1. Should Images be mediated/censored or should we have free choice?
The images shown on programmes such as the X Factor are all relevant to the narrative of show. As this is a family orientated programme, all images are appropriate and therefore there is no need for any images to be mediated/censored.
2. If we think that Films/TV can have negative impact can the positive impact be as strong?
The positive impact the X Factor has is that an audience is able to watch someone who has talent become well-known. It gives people of all ages a chance to show their abilities to sing. The negative impact the show has is that people believe now-a-days that it is fixed and that the show is edited to allow people to sound better and to sound worse. The show was created to give people from all walks of life a chance to perform and they still get to do that, therefore I feel the positive impact of the X Factor is as strong.
3. Do you agree that Film/TV can change a persons behaviour?
Depending on the film/programme and the age of the viewer, I believe that film/TV can change a persons behaviour. If the film/programme has a lot of violence and drug use in it and doesn't show the full effects of it then I feel that the media is encouraging people to become violent and maybe take drugs, this is because younger people watch a show and believe they can relate to it. If the film/programme is family orientated such as the X Factor then the only outcome when changing someone's behaviour is that they become more confident to express themselves.
4. Do you think the TV programme should be banned?
As the people participating on the programme are self selecting, volunteering themselves to be on the show then they have agreed to all terms and conditions suggesting they are willing to be a part of the X Factor. Because of this, they know what to expect in the long run therefore I feel the programme should not be banned for reasons that participants have agreed to the footage on screen and that it is a good, fun family programme.
Thursday, 24 February 2011
Friday, 18 February 2011
Practice Question Plan.
Question:
How does the contemporary representation of a particular social group compare to representation from the past.
How does the contemporary representation of a particular social group compare to representation from the past.
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Charlie Brooker, Aspiration.
Postive and Negative points about media and television adverts and how they effect people's lifestyles and ambitions.
Positive:
- Graphics have improved over time
- Informs people of certain information before buying a product eg. cars.
Negatives:
- Unrealistic
- Adverts attach fantasy
- Encourages investments to be made
- Groups still exist and are separated by this
- Superficial lifestyles shown on programmes and adverts
- Celebrities are used to encourage sales but doing so by telling audiences that they are special without knowing them.
- Power of the media and the way its portrayed using Celebrity faces.
- Dillusions
- Blames the media as to why people now behave badly eg. Drink to get away from knowing they aren't as wealthy as others.
Positive:
- Graphics have improved over time
- Informs people of certain information before buying a product eg. cars.
Negatives:
- Unrealistic
- Adverts attach fantasy
- Encourages investments to be made
- Groups still exist and are separated by this
- Superficial lifestyles shown on programmes and adverts
- Celebrities are used to encourage sales but doing so by telling audiences that they are special without knowing them.
- Power of the media and the way its portrayed using Celebrity faces.
- Dillusions
- Blames the media as to why people now behave badly eg. Drink to get away from knowing they aren't as wealthy as others.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Shameless
1. Should images in your case study be censored - If so why!?
Shameless has had scenes encouraging drug use explicit images of pills being taken at the pub in everyday life. This politically incorrect lifestyle isn't portrayed in a negative way very often. Drug taking is often portrayed with having a good time including alcohol consumption and fighting.
2. If you think your case study can have a negative effect on collective groups, Could it have a positive effect?
Although drugs and alcohol consumption isn't portrayed in a negative fashion on the whole the lifestyle of the residents included in Shameless isn't one where we would look up to or aspire to be like. In the sense it could give the impression to steer clear of crime, drugs, etc, etc. People being put away in jail for committing crimes also creates awareness of the consequences of doing such things.
3. Do you agree that your case study could influence someone's behavior?
Yes I agree in the way that drug taking is included in the program in such a 'day to day' way. this may influence others that this isn't such a big deal as these people don't think of the consequences and consequences arent always shown as a direct impact on the person.
Shameless has had scenes encouraging drug use explicit images of pills being taken at the pub in everyday life. This politically incorrect lifestyle isn't portrayed in a negative way very often. Drug taking is often portrayed with having a good time including alcohol consumption and fighting.
2. If you think your case study can have a negative effect on collective groups, Could it have a positive effect?
Although drugs and alcohol consumption isn't portrayed in a negative fashion on the whole the lifestyle of the residents included in Shameless isn't one where we would look up to or aspire to be like. In the sense it could give the impression to steer clear of crime, drugs, etc, etc. People being put away in jail for committing crimes also creates awareness of the consequences of doing such things.
