Camera
At the start of the scene, a birds eye establishing shot is used to set the scene of a bustling American downtown city. This is effective as it informs the audience of the type of scene they are about to witness. As the new secretary is shown around the office, a tracking shot is used to follow the two women. This is used to represent the business of the office setting in 60s America. As the two women later have a conversation, the director an over the shoulder shot reverse shot to isolate the conversation. This creates a clear link between the characters and resembles the importance of women looking out for each other in the office.
Sound
As the men enter the office building, non diegetic music from the 60s era plays, in order to establish the time period of the setting. As the two women walk around the office, there is diegetic ambient sound of chatter around the office. This represents the business of 1960s corporate America and indicates that this could be a stressful setting for the women working.
Mise en scene
The men who enter the office building are dressed in suits and a fedora hat. This is a stereotypical view of working men in 1960s America and represents their powerful career position and superiority in the workplace. The image of the working women differs greatly. The women are dressed in bright, attractive clothing to appeal to the working men. This view of women is very sexist as it indicates that men have power over them. The text covers issues with sexism in corporate America that were rife in the 1960s.
Editing
Continuity editing is used throughout the text in order to give the narrative a natural flow. This makes it simple to allow the narrative to proceed and outline common issues.
Monday, 18 September 2017
Wednesday, 13 September 2017
Stereotypes
Gender
Difficulties in differentiating gender roles in the modern societies can be a perfect example of the negative social effects of using stereotypes. A division of gender roles is deeply rooted in the social archetypes. In the past, the patriarchy was a dominant family model. Through the ages men have been considered to be financial providers, career-focused, assertive and independent, whereas women have been shown as low-position workers, loving wives and mothers, responsible for raising children and doing housework. Nowadays a family model is based rather on a partnership than on patriarchy and women have more rights and possibilities on the labor market. Feminist environment had a significant impact on the change in this situation. Women’s liberation movement fought for the rights of women and for redefining traditional gender roles. They claimed, that there should be no distinction between typical masculine and feminine occupations, and that traits of character should not be ascribed once and for all to one gender. Although females and males are still not equal, the differences between gender are not so vast anymore. Nevertheless, many social institutions, such as mass media, still use gender stereotypes, basing on the assumption, that they are well known to everyone and help the receivers to understand the content of the message.
Ethnicity
The media has tremendous power when it comes to shaping public opinion. Indeed, the media play a central role in the process of ethnic categorization and in reinforcing and spreading negative stereotypes of these groups. Even though journalists may strive for objectivity, this aim is impossible to achieve. Instead, the words and general tone that are used by the journalist broadcast an opinion, whether it be conscious or unconscious. When someone decides to use the word "terrorist" instead of "freedom fighter," for example, it quickly becomes clear which side of the debate he is on.
Age
Stereotypes of senior citizens and the elderly contain a mix of positive (warm, trustworthy) and negative (incompetent, feeble) traits, although negative traits tend to dominate the stereotype. Negative stereotypical subtypes of older people (e.g., the curmudgeon, the recluse) also outnumber positive subtypes (e.g., the perfect grandparent). The fundamental ambivalence that underlies our beliefs about older people is reflected in prejudicial reactions and discriminatory behavior in that old people prompt both pity and anxiety in us. In the workplace, older workers are also seen as more trustworthy and reliable than younger workers, but are discriminated against for their presumed declining mental and physical vitality. The aging of the American population should focus researchers’ efforts to better understand ageism.
Disability
Many people have misconceptions about disabled people. Here are just a few:
People with disabilities are different from fully human people; they are partial or limited people, in an "other" and lesser category. As easily identifiable "others" they become metaphors for the experience of alienation. The successful "handicapped" person is superhuman, triumphing over adversity in a way which serves as an example to others; the impairment gives disabled persons a chance to exhibit virtues they didn't know they had, and teach the rest of us patience and courage. The burden of disability is unending; life with a disabled person is a life of constant sorrow, and the able-bodied stand under a continual obligation to help them. People with disabilities and their families -- the "noble sacrificers" -- are the most perfect objects of charity; their function is to inspire benevolence in others, to awaken feelings of kindness and generosity. A disability is a sickness, something to be fixed, an abnormality to be corrected or cured. Tragic disabilities are those with no possibility of cure, or where attempts at cure fail.
