The document discusses representation in media and common stereotypes. It notes that heroes are often white, middle class, able-bodied and straight. Villains tend to be male, physically intimidating, and from a poorer background. Female characters are usually portrayed as vulnerable and relying on men, while male characters are stronger and more independent. Most main characters are in their 20s to 30s. Ethnic representation often fits stereotypes, such as Asians being intelligent and Latin Americans being portrayed as sex symbols. The document then provides examples of how its own media characters both challenge and fit common stereotypes around gender, ethnicity and physical appearance.

1. Representation

2. • In media, representation is the way we present different
groups of people, based on the characteristics, for
example gender, skin colour or sexuality.

3. • The heros are usually used to danger in some way - for
example, in Taken the main character Bryan Mills is an ex-
CIA agent. The hero tends to be middle class and white,
without disability and are straight.
• The Villains are usually, but not always, male, and
physically intimidating - they are tall and tend to be well
built. The villains tend to be more diverse, often coming
from a poorer background.
• Female characters are usually portrayed as helpless and
vulnerable, relying on the man to come and save them;
they serve as a love interest and often do not much to
further the plot. They are commonly used as objects for
men; the male gaze theory, for example in the James Bond
films. It is not unsual for a female character to die in the
opening scene, for example in Scream.
• Male Characters are independent and stronger, having
more power than their female counterparts.
• Most main characters tend to be reasonably young - 20s to
30s

4. Ethinc representation:
• Asians are portrayed as being intelligent, hardworking and determined.
They are associated with martial arts and being mentally strong, for
example the villain OddJob from the James Bond film Goldfinger .
Thrillers play to the stereotype of being intelligent, so will often hold a
position of power
• Afro/Caribbean people are often played as gangsters or violent
criminals. It is rare to see them as the protagonist.
• Latin American women will frequently be used as sex symbols .
• White people are usually the protagonists
• It is not unusual for characters of colour to be "white-washed"; appearing
more white in both actual appearance and in culture/life style. For
example, in Argo, white actor Ben Affleck plays Tony Mendez who is of
half Mexican descent

5. Young
White
Blonde
Feminine -
dress and
handbag
Middle class British
Makeup and nail
varnish - quite
girly and
feminine

6. • Our female character did fit with the convention of being
vulnerable initially, however, in the title sequence she escapes
from the male, so is not helpless. She is not there for the male
gaze, instead being her own character and not only being a love
interest. By challenging the common stereotypes seen for
female characters in thrillers and by being a strong independent
female character, but still keeping her femininity in the dress,
blonde hair and makeup, this is a positive representation as it is
showing girls that they can be more than just a sex object for
men, but it is still okay to be girly and enjoy your appearance;
these two things do not often go together in mainstream media.
However, it does not realistically represent the general public,
and is thus partly negative.

7. Young
White
Male
Irish Middle Class
Physically
tall and well
built
Threatening
Dark Clothes

8. • Our male assassin is stereotypically quite physically
intimidating, both with his stature and his dress; the
dark clothes, gloves and bandana covering half his
face add to the ominous atmosphere.
• He also plays to the portrayal of men being strong and
bodily-able.
• Overall, I feel this is a negative representation as it
statistically represents very little of the general
population, and is not providing a good role model or
example. It is not an accurate representation of the
average young man from Ireland.