3. Do you agree that your case study could influence someone's behavior?
Yes I agree in the way that drug taking is included in the program in such a 'day to day' way. this may influence others that this isn't such a big deal as these people don't think of the consequences and consequences arent always shown as a direct impact on the person.
Daybreak
Should images in your case study be censored - if so why?
- Daybreak is usually on at the time people wake up and have breakfast I believe that the news and stories they display are usually related to showbiz or on physical appearances, this makes me feel that when people are waking up the first thing they are subjected to is how people are dressed and which celebrity has done something bad etc. This probably cannot be censored but to be toned down and focus on a more balanced lineup of stories.
If you think your case study can have a negative effect on collective groups, could it have a positive effect?
- Possibly as some groups of people could be subjected to negative views and then people watching the programme are influenced by what Adrian Chiles and his opinion furthermore how children may feel that this is the only side to the story and not truly realize the entire background leading them to a future of not understanding and being bias and one-sided. Moreover guests are either Celebrities or Musicians etc. People then see them as role-models but this would again mean being influenced by celebrity culture.
Do you agree that your case study could influence/change someone's behavior?
- Yes I do believe that my case study could influence people into changing their behavior not necessarily the older audience but children who are watching it with their parents may only see it as the only side and always rely on what the media's opinion and not their own.
- Daybreak is usually on at the time people wake up and have breakfast I believe that the news and stories they display are usually related to showbiz or on physical appearances, this makes me feel that when people are waking up the first thing they are subjected to is how people are dressed and which celebrity has done something bad etc. This probably cannot be censored but to be toned down and focus on a more balanced lineup of stories.
If you think your case study can have a negative effect on collective groups, could it have a positive effect?
- Possibly as some groups of people could be subjected to negative views and then people watching the programme are influenced by what Adrian Chiles and his opinion furthermore how children may feel that this is the only side to the story and not truly realize the entire background leading them to a future of not understanding and being bias and one-sided. Moreover guests are either Celebrities or Musicians etc. People then see them as role-models but this would again mean being influenced by celebrity culture.
Do you agree that your case study could influence/change someone's behavior?
- Yes I do believe that my case study could influence people into changing their behavior not necessarily the older audience but children who are watching it with their parents may only see it as the only side and always rely on what the media's opinion and not their own.
Effects Debate
Misfits
1) Should images in your case study be censured - if so why?
I don't feel that images in Misfits should be censured because a lot of it are things that would never happen in real life. The teenagers have superpowers so are under unsual circumstances which no one in real life can relate to. However, lots of their actions may be influential, such as killing or harming people to avoid getting in trouble, though it is very unlikely that anyone would follow their actions.
2) If you think your case study can have a negative effect on collective groups, could it have a positive effect?
I think it could have a positive effect on people because it has many aspects that may be helpful to people in real life. Nathan has troubles with his father but they soon forgive each other and forget the past. This could be useful for children who have fallen our with one or both of their parents. Another positive effect is discrediting drug use. When the Misfits take the drugs at the party, they have a negative effect on their superpowers and cause a lot of trouble for them. While this obviously won't happen in real life, it does give a negative representation of drugs which is useful for preventing drug use.
3) Do you agree that your case study could influence/change someones behaviour?
I agree that Misfits could help to change someones behaviour. Simon starts off as the quiet one who is not very social. As the story progresses, Simon starts to engage in conversations and becomes a better person. This could have an effect on teenagers who are nervous by showing them that good things can happen if they become a bit more social. As said earlier, it could also help broken families by encouraging people to forget the troubles they have and start talking again.
1) Should images in your case study be censured - if so why?
I don't feel that images in Misfits should be censured because a lot of it are things that would never happen in real life. The teenagers have superpowers so are under unsual circumstances which no one in real life can relate to. However, lots of their actions may be influential, such as killing or harming people to avoid getting in trouble, though it is very unlikely that anyone would follow their actions.
2) If you think your case study can have a negative effect on collective groups, could it have a positive effect?
I think it could have a positive effect on people because it has many aspects that may be helpful to people in real life. Nathan has troubles with his father but they soon forgive each other and forget the past. This could be useful for children who have fallen our with one or both of their parents. Another positive effect is discrediting drug use. When the Misfits take the drugs at the party, they have a negative effect on their superpowers and cause a lot of trouble for them. While this obviously won't happen in real life, it does give a negative representation of drugs which is useful for preventing drug use.
