This document discusses representation and stereotypes. It defines stereotypes as oversimplified and fixed ideas about types of people. It then lists common stereotypes around age, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, class, physical ability, and regional identity. For example, it suggests stereotypes are that teenagers are rebellious and lazy, women are not good at sports, Chinese people are smart and successful, and the lower class are dependent on government assistance. The document also briefly discusses the concept of verisimilitude, or how close a story is to realistic events, using the example of an unrealistic baby swap storyline in a TV show.

1. Representation and
Stereotypes.
ShannonWebb. Bethany Bouchareb.
Genit Abazi

2. Representation

3. Stereotypes
Dictionary definition:A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a
particular type of person or thing
Simple meaning:When people are placed in a certain group with expected behavior
and looks.

4. Stereotypical views
Age: Young children – Bubbly, active, happy, always
laughing, throws tantrums, eats lots of sweets
Teenagers -
Rebellious, lazy, egocentric, irresponsible, material
things, socializing, etc.
Old people – Slow, fragile, slow drivers, bad
hearing, memory loss, grey / white hair.
Gender: Female – Not good at sports, not good drivers, are not as
smart as men, females always clean, they only care for as a
job, beautiful looking.
Male – Provider for the
family, strong, muscular, independent, competitive, bread winner.
Ethnicity: Chinese – Smart, always have great grades, are doctors
and nurses, have an successful life.
Irish – Always drunk, aggressive, eat a lot of potatoes.
English – Posh accents, smart, wonky and gap filled
teeth, always drink tea.

5. Stereotypical views
Sexuality: Gay - Feminine postures, high pitch voices, very
attention seeking.
Lesbian - Very manly, big in size e.g. butch, have manly
features, wear men's clothing.
Class and status: High class – Posh, very educated, have a lot of
money, come from private schools, only expect the highest of
peoples ability.
Middle class – Have well payed jobs, live in basic
homes, volunteer in community.
Lower class – School drop outs, dependent on the
governments money schemes, live in rented run down houses.
Physical ability/ disability:
Regional Identity:

6. Verisimilitude
Verisimilitude means how close the story line is to realistic or truthful events
that happen in day to day life.
An example ofVerisimilitude is: In Eastenders, one episode was based on a
unknown baby swap done by one mum as she chose to swap her own dead baby
for a women's baby that lives on her street that is alive.This story is not at all close
or truthful in everyday life as maternity hospitals are very strictly protected upon
seeing times of babies but also keep an eye on these visits too.