2. Representation Simple(ish)
Explanation
Representation refers to the construction in any medium (especially the mass media) of aspects of
‘reality’ such as people, places, objects, events, cultural identities and other abstract concepts. Such
representations may be in speech or writing as well as still or moving pictures
The term refers to the processes involved as well as to its products. For instance, in relation to the key
markers of identity - Class, Age, Gender and Ethnicity (the 'cage' of identity) - representation involves not
only how identities are represented (or rather constructed) within the text but also how they are
constructed in the processes of production and reception by people whose identities are also
differentially marked in relation to such demographic factors.
Consider, for instance, the issue of 'the gaze'. How do men look at images of women, women at men,
men at men and women at women?
Representation In The Media
By definition, all media texts are re-presentations of reality. This means that they are intentionally
composed, lit, written, framed, cropped, captioned, branded, targeted and censored by their producers,
and that they are entirely artificial versions of the reality we perceive around us.
When studying the media it is vital to remember this - every media form, from a home video to a glossy
magazine, is a representation of someone's concept of existence, codified into a series of signs and
symbols which can be read by an audience. However, it is important to note that without the media, our
perception of reality would be very limited, and that we, as an audience, need these artificial texts to
mediate our view of the world, in other words we need the media to make sense of reality. Therefore
representation is a fluid, two-way process: producers position a text somewhere in relation to reality and
audiences assess a text on its relationship to reality.
3. Image 1- Doug Bihlmaier
My first impressions were :
• Homeless
• Poor
• Not a lot of money
• Patchwork on trousers (cannot afford to buy a new
pair)
• No job
• His stance may show he is proud to be a tramp
• Does not care what people think
• Smokes which may show he is unhealthy
• New York
Who he actually is?
• Doug Bihlmaier
• Works at Ralph Lauren
• Quirky, unusual fashion sense
• His job is to travel the world to find things which can
go in Ralph Lauren stores.
• It shows by his hands how clean he is, as smokers
would usually have yellow fingers or nails.
4. Image 2 – Ralph Lauren
My first impressions were :
• Wealthy man
• Well paid job
• Expensive taste due to his suit
• Big house
• Stance is shown as if he is proud
• Clean
• Expensive hobby, due to pictures of horses in the
background
• Posh
• Well-groomed
• High expectations
Who he really is :
• Ralph Lauren
• Multi-millionaire
• In his Polo Lounge
• British Style
• American fashion designer
• His wealth has lead him to become extremely
powerful in the fashion industry
5. Image 3 – Lynn Yaeger
My first impression were :
• Middle class woman
• “fashionable” in her own way
• World of her own
• Does not care what others think
• Unusual and quirky appearance
• Works in the fashion industry
Who is it :
• Lynn Yaeger
• Fashion writer
• VOGUE
• Signature style
• Expensive jewelry
• Fur coats
• Fashion industry
6. Image 4 : Ted Bundy
My first impressions were :
• Business man
• Lawyer
• Stakeholder / Shareholder
• Serious
• Down-to-earth
• Looks after himself
• Well-groomed
• Sophisticated
Who is it? :
• Ted Bundy
• Serial Killer, Kidnapper, Rapist and
Necrophile
• 20-100 women he killed, some escaped
• Mental
• Got the death penalty
• Twisted
7. Image 5 – King Edward VIII
My first impressions were :
• Smart
• Sophisticated
• Intelligent
• Teacher
• Well-paid job
• Looks after himself
• Appearance – clean
• Neat and tidy
Who is it? :
• King Edward VIII
• Style icon
• Invented the Windsor knot for ties
• Related to the Royal Family
• Left the throne to be with the woman he
loved and become Duke of Windsor
8. Image 6 – River Phoenix
My first impressions :
• Old fashioned
• Teenager
• Lower class
• Cares mainly about himself
• Well known
• Rebellious
• Young actor
• Immature
Who it is? :
• River Phoenix
• Famous Actor
• Drug abuse
• Model occasionally
• In Stand By Me