3) Do you agree that your case study could influence/change someones behaviour?
I agree that Misfits could help to change someones behaviour. Simon starts off as the quiet one who is not very social. As the story progresses, Simon starts to engage in conversations and becomes a better person. This could have an effect on teenagers who are nervous by showing them that good things can happen if they become a bit more social. As said earlier, it could also help broken families by encouraging people to forget the troubles they have and start talking again.
The Effects Debate
Eastenders
1) Should images in your case study be censored - if so why?
There should be censored images in Eastenders because it is a family peak time soap, therefor legally cannot show explicit scenes of sex, drugs, and violence or language.
Because its a family program there is no need for explicit scenes, they are able emphasis the impact of drugs through the outcome e.g. Phil Mitchell's crack addiction resulting in violence, theft and health.
Sex scenes are kept to a minimal because its not a glamorized program, and is supposed to reflect the lives of normal people, and everybody knows that people have sex, and what happens.
2) If you think your case study can have a negative effect on collective groups, could it have a positive effect?
Eastenders can have a positive effect on collective groups as it is a honest program reflecting the realism of today, recently Heather Trot a single mother has found it hard supporting herself and her baby as she cannot afford the rent, some people may believe its negative on others in that situation however reflects the realism of today, that people do struggle.
To counter the negative effect, to make it from a neutral perspective they show how people respect the situation she is in and offer support for her, this helps present that everyone is equal and gives a friendly atmosphere to Albert Square.
3) Do you agree that your case study could influence / change someone's behavior?
To make a program entertaining there has to be controversial scenes such as crime etc otherwise they would lose viewers, they need to come up with new and improved story lines otherwise it becomes the same old same old.
Over the last year Ben Mitchell was bullied, and Eastenders emphasized how scared he was and how children are influenced by adults, how Phil would have reacted physically and how is brother Ian would have taken reported the bullies.
To make it entertaining Ben was influenced by his farther and attacked a bully, this could have been controversial as children may have been influenced, how ever Eastenders always make a wrong, a right, and Ben was sent to Juvi, this helps counter act the chances of influencing viewers, as they see the shocking outcome.
1) Should images in your case study be censored - if so why?
There should be censored images in Eastenders because it is a family peak time soap, therefor legally cannot show explicit scenes of sex, drugs, and violence or language.
Because its a family program there is no need for explicit scenes, they are able emphasis the impact of drugs through the outcome e.g. Phil Mitchell's crack addiction resulting in violence, theft and health.
Sex scenes are kept to a minimal because its not a glamorized program, and is supposed to reflect the lives of normal people, and everybody knows that people have sex, and what happens.
2) If you think your case study can have a negative effect on collective groups, could it have a positive effect?
Eastenders can have a positive effect on collective groups as it is a honest program reflecting the realism of today, recently Heather Trot a single mother has found it hard supporting herself and her baby as she cannot afford the rent, some people may believe its negative on others in that situation however reflects the realism of today, that people do struggle.
To counter the negative effect, to make it from a neutral perspective they show how people respect the situation she is in and offer support for her, this helps present that everyone is equal and gives a friendly atmosphere to Albert Square.
3) Do you agree that your case study could influence / change someone's behavior?
To make a program entertaining there has to be controversial scenes such as crime etc otherwise they would lose viewers, they need to come up with new and improved story lines otherwise it becomes the same old same old.
Over the last year Ben Mitchell was bullied, and Eastenders emphasized how scared he was and how children are influenced by adults, how Phil would have reacted physically and how is brother Ian would have taken reported the bullies.
To make it entertaining Ben was influenced by his farther and attacked a bully, this could have been controversial as children may have been influenced, how ever Eastenders always make a wrong, a right, and Ben was sent to Juvi, this helps counter act the chances of influencing viewers, as they see the shocking outcome.
The Effects Debate...Kidulthood
Kidulthood...
1) Should Images In Your Case Study Be Censored - if so why?
I think that even though some of the images in Kidulthood could be disturbing to some people, for example when Trife cuts the 'C' into a man's face. These images show the audience what really happens in gang violence and what situations members of gangs can get into. The film is based on actual newspaper articles that the director had read over a year so the images seen have actually happened to people which makes them more dramatic and believable.
