation theory, Stuart Hall, Paul Gilroy, bell hooks etc. This was based on Media and Collective Identity focusing on the representation of black culture in British Film and American Music Videos.
2The Central Frames ofColor-Blind RacismThe mas.docxrhetttrevannion
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The Central Frames of
Color-Blind Racism
The master defense against accurate social perception and change is
always and in every society the tremendous conviction of rightness
about any behavior form which exists.
—John Dollard, Class and Caste in a Southern Town
I f Jim Crow’s racial structure has been replaced by a ‘‘new racism,’’what happened to Jim Crow racism? What happened to beliefs about
blacks’ mental, moral, and intellectual inferiority, to the idea that ‘‘it is
the [black man’s] own fault that he is a lower-caste . . . a lower-class man’’
or the assertion that blacks ‘‘lack initiative, are shiftless, have no sense of
time, or do not wish to better themselves’’;1 in short, what happened to
the basic claim that blacks are subhuman?2 Social analysts of all stripes
agree that most whites no longer subscribe to these tenets. However, this
does not mean the ‘‘end of racism,’’3 as a few conservative commentators
have suggested. Instead, a new powerful ideology has emerged to defend
the contemporary racial order: the ideology of color-blind racism. Yet,
color-blind racism is a curious racial ideology. Although it engages, as all
ideologies do, in ‘‘blaming the victim,’’ it does so in a very indirect, ‘‘now
you see it, now you don’t’’ style that matches the character of the new
racism. Because of the slipperiness of color-blind racism, in this chapter I
examine its central frames and explain how whites use them in ways that
justify racial inequality.
THE FRAMES OF COLOR-BLIND RACISM
Ideologies are about ‘‘meaning in the service of power.’’4 They are expres-
sions at the symbolic level of the fact of dominance. As such, the ideolo-
25
26 Chapter 2
gies of the powerful are central in the production and reinforcement of
the status quo. They comfort rulers and charm the ruled much like an
Indian snake handler. Whereas rulers receive solace by believing they are
not involved in the terrible ordeal of creating and maintaining inequality,
the ruled are charmed by the almost magic qualities of a hegemonic ide-
ology.5
The central component of any dominant racial ideology is its frames or
set paths for interpreting information. These set paths operate as cul-de-sacs
because after people filter issues through them, they explain racial phe-
nomena following a predictable route. Although by definition dominant
frames must misrepresent the world (hide the fact of dominance), this
does not mean that they are totally without foundation. (For instance, it
is true that people of color in the United States are much better off today
than at any other time in history. However, it is also true—facts hidden
by color-blind racism—that because people of color still experience sys-
tematic discrimination and remain appreciably behind whites in many
important areas of life, their chances of catching up with whites are very
slim.) Dominant racial frames, therefore, provide the intellectual road
map used by rulers to navigate the always rocky road of .
With regards to this article, I agree and disagree on certain leve.docxalanfhall8953
With regards to this article, I agree and disagree on certain levels pertaining to racism in video games. I have been playing video games since the Nintendo days and I have noticed many stereotypes in video games that Evan has pointed out. Although Evan feels that all black characters are subject to stereotypes, there are bunches of game characters that I believe are not under this category and are in fact very ambitious characters. For example, Lee Everett from the Walking Dead: Season 1 game, Captain Anderson from the Mass Effect Trilogy, Franklin from Grand Theft Auto V and Sgt. Johnson from the Halo series. The problem I have with Evan's critique is the fact that he is judging black characters based on how they act and look, something that society does to members of the visible minority in the real world. Majority of the characters that are in question may seem stereotypical at first but if you delve deeper into their character you start to realize that there is depth behind that person rather than just big muscles and a loud mouth. In my opinion, whenever I play a video game I can care less what the race of my character is and I look more towards their development as a character and the story that it is telling. Many "gamers" share this same opinion from research I have done and even in the comment section of this article. I get the notion that he is looking for a character that is "white" but the problem is whenever a black character is given the same characteristics as a white character, they are not well received and are made fun of for being "white washed". There seems to be a double standard with how black characters are portrayed and is also something that will unfortunately never be able to appease to everyone due to the fact that everyone shares a different opinion on how certain types of characters should be portrayed.
3/25/2014
1/11
The Social Construction of "Race"
As our discussions have revealed over the past few weeks, negative or stereotypical representation in media
has real consequences. Such representations not only reflect but also reinforce the marginality of minority
groups. Thus, it follows that the political empowerment of subordinate groups in society--such as women,
youth, people with disabilities, gays and lesbians, the poor--depends in part on changing the way these
groups are represented.
How can we think about the issues of representation and empowerment in relation to racial minorities? First,
we need to gain a better understanding of the social construction of racial and ethnic identity.
Ethnicity
'Ethnicity' and 'race' are linked but distinct categories. Ethnicity is a broad social category that addresses
one’s perceived membership in a larger group based on an attachment to an actual or possible homeland, its
cultural heritage, belief system, political history, language, myths, customs, manners, food, literature, sport, art
or architectural style. Ethnic affiliations are acknowledged and pa.
