1. Examining the future and
incorporating theory
Giroux (1997)
Giroux argues that in media representations youth becomes an „empty
category‟. This is because media representations of young people are
constructed by adults. Because of this they reflect adults concerns, anxieties,
and needs. As a result of this media representations of young people do not
necessarily reflect the reality of youth identity.
Acland (1995)
Acland argues that media representations of delinquent youths actually
reinforce hegemony. They do this by constructing an idea of „normal‟ adult
and youth behaviour, and contrasting it with deviant youth behaviour which is
shown to be unacceptable. Acland also claims that media representations of
young people out of control allows the state to have more control of them (e.g.
media reports about delinquent youths led to ASBOs). This is something
Acland calls the „ideology of protection‟ – the idea that young people need
constant surveillance and monitoring. This happens because youth is the time
when young people learn about social roles and values, and allows the state
to make sure they conform to hegemonic values.
Dick Hebdige
Dick Hebdige – “subculture and the meaning of style”
Could we argue that Youth Culture is a group of like-minded individuals
who feel neglected by societies standards and who develop a sense of
identity which differs.
Subcultures – What are subcultures. A group of people (usually but not
exclusively) of the same age social or economic status and ethnic background
that share a common idea which often goes against the hegemonic dominant
ideologies of mainstream society.

2. How can we apply these theoretical approaches to representation of youth to
the texts we‟ve looked at so far?
Whilst viewing the Shank consider and make notes on;
- what are the main messages and values?
- how is the film evidently a moral panic in itself?
- how is it proving Acland correct, suggesting that the representations can
ultimately allow the state to exercise more power or more importantly the
need for something to be done so young people conform to hegemonic
values?