2) If You Think Your Case Study Can Have A Negative Effect On Collective Groups, Could It Have A Positive Effect?
The positive effect on the audience is that people not from that area can see what actually goes on. Because I'm from Cambridge there isn't really any gang violence in my area so I don't know the situations and consequences but from watching 'Kidulthood' I can see that most teenagers are set into a gang and have to do certain things to become a gang member for example taking drugs. Reputation is everything when being in a gang so people have to keep up with the expectations and follow certain rules.
3) Do You Agree That Your Case Study Could Influence/Change Someone's Behaviour?
I think that watching 'Kidulthood' can easily change people's views and opinions on British teenagers. People watching this from abroad could see this film as quite negative as it's based around violence, sex and drugs. They may be quite shocked by what they see whereas people living in England might not be as shocked as they may have seen programmes/films which are based around the same sort of images.
1) Should Images In Your Case Study Be Censored - if so why?
I think that even though some of the images in Kidulthood could be disturbing to some people, for example when Trife cuts the 'C' into a man's face. These images show the audience what really happens in gang violence and what situations members of gangs can get into. The film is based on actual newspaper articles that the director had read over a year so the images seen have actually happened to people which makes them more dramatic and believable.
2) If You Think Your Case Study Can Have A Negative Effect On Collective Groups, Could It Have A Positive Effect?
The positive effect on the audience is that people not from that area can see what actually goes on. Because I'm from Cambridge there isn't really any gang violence in my area so I don't know the situations and consequences but from watching 'Kidulthood' I can see that most teenagers are set into a gang and have to do certain things to become a gang member for example taking drugs. Reputation is everything when being in a gang so people have to keep up with the expectations and follow certain rules.
3) Do You Agree That Your Case Study Could Influence/Change Someone's Behaviour?
I think that watching 'Kidulthood' can easily change people's views and opinions on British teenagers. People watching this from abroad could see this film as quite negative as it's based around violence, sex and drugs. They may be quite shocked by what they see whereas people living in England might not be as shocked as they may have seen programmes/films which are based around the same sort of images.
My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding
1.Should images in your case study be censored - if so why?
There has been clouds of controversy over this program and whether some things in it should be censored. One camera recording in the series that has received, probably, the most controversy of all was a shot where girls as young as 6 were dressed in skimpy clothes dancing like R&B dancers. The main reason for the controversy was the fact that the shot was inappropriate as young girls shouldn't be put on TV in this way. However other Gypsy communities have hit out saying its a misrepresentation of their culture and will create friction. I agree with both sides to the argument and feel that it shouldn't be shown on TV... in that way. The program is a documentary and should show what it sees it should also make obvious to the viewer that the actions on screen are specific to that certain culture and not create a generalisation of all Gypsy cultures.
2.If you think your case study can have a negative effect on collective groups. Could it have a positive effect?
I believe the program can and already has had a negative effect on Gypsies all around the UK. There have been reports if Gypsy children being teased and mocked at school by other pupils, about the program. This is unfair and only the program and the way it has been made is to blame. However there could be a good side to this program. The awareness of Gypsy/traveler culture has been raised. Issues surrounding the eviction of Gypsies, which can be very traumatic, have been documented and discussed on the program. This has lead to a better understanding and empathy toward the culture.
3.Do you agree that your case study could influence someones behavior?
Yes I do agree with this statement. People may act differently toward Gypsy communities and have already acted differently. Cases of business and contracts involving Gypsies have fallen through and been canceled and the program has been blamed as it has scared off customers.
There has been clouds of controversy over this program and whether some things in it should be censored. One camera recording in the series that has received, probably, the most controversy of all was a shot where girls as young as 6 were dressed in skimpy clothes dancing like R&B dancers. The main reason for the controversy was the fact that the shot was inappropriate as young girls shouldn't be put on TV in this way. However other Gypsy communities have hit out saying its a misrepresentation of their culture and will create friction. I agree with both sides to the argument and feel that it shouldn't be shown on TV... in that way. The program is a documentary and should show what it sees it should also make obvious to the viewer that the actions on screen are specific to that certain culture and not create a generalisation of all Gypsy cultures.
2.If you think your case study can have a negative effect on collective groups. Could it have a positive effect?
