Representation

“The media offer us a mediated version of the world. They don’t just present reality, they re-present it.”

Buckingham

What kind of reality are you (re)presenting?

Richard Dyer & stereotypesDyer has written extensively on stereotypes and how they are used in the media and by audiences. According to Dyer stereotypes are used as;

As a point of reference- a purely aesthetic functions in narrative, where character traits do not developAs a short cut- stereotypes carry with them complex meanings and a knowledge of social and cultural contextsAs an expression of values- a statement of thoughts, opinions and values of the creator.

Stereotypes

Have you introduced stereotypes in your production? What have they been used for?

As a point of reference- a purely aesthetic functions in narrative, where character traits do not developAs a short cut- stereotypes carry with them complex meanings and a knowledge of social and cultural contextsAs an expression of values- a statement of thoughts, opinions and values of the creator.

Barthes

What meaning is constructed through symbols, images and words?

What is signified?