The document analyzes the representation of the character Precious in the 2009 film Precious. It lists examples of how Precious is both positively and negatively represented in relation to youth. Specifically, it notes how Precious is positively shown as having dreams and ambitions, choosing alternative education, being responsible, and not using drugs or alcohol. Negatively, Precious is depicted as stealing, being violent, becoming pregnant as a teenager, using aggressive language, having a poor self-image, and being obese. The document asks if Precious' representation was constructed by adults to express their anxieties, and if it serves the purpose of adult society. It also questions if Precious is depicted negatively to emphasize middle-class dominance and reinforce Gram

1. Precious
2009

2. Positive representation
 From your notes choose three examples
of when Precious was a POSITIVE
representation of youth…
 Dreams and ambitions (shown through flashes of stardom)
 Chooses to go to the alternative school (Leaves flat to start)
 Responsible (dishes/ housewife)
 Best maths student (skills and intelligence)
 Book being picked up/ reading album (sentimental/ emotional-
empathetic)
 Independent / mature- living on her own, still going to school,
raising kids
 Caring- raising kids, continually cares about them, turns the TV
off.
 No drink or drugs- goes against youth stereotype.

3. Negative representation
 From your notes choose three examples
of when Precious was a Negative
representation of youth…
 Stole chicken – fits an aspect of the stereotypical thief in youth.
 Violent – hitting the young girl
 Pregnancy – could fit the stereotype if story unknown
 Language – verbally aggressive- links to youth
 Self image through dominant society- gramsci =hegemony
 Morbidly obese- unhealthy, little exercise (youth becoming obese
= current news)
 *selfish as wants to look after her kids regardless of the lifestyle.

4. Giroux
 Is the representation given of Precious
constructed by adults to show their
anxieties and concerns?
 Does it serve a purpose for adult society?

5. McRobbie
 Is Precious depicted in a negative way to
emphasise middle class dominance and
therefore reinforce Gramsci’s theory of
hegemony?