"Representation in media texts are often simplistic and reinforce dominant ideologies so that audiences can make sense of them". Evaluate the ways that you have used/challenged simplistic representations in one of the media products you have produced.

In the media products I have produced, I have both used and challenged representations. In my music video, the main character was an aspirational, relatable female figure. It was important that she was depicted as aspirational as I wanted my target audience of teenage girls to view her as a role model and take hope from the video after the relationship break-up narrative. I wanted to make her relatable and stereotypical as I felt that it would then make the narrative easier to relate to and sympathise with; if I had formed a complicated character, then the audience may have lost interest and not connected with her in the way I wanted them to. In creating these qualities in my music video, I am conforming to simplistic representations.

It was important that the correct connotations were carried by my character. I wanted her to be portrayed as innocent and vulnerable therefore, to achieve this, I ensured that her costume always consisted of natural, simplistic colours. As well as this, the location and mise-en-scene she was surrounded by also consisted of the same colour scheme in order to avoid distraction or mis-interpretation of meanings. This demure look ensured that my female character didn't conform to the male gaze as this is not the image that I wished to convey; I wanted her to appear innocent and potentially as a victim to the narrative.

Her character develops throughout the video, an establishing shot doesn't give much away, allowing the audience to make their own judgements. The fact that she takes up the majority of camera shots allows the audience to form a more broad opinion of her as the video progresses, the constant focus on star image means that the audience feel as if they get to know the character. Gaundlett says that 'Identities are constructed' linking to the idea that gradual construction breaks up and simplifies representation.

The male character in my video appears desirable and stylish however he is not given much camera time therefore the audience don't really get to know him and aren't able to relate to him. He is not presented in much detail, thereby making him a simplistic character representing 'any man'. The condensed narrative doesn't give him an opportunity of voice therefore the audience view him as the 'villain' in the story. Having the male role as a villain and the female role as the victim conforms to representations in media texts.

Stereotypes are used to enhance realism, however, Martin Marker comments on the idea that "stereotypes are condemned for misrepresenting the 'real world'". This could link to Baudrillard's theory of hyper-reality and how people are unable to distinguish reality from a simulation of reality. People expect certain attributes from characters, despite the fact that they are not always realistic. In the case of my music video, it is expected that the girl is depicted as weak and vulnerable in comparison to the male character.In conforming to expectations, I am using simplistic representations of media texts.

Representation

"Representation in media texts are often simplistic and reinforce dominant ideologies so that audiences can make sense of them". Evaluate the ways that you have used/challenged simplistic representations in one of the media products you have produced.

Stereotypes
- Stereotypical female character for a country/pop genre. Makes her easy for the audience to relate to and understand
- Cliche couple in a pop video. Having troubles and break up

Setting
- Simplistic setting. Keeps the focus on the characters and narrative
- Neutral colours used to mirror the representation of the girl

Gaunlett (2002)
"Identities are constructed". From the first shot, only the appearance of the girl can be established. Over her time on the screen we see actions and behaviour that exress innocence and her demure youthful personality.
- Gradual construction breaks up and simplifies representation

Condensed Narrative
- Focus on main events (Happy couple, fall out, break up)
- Not enough time for all the details
- Simplifies reality
- Audience can recognise the situation from the information given.

Male Character
- Not much detail or camera time
- Appears stylish and desirable but could be any man.
- Simplistic representation.

Female Character
- Doesn't conform to the male gaze
- Her character develops throughout the video
- Natural colours used to convey her as innocent
- Aspirational role model
- Take up majority of camera shots (Star image)
- Relatable character

Representation Theory

- Marxism
- Feminism
-Postmodernism
- Stereotypes

Marxism (ideologies and representation)
- Hegemonic view of society - idea that there are fundamental inequalities between social groups. (e.g. rich and poor)
Ideology - a set of ideas that show a partial view of reality.

Michel Maffesoli (1985) identified the idea of 'urban tribe' where the members of small groups had similar worldwide views, dress styles and common behaviours. Decline of individualism.

David Gauntlett (2002) - argues that 'identities are not given but are constructed and negociated.' 'Identity is complicated.Everybody thunks they've got one. Artists play with the idea of identity in modern society'

Rosalind Brunt (1992) - ideologies are never simply ideas in peoples' heads but are indeed myths that we live by and which contribute to our worth'.

Laura Mulvey (1975) argues that the dominant point of vue is masculine. The female body is displayed for the male gaze to provide pleasure of the male. (Voyeurism)

John Berger 'Ways of Seeing' - 'men act and women appear.Men look at women. Women watch themselves being looked at.' 'Women are aware of being seen by a male spectator'

Stereotypes are used to enhance realism
Martin Barker (1989) - stereotypes are condemned for misrepresenting the 'real world'