Difficulties in differentiating gender roles in the modern societies can be a perfect example of the negative social effects of using stereotypes. A division of gender roles is deeply rooted in the social archetypes. In the past, the patriarchy was a dominant family model. Through the ages men have been considered to be financial providers, career-focused, assertive and independent, whereas women have been shown as low-position workers, loving wives and mothers, responsible for raising children and doing housework. Nowadays a family model is based rather on a partnership than on patriarchy and women have more rights and possibilities on the labor market. Feminist environment had a significant impact on the change in this situation. Women’s liberation movement fought for the rights of women and for redefining traditional gender roles. They claimed, that there should be no distinction between typical masculine and feminine occupations, and that traits of character should not be ascribed once and for all to one gender. Although females and males are still not equal, the differences between gender are not so vast anymore. Nevertheless, many social institutions, such as mass media, still use gender stereotypes, basing on the assumption, that they are well known to everyone and help the receivers to understand the content of the message.
Ethnicity
The media has tremendous power when it comes to shaping public opinion. Indeed, the media play a central role in the process of ethnic categorization and in reinforcing and spreading negative stereotypes of these groups. Even though journalists may strive for objectivity, this aim is impossible to achieve. Instead, the words and general tone that are used by the journalist broadcast an opinion, whether it be conscious or unconscious. When someone decides to use the word "terrorist" instead of "freedom fighter," for example, it quickly becomes clear which side of the debate he is on.
Age
Stereotypes of senior citizens and the elderly contain a mix of positive (warm, trustworthy) and negative (incompetent, feeble) traits, although negative traits tend to dominate the stereotype. Negative stereotypical subtypes of older people (e.g., the curmudgeon, the recluse) also outnumber positive subtypes (e.g., the perfect grandparent). The fundamental ambivalence that underlies our beliefs about older people is reflected in prejudicial reactions and discriminatory behavior in that old people prompt both pity and anxiety in us. In the workplace, older workers are also seen as more trustworthy and reliable than younger workers, but are discriminated against for their presumed declining mental and physical vitality. The aging of the American population should focus researchers’ efforts to better understand ageism.
Disability
Many people have misconceptions about disabled people. Here are just a few:
People with disabilities are different from fully human people; they are partial or limited people, in an "other" and lesser category. As easily identifiable "others" they become metaphors for the experience of alienation. The successful "handicapped" person is superhuman, triumphing over adversity in a way which serves as an example to others; the impairment gives disabled persons a chance to exhibit virtues they didn't know they had, and teach the rest of us patience and courage. The burden of disability is unending; life with a disabled person is a life of constant sorrow, and the able-bodied stand under a continual obligation to help them. People with disabilities and their families -- the "noble sacrificers" -- are the most perfect objects of charity; their function is to inspire benevolence in others, to awaken feelings of kindness and generosity. A disability is a sickness, something to be fixed, an abnormality to be corrected or cured. Tragic disabilities are those with no possibility of cure, or where attempts at cure fail.
Monday, 11 September 2017
The Daily Mail on Teenagers
It
is clear that the daily mail has an extremely negative view of teenagers and
aren’t shy to share their opinions. Headlines such as the ones I have selected
such as ‘Teenagers’ pea sized brains’ clearly present the negative
representation of teenagers in the Mail Online.
'Classroom horror as Indian pupil pulls handgun.'
Although this story is shocking, the Mail Online have used an incredibly negative headline regarding teenagers. I would also regard this headline as racist as the mail have unnecessarily emphasized that the pupil was 'Indian' in nationality, suggesting that this would be expected of an Indian student.
'Teenagers are going to school high on DRUGS.'
This headline generalizes all teenagers as taking drugs before school. In reality, a tiny percentage of teenagers have even taken drugs. This emphasizes the extremely negative view that the mail have on teenagers.
'Teenagers' Pea Sized Brains'
This headline perfectly represents the negative view the mail have on teenagers. 'Pea sized brains' suggests that the mail believe that all teenagers are simple and unintelligent. This is clearly not an accurate representation of all teenagers.
'Classroom horror as Indian pupil pulls handgun.'
Although this story is shocking, the Mail Online have used an incredibly negative headline regarding teenagers. I would also regard this headline as racist as the mail have unnecessarily emphasized that the pupil was 'Indian' in nationality, suggesting that this would be expected of an Indian student.
'Teenagers are going to school high on DRUGS.'
This headline generalizes all teenagers as taking drugs before school. In reality, a tiny percentage of teenagers have even taken drugs. This emphasizes the extremely negative view that the mail have on teenagers.'Teenagers' Pea Sized Brains'
This headline perfectly represents the negative view the mail have on teenagers. 'Pea sized brains' suggests that the mail believe that all teenagers are simple and unintelligent. This is clearly not an accurate representation of all teenagers.