I believe the program can and already has had a negative effect on Gypsies all around the UK. There have been reports if Gypsy children being teased and mocked at school by other pupils, about the program. This is unfair and only the program and the way it has been made is to blame. However there could be a good side to this program. The awareness of Gypsy/traveler culture has been raised. Issues surrounding the eviction of Gypsies, which can be very traumatic, have been documented and discussed on the program. This has lead to a better understanding and empathy toward the culture.
3.Do you agree that your case study could influence someones behavior?
Yes I do agree with this statement. People may act differently toward Gypsy communities and have already acted differently. Cases of business and contracts involving Gypsies have fallen through and been canceled and the program has been blamed as it has scared off customers.
The Effects Debate - Bronson
1. should images in your case study be censored - if so why?
There is alot of graphic violence, nudity and language throughout the film. But since the film is based on a true story, it's vital showing the brutality of Michael Peterson's existence
2. If you think your case study can have a negative effect on collective groups. Could it have a positive effect?
It could have a negative effect on people's ideas of the working class as they are seen as being very violent and unapologetic, it could also have a negative effect on the prison system as a criminal is depicted as a charismatic rebel in a stylistic film. It could have a positive effect on Michael Peterson himself, as he is now immortalised in this film and his story will reach wider audience
3. Do you agree that your case study could influence/change someone's behavior?
I think it could deter someone who is considering robbing somewhere by seeing how brutal prison can be, but then Peterson is so likable that in turn someone might want to be just like him. So I agree that it could influence someone's behaviour because it's designed in a way to get a response out of you
There is alot of graphic violence, nudity and language throughout the film. But since the film is based on a true story, it's vital showing the brutality of Michael Peterson's existence
2. If you think your case study can have a negative effect on collective groups. Could it have a positive effect?
It could have a negative effect on people's ideas of the working class as they are seen as being very violent and unapologetic, it could also have a negative effect on the prison system as a criminal is depicted as a charismatic rebel in a stylistic film. It could have a positive effect on Michael Peterson himself, as he is now immortalised in this film and his story will reach wider audience
3. Do you agree that your case study could influence/change someone's behavior?
I think it could deter someone who is considering robbing somewhere by seeing how brutal prison can be, but then Peterson is so likable that in turn someone might want to be just like him. So I agree that it could influence someone's behaviour because it's designed in a way to get a response out of you
Harry Johnson Effects Debate Questions
This is England '86
Should images in your case study be censored - if so why?
No I don't think that they should. The program is meant to be realistic and as a drama it should be dramatic. If you remove the most risky scenes then the program doesn't stay true to real life which is the one of the main selling points of the program. Also, most of the key scenes are explicit and it would be hard to tell such a adult story without the scenes. The programs main audience is adults so there wouldn't be much need to censor scenes that would corrupt children as they shouldn't be watching.
If you think your case study can have a negative effect on collective groups, Could it have a positive effect?
I think that This is England has a negative effect on Britain. It gives the impression that it is quite rough even though the series is only set in one area, in the past. In some ways in can give a positive effect as the audience relates with the main characters who always try to do well but in the end all the characters seem to have done something shameful which further reiterates the generalisation that all British people are lower class and live rough.
Do you agree that your case study could influence/ change someone's behavior?
I think that it could influence younger viewers to act in the same way as them. It portrays their lives as carefree and without consequence, they drink all the time, fight all the time yet act like a big, loving family which looks like an attractive way of life to some people. Most viewers however are watching the series as a way to feel nostalgia for their own past so it would be unlikely to change their behavior and probably just remind them of their past.
Should images in your case study be censored - if so why?
No I don't think that they should. The program is meant to be realistic and as a drama it should be dramatic. If you remove the most risky scenes then the program doesn't stay true to real life which is the one of the main selling points of the program. Also, most of the key scenes are explicit and it would be hard to tell such a adult story without the scenes. The programs main audience is adults so there wouldn't be much need to censor scenes that would corrupt children as they shouldn't be watching.
If you think your case study can have a negative effect on collective groups, Could it have a positive effect?
I think that This is England has a negative effect on Britain. It gives the impression that it is quite rough even though the series is only set in one area, in the past. In some ways in can give a positive effect as the audience relates with the main characters who always try to do well but in the end all the characters seem to have done something shameful which further reiterates the generalisation that all British people are lower class and live rough.
Do you agree that your case study could influence/ change someone's behavior?