The Most Influential Person in My Life Free Essay Example. Important Person For Me Essay. 11 Reasons Why Essay Writing Is Important In One’s Professional Life. Important people in your life essay. Expository essay: A famous person you admire short essay. 004 Essay Example Why Is College Important On Importance Of Education .... How to Write an Essay About a Famous Person in History: 14 Steps. An Unforgettable Influential Person In Your Life Free Essay Example.
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
We all have good and bad thoughts from time to time and situation to situation. We are bombarded daily with spiraling thoughts(both negative and positive) creating all-consuming feel , making us difficult to manage with associated suffering. Good thoughts are like our Mob Signal (Positive thought) amidst noise(negative thought) in the atmosphere. Negative thoughts like noise outweigh positive thoughts. These thoughts often create unwanted confusion, trouble, stress and frustration in our mind as well as chaos in our physical world. Negative thoughts are also known as “distorted thinking”.
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
How to Create Map Views in the Odoo 17 ERPCeline George
The map views are useful for providing a geographical representation of data. They allow users to visualize and analyze the data in a more intuitive manner.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
2. Laura Mulvey
The Male Gaze
Film represents women as passive objects of
male desire.
Audiences are forced to view women from the
point of view of a heterosexual male even if
they are indeed; heterosexual women or
homosexual men.
3. John Berger
“Men look, women appear”
Women are there solely for the objectification
of women within all platforms of the media.
(Think of examples of different magazines,
films, TV shows or websites where this is
evident, how are women represented in your
production?)
4. Alvarado’s Theory 1987-
Representation of Ethnicity
• The Exotic: Ethnic Groups are seen as exotic or represented as
being the “other person” and unusual or strange.
• The Dangerous: Minority groups can be represented as a
threat to society. They can be called criminals, rapists, drug
dealers, or people who take advantage of society’s benefits.
• The Pitied: The representation of ethnic groups may be seen
as deprived victims or groups that experience natural
disasters or sometimes even conflicts.
• The Humorous: In the 1970’s race was a major vehicle for
comedy. Programs removed the threat of different races by
making them the butt of the jokes.
5. Bell Hooks
The colour codes: Lighter skinned women are
considered more desirable and fit better into
the western ideology of beauty.
Black women are objectified and sexualised in
hip-hop reflecting the colonialist view of black
women (sexually disposable).
Commodified blackness, a mediated view of
black culture that is considered the norm.
6. Stuart Hall
The media and therefore audiences often blur
race and class. Often associating particular races
with a particular class.
Audience reception theory; audiences
read/understand a particular text according to
their cultural upbringing.
Western (white dominated) cultures. Continue to
misinterpret ethnic minorities in the media due
to underlying racist tendencies. Ethnic minorities
are often represented as ‘the other’.
7. Stuart Hall: Slave Figure
Black Characterisations in the Media
Hall outlines three base images of the
'grammar of race' employed in 'old movies'.
The first is the slave figure which could take
the form of either the 'dependable, loving…
devoted "Mammy" with the rolling eyes, or
the faithful fieldhand… attached and devoted
to "his" master' (Hall, 1995:21).
http://www.theory.org.uk/ctr-rol6.htm
8. Stuart Hall: The Native
The second of Hall's base images - the native
(ibid:21). Their primitive nature means they
are cheating, cunning, savage and barbarian.
In movies, we expect them 'to appear at any
moment out of the darkness to decapitate the
beautiful heroine, kidnap the children …
http://www.theory.org.uk/ctr-rol6.htm
9. Stuart Hall: The Clown/Entertainer
The last of Hall's variants is that of the clown
or entertainer, implying an 'innate' humour in
the black man (ibid:22). Interestingly, the
distinction is never made as to whether we
are laughing with or at the clown; overt
racism is rare in the media rather, says Hall, it
is 'inferential' (ibid:20).
http://www.theory.org.uk/ctr-rol6.htm
10. Tricia Rose
Hip Hop gives black female rappers a voice
introducing female empowerment.
Hip hop gave audiences an insight into the
lives of young black urban Americans and gave
them a voice.
11. Paul Gilroy
Black music articulated diasporic experiences
of resistance to white capitalist culture.
Employs the notion of ‘diaspora’ and how
ethnic minorities (particularly black people)
experience dislocation from their homeland.
E.g. feeling as if you do not totally belong in
Britain but you also are considered ‘English’ in
the Caribbean, Africa or Asia etc
12. Michael Eric Dyson
Political rap didn’t get the support that it
deserved when it was prominent in the 80s
and early 90s.
Therefore it reverted to the flashy, sexualised,
criminal rap which we know today, as through
displaying this it became more prominent and
more mainstream.
13. Kobena Mercer
Black gay film opens up audiences to the
understanding of the dual exclusion (being gay
and black).
But through directors such as Isaac Julian they
introduce a varied representation not just pigeon
holing into the ‘black’ or ‘gay’ stereotype.
Audiences are exposed to diverse representation
displaying verisimilitude rather than ‘stereotype’.
