Representations
Kieran ShahRepresentation in TV DramasClassThis is Francis and
Claire Underwood from House of Cards. (US)Theyre represented as
stereotypically upper-class and wealthy.This is seen in the
symbolic sense with their clothes and accessories; suits, an
expensive watch, and diamond earrings all signifying power and
wealth,The Marxist Theory is apparent by the producers portraying
the ideology of the dominant man, his body language (arms crossed),
height, and position of being in front of Claire, his subordinate,
all signify this.
ClassThis is Spooges Lady from Breaking Bad. (US)She is of the
stereotypical extreme lower class, much below the poverty line.The
low-key lighting represents an unsettling mood, one that the
audience isnt meant to feel comfortable with.There is the theme of
drugs that runs throughout the show but she represents who it
effects and how, another sign of Marxism that the producers want to
portray who the ideal person isnt and cementing the zeitgeist view
that they have built.
SexualityThis is Maxxie from Skins. (UK)He is the archetypal
homosexual man. He is flamboyant, has a feminine voice, and
partakes in activities usually associated with women such as
dancing.The high-key lighting stays in line with his flamboyance
and shows that he isnt to be seen as something low.
SexualityThis is Emily and Naomi, also from Skins. (UK)They are
the countertype of the lesbians that are seen in the media as they
are feminine in their looks, have positive and fun personalities,
and remain friends with heterosexual men.They arent to be demeaned
as the high-key lighting connotes to the positivity in the act.
Disability
This is Will from The Inbetweeners. (UK)Hes just unknowingly
insulted a group of mentally disabled people, and from this is
where the joke derives.They have been represented as objects we
should be pitiful and sympathetic toward, Wills insults would have
been just if they were not disabled yet they were and were made to
laugh at him due to the awkwardness hes created.This is an instance
of Levis Strauss binary opposites theory as we understand the joke
through the opposites of what we believe the able and disable are
capable of.Disability
This is Derek from Derek. (UK)There isnt a unanimity in Dereks
representation as a disabled man as opposites are shown. His
unclean hair, unkempt facial hair, and simple expression signify a
slow man that is unable to look after himself, which is a common
representation. However, his personality denotes kindness and
caring which is something overlooked by the mainstream media as a
trait that the disabled are unable to carry out.Regional
IdentityThis clip (to view, click on the image) is from Our Friends
in the North, featuring characters from the North and South of
England. (UK)They are stereotypically presented, those from the
North are colloquial and fun, and the woman from the South is
career driven and stiff.There are cultural differences seen in the
sweetheart section where communication was misinterpreted due to
the rarity that one might call another sweetheart in the South.The
colour of the dresses signify differences, too. The Northern woman
was wearing red; seductive and feminine. The Southern lady,
however, was in black; masculine and powerful.
Age
This is Barry Barry from Waterloo Road. (UK)He is portrayed
stereotypically as a dominant male teenager. He shows little care
for rules as he is the only one who keeps his jacket on in class
and his unkempt appearance in how he has not shaven shows the
rebellious attitude commonly used in depicting teenagers.Age
This is Alfred Pennyworth from Batman: The Animated Series.
(US)Here he is depicted as a common old man, seen in his formality
by his smart attire, good posture, and use of well spoken Standard
English.Ethnicity
This is the Stanfield Crew from The Wire. (US)They are the
archetype of blacks. Hoods and hats which connote that they conduct
mischievous behaviour one wouldnt like to expose themselves doing.
The cheap clothing and tight spaces the house are fitted into
connote a low income, further signifying low
intelligence.Ethnicity
This is Abu Nazir of Homeland. (US)He has been conjured from the
stereotypical view of terrorism being only for the Asian origin.He
is covered in black clothing, connoting danger and evil, all
negative associations pinned to the conventions of this
stereotype.Gender
This is Dawn Tinsley from The Office. (UK)She is stereotypically
represented as the receptionist, not advancing the conventions of
her character at all.The difference in formality can be seen
between Tim and Dawns clothes. Tim is wearing a suit and Dawn is
wearing a fairly informal shirt, highlighting the separation of
importance between the male and female characters.Gender
This is Olivia Dunham from Fringe. (US)There are two versions of
this character, one from each parallel universe and in both she
represents the countertype of women.She is either in a suit,
signifying formality, professionalism, and intelligence, or she is
in a leather jacket, connoting action.This goes against Hegemony as
this isnt a popular ideology, even today.