I think that it could influence younger viewers to act in the same way as them. It portrays their lives as carefree and without consequence, they drink all the time, fight all the time yet act like a big, loving family which looks like an attractive way of life to some people. Most viewers however are watching the series as a way to feel nostalgia for their own past so it would be unlikely to change their behavior and probably just remind them of their past.
'Hotter Than My Daughter' on BBC3
1. Should images in your case study be censored - if so why?
I feel that this programme is very inappropriate as mothers shouldn't be competing against their daughters to look better than them.
2. If you think your case study has a negative effect on collective groups, could it have a positive effect?
I do not feel that it can have a positive effect as teenage girls already have so much pressure on them to look good from TV and film and beauty adverts. If their mums are competing with them to look good or "hotter" than them it is only going to spur them on to go to extremes to looks so good. Girls feel inadequate if they don't look as good as the celebrities they see on TV and I feel its wrong that their Mum's are like this too.
3. Do you agree that your case study could influence /change someone's behavior?
Yes, I feel that this programme can influence British teenage girls behavior as they will go to extreme lengths to look good in a world that already puts pressure on people, especially girls, to look a certain way from Hollywood films to gossip magazines.
The effects debate - X Factor
Should images in your case study be censored-if so why?
I think that there are not any images that need to be censored because there are not any images that are not suitable for younger viewers or that may offend people. I believe that there are not any images that would have any effects on collective groups.
If you think your case study can have a negative effect on collective groups, could it have a positive effect?
I think that in the earlier stages of the program X Factor can have a negative affect because they put the people who cannot sing on TV. This encourages people to laugh at them and they then become known for this. I also think that it can have a positive affect because it can lead to people becoming well known for a good reason and for a talent they have. I believe that it only really has an effect on single people and not really on a whole group because it is the way that the person performs rather then what they do in there everyday lives.
Do you agree that your case study could influence/change someones behaviour?
I do not believe that X Factor could change someones behaviour because it is not a situation that people would normally find themselves in. I believe that it can only really change their opinions of other people but not the way that they behave themselves.
Take me out
1) Should images in your case study be censored - if "yes" why?
I do not think that images in Take me out should be censored because they do not harm society and do not show peoples amazing lives which people would aspire to, just normal peoples lives.
2) If you think your case study have a negative effect on collective groups, could it have a positve effect?
I think that it can have a negative effect on some groups as the lonely people who sit at home watching it e.g. me and holly pass judgment on the people who go on the show. this brings out a negative side of people and could make them bitter to people e.g. how holly is mean to people in class. It also has a positive because it gives people hope that there are some good looking people who want to go on dates out there and you should not give up.
3) Do you agree that your case study influences change in someones behaviour?
I agree that some people may change their behaviour and become more confident to go out and talk to other people and try and get a date if they are lonely, but for some people they just think it is a joke and does not effect them at all. The show aims to get single girls to go on a date with single guys, but the girls turn off their lights for silly things which means that some men could not take part in something because it would look silly. Some girls are just so desperate for a date e.g. Lucy and Jojo who leave their light on for everyone which means their behaviour has changed to liking everyone because they are desperate.
I do not think that images in Take me out should be censored because they do not harm society and do not show peoples amazing lives which people would aspire to, just normal peoples lives.
2) If you think your case study have a negative effect on collective groups, could it have a positve effect?
I think that it can have a negative effect on some groups as the lonely people who sit at home watching it e.g. me and holly pass judgment on the people who go on the show. this brings out a negative side of people and could make them bitter to people e.g. how holly is mean to people in class. It also has a positive because it gives people hope that there are some good looking people who want to go on dates out there and you should not give up.
3) Do you agree that your case study influences change in someones behaviour?
I agree that some people may change their behaviour and become more confident to go out and talk to other people and try and get a date if they are lonely, but for some people they just think it is a joke and does not effect them at all. The show aims to get single girls to go on a date with single guys, but the girls turn off their lights for silly things which means that some men could not take part in something because it would look silly. Some girls are just so desperate for a date e.g. Lucy and Jojo who leave their light on for everyone which means their behaviour has changed to liking everyone because they are desperate.
The Effects Debate
What different effects does Charlie Brooker say repeated visions of middle class lifestyle is having on British people?
Over time our perception of having a good quality of life is to match that of celebrities. We are exposed to these "lifestyles" through the media such as adverts, programmes and magazines and this has led to us believing that we must follow this lifestyle by purchasing lavish and expensive goods such as the hyped-up goods we see advertised in the exaggerated commercial breaks.