15. Jacques Lacan
The Mirror Stage: Where infants see their
reflections in the mirror and see it as a superior
reflection of themselves that they must aspire to.
The ideal-I
Seeing iconic rappers who are successful ‘young
black males’ may see them as a superior
reflection of themselves they could aspire to.
Particularly those iconic figures whom have
struggled through a deprived childhood e.g. 50
Cent and Biggie Smalls (Notorious BIG).
16. Michel Foucault
'Archaeology' is the term Foucault used during the
1960s to describe his approach to writing history.
Archaeology is about examining the discursive traces
and orders left by the past in order to write a 'history
of the present'.
Archaeology is about looking at history as a way of
understanding the processes that have led to what
we are today.
Therefore when analyzing your contemporary case
studies you need to take into account those past
representations and how they have contributed to
what we have today e.g. Birth of a Nation 1913,
Blaxploitation films (70s), The slave trade
(colonialism) etc.
17. Audience Reception Theory
A preferred reading (or dominant system of response) is a way of understanding
the text that is consistent with the ideas and intentions of the producer or creator
of the product. This may lead to an acceptance of the dominant values within the
text.
With a negotiated reading (or subordinate response) the individual has a choice
as to whether or not they accept the preferred reading as their own. Audience
members may read the text though the filter of their own personal agenda.
Although there may be an acceptance of the dominant values and existing social
structure, the individual may be prepared to argue that a particular social group
may be unfairly represented.
In an oppositional reading (or radical response) individual members of an
audience may completely reject the preferred reading of the dominant code and
the social values that produced it.
An aberrant reading is where an entirely different meaning from that intended by
the maker will be taken form the text. This could be when individual members of
the audience do not share, in any way, the values of the maker of the text.
18. Hypodermic Theory
The theory suggests that the mass media
could influence a very large group of people
directly and uniformly by ‘shooting’ or
‘injecting’ them with messages designed to
trigger a response.
19. Moral Panic
A moral panic is the intensity of feeling
expressed in a population about an issue that
appears to threaten the social order.
20. Narrative Theory
Todorov: Equilibrium, disequilibrium, new
equilibrium
Levi Strauss: Binary Oppositions
Roland Barthes: Enigma Codes
Propp: Characters/roles often found in
narrative
21. Todorov’s Narrative Theory
1. Equilibrium
2. Disruption of equilibrium
3. Recognition of this disruption
4. An attempt to repair the equilibrium is made
5. Equilibrium is restored OR a new
equilibrium is established
22. Propp’s Narrative Theory
Hero: Individual(s) who's quest is to restore the equilibrium.
Villain: Individual(s) who's task is to disrupt the equilibrium.
Donor: Individual(s) who gives the hero(s) something, advice,
information or an object.
Helper: Individual(s) who aids the hero(s) with their set task.
Princess (Prince): Individual(s) which need help, protecting and
saving.
The King: Who rewards the hero.
Dispatcher: Individual(s) who send the hero(s) on their quest.
False Hero: Individual(s) who set out to undermine the hero's
quest by pretending to aid them. Often unmasked at the end of
the film.
23. Levi-Strauss: Binary Oppositions
Argued that meaning in narrative is based upon
binary oppositions. He observed that all
narratives are organised around the conflict
between such binary opposites.
Good Vs Evil
Human Vs Nature
Black Vs White
Protagonist Vs Antagonist
Humanity Vs Technology
Man Vs Woman
Human Vs Alien
24. Roland Barthes: Enigma Code
Refers to any element of the story that is not
fully explained and hence becomes a mystery
to the reader. The purpose of the author in
this is typically to keep the audience guessing,
arresting the enigma, until the final scenes
when all is revealed and all loose ends are tied
off and closure is achieved.
25. Books
David Gauntlett. Media Gender and Identity:
An Introduction. 2002.
Dan Laughey. Key Themes in Media Theory.
2008
Stuart Hall. Representation: Cultural
Representation and Signifying Practices. 1997
Bell Hooks. Black Looks: Race and
Representation. 1992
Tricia Rose. Black Noise: Rap Music and Black
Culture in Contemporary America. 1994
26. Books
Hall, Stuart (1995), 'The Whites of Their Eyes - Racist
Ideologies and the Media' in Dines, Gail and Humez,
Jean M., Gender, Race and Class in Media - A Text
Reader, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, London
and New Dehli.
Hooks, bell (1991), Yearning - race, gender and
cultural politics, Turnaround, London.
Gilroy, Paul (1983), 'Channel 4: Bridge or
Bantustan?', Screen, 24, 130-136. Cited in Ross
(1996), p.130.
Ferguson, Robert (1998), Representing Race -
Ideology, Identity and the Media, Arnold, London,
New York, Sydney and Auckland.
27. Notes
Some of the theorists have videos on Youtube
which are very useful in understanding their
theories and concepts in relation to
representation and audience reception.
28. YouTube Clips
• Stuart Hall Representation
• Bell hooks Rap
• Bell hooks Commodified Blackness
• Michael Eric Dyson Hip Hop’s commodity
fetish
• Paul Gilroy Contemporary Racism