Thursday, 7 September 2017
The Male Gaze in the Media
Laura Mulvey's male gaze theory is evident throughout different aspects of the media. For example, Robin Thicke's blurred lines music video (as pictured above) features many half naked women dancing around fully clothed men as they stare and sexualise them. Another similar music video is Justin Timberlake's Tunnel Vision, in which many women are completely naked and vulnerable, purely for the enjoyment of the male audience. In the video, Justin Timberlake is projected onto a woman's bare body. This represents ownership of the woman and objectifies her. The mise en scene of the video is very sexual and evident the men are in control as they are fully clothed and the women are not. The video is extremely degrading to women and treats them like objects owned by men. This idea is used in many other music videos and even in TV and film. An example of this is the critically acclaimed 'The Wolf of Wall Street' in which many women appear naked, out of control, objectified and vulnerable. This theme is repeated in the huge HBO series Game of Thrones, which features a great amount of female nudity throughout the series, and yet almost no male nudity. This represents the gender bias in the media and emphasises Laura Mulvey's theory of the male gaze.
Monday, 4 September 2017
Top 10 TV Drama Series
1. Game of Thrones
Game of thrones is an exciting, gory, thrilling fantasy filled with battles, betrayal and even dragons. You will not be able to stop watching.
2. Breaking Bad
Chemistry teacher and cancer patient Walter White becomes the meth kingpin of New Mexico. A must watch for intense drama and acting brilliance.
3. True Detective
Two peculiar detectives, Rust and Marty track down a Satanic killer in Louisiana whilst tension grows between the partners. True detective features masterful acting from Matthew McConnaughey and Woody Harrelson and has the best intro in TV drama!
4. Silent Witness
Nikki Alexander and her pathology team solve peculiar murders and track down ruthless killers in and around London. Intense and gritty.
5. Sherlock
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman star in a modern depiction of the Sherlock Holmes novels. The series is brilliantly made and easily keeps it's audience intrigued and excited.
6. The Walking Dead
Rick Grimes and his group seek survival in a post apocalyptic zombie infested Georgia, facing heartbraking loss throughout the series and realizing that the undead are not the only threat.
7. Orange is the New Black
This Netflix original series follows Piper Chapman and her time in a women's prison in upstate New York. The many different characters in the series provide colorful story-lines and intriguing back stories.
8. Daredevil
Blind lawyer Matt Murdock becomes aware of special powers he gained when blinded. He uses his incredibly heightened senses to fight crime at night, wearing all black and a blindfold.
9. Broadchurch
Troubled Police Inspector Alec Hardy investigates the depressing murder of young boy Danny Latimer. The series features many characters in the area that all become suspects which manages to keep the audience guessing at all times.
10. Happy Valley
Game of thrones is an exciting, gory, thrilling fantasy filled with battles, betrayal and even dragons. You will not be able to stop watching.
2. Breaking Bad
Chemistry teacher and cancer patient Walter White becomes the meth kingpin of New Mexico. A must watch for intense drama and acting brilliance.
3. True Detective
Two peculiar detectives, Rust and Marty track down a Satanic killer in Louisiana whilst tension grows between the partners. True detective features masterful acting from Matthew McConnaughey and Woody Harrelson and has the best intro in TV drama!
4. Silent Witness
Nikki Alexander and her pathology team solve peculiar murders and track down ruthless killers in and around London. Intense and gritty.
5. Sherlock
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman star in a modern depiction of the Sherlock Holmes novels. The series is brilliantly made and easily keeps it's audience intrigued and excited.
6. The Walking Dead
Rick Grimes and his group seek survival in a post apocalyptic zombie infested Georgia, facing heartbraking loss throughout the series and realizing that the undead are not the only threat.
7. Orange is the New Black
This Netflix original series follows Piper Chapman and her time in a women's prison in upstate New York. The many different characters in the series provide colorful story-lines and intriguing back stories.
8. Daredevil
Blind lawyer Matt Murdock becomes aware of special powers he gained when blinded. He uses his incredibly heightened senses to fight crime at night, wearing all black and a blindfold.
9. Broadchurch
Troubled Police Inspector Alec Hardy investigates the depressing murder of young boy Danny Latimer. The series features many characters in the area that all become suspects which manages to keep the audience guessing at all times.
10. Happy Valley
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