TV programmes such as Gossip Girl and Sex & The City create a vision that life is full of 'beautiful' looking people having arguments about who has the best dress or boyfriend and when they try to touch on truthful and realistic scenarios they manage to remove all seriousness by deploying a single-minded view to which the audience is glued to.
News-agents are full of magazines with large bold headlines displaying who has had plastic surgery or who is splitting up with their husband because he was sleeping with someone else. All these magazines are displaying very inferior blemishes to such a large scale that people literally judge a book by its cover (magazine in this case).
British people have become so attached to the effects that the medias representation of middle class lifestyle it has become a necessity to better others and even family and friends. This leads to British people not having a realistic perception of life and being unable to comprehend with real life scenarios.
Over time our perception of having a good quality of life is to match that of celebrities. We are exposed to these "lifestyles" through the media such as adverts, programmes and magazines and this has led to us believing that we must follow this lifestyle by purchasing lavish and expensive goods such as the hyped-up goods we see advertised in the exaggerated commercial breaks.
TV programmes such as Gossip Girl and Sex & The City create a vision that life is full of 'beautiful' looking people having arguments about who has the best dress or boyfriend and when they try to touch on truthful and realistic scenarios they manage to remove all seriousness by deploying a single-minded view to which the audience is glued to.
News-agents are full of magazines with large bold headlines displaying who has had plastic surgery or who is splitting up with their husband because he was sleeping with someone else. All these magazines are displaying very inferior blemishes to such a large scale that people literally judge a book by its cover (magazine in this case).
British people have become so attached to the effects that the medias representation of middle class lifestyle it has become a necessity to better others and even family and friends. This leads to British people not having a realistic perception of life and being unable to comprehend with real life scenarios.
THE EFFECTS DEBATE WILL + SAUL!
What different effects does Charlie Brooker say repeated visions of middle class life style is having on British people?
- Makes viewers aspire to the glamorous lifestyles that are seen over the television. That are made to seem possible however in reality these are very difficult things to achieve.
- Programs about successful families and business people spending on luxurious houses and cars etc have lead to people becoming indebted as they think that material wealth is what they want.
- The rich lifestyle of people on TV such as "My Sweet 16" have become so accustomed to the disposable income. That they become "spoiled" and unappreciative to even a 67,000 pound car for there birthday.
- Young people are being brought up in a world where they expect to be treated like stars. With children programs like Hannah Montana, for example, young girls are bred into the belief they can become beautiful singers and live happily ever after.
- Makes viewers aspire to the glamorous lifestyles that are seen over the television. That are made to seem possible however in reality these are very difficult things to achieve.
- Programs about successful families and business people spending on luxurious houses and cars etc have lead to people becoming indebted as they think that material wealth is what they want.
- The rich lifestyle of people on TV such as "My Sweet 16" have become so accustomed to the disposable income. That they become "spoiled" and unappreciative to even a 67,000 pound car for there birthday.
- Young people are being brought up in a world where they expect to be treated like stars. With children programs like Hannah Montana, for example, young girls are bred into the belief they can become beautiful singers and live happily ever after.
Charlie Brooker video question
What effect does Charlie Brooker say repeated visions of middle class life style is having on British people?
One effect is that gives people unrealistic goals which they are unable to achieve, this gets there hope up only to be crushed when they find out they can not become who they see on the TV. Also TV makes the children who watch shows such as cribs, want those houses and makes their egos grow and they become spoiled and blind to see that they wont reach where they want to be. It is not just TV shows that effect the public adverts cloud peoples judgment on things, as everything is presented in an unrealistic way and made to look better and more important than it actually is. The media represents celebrities as idols and some of the more successful people as villains for striving for the best e.g. Alan Sugar when he fires people. When normal people read magazines and see the celebrities on televisions it makes them depressed because they cannot become these people and then eventually they hang themselves and then discover that when they are dead they become famous e.g. Van Gough.
One effect is that gives people unrealistic goals which they are unable to achieve, this gets there hope up only to be crushed when they find out they can not become who they see on the TV. Also TV makes the children who watch shows such as cribs, want those houses and makes their egos grow and they become spoiled and blind to see that they wont reach where they want to be. It is not just TV shows that effect the public adverts cloud peoples judgment on things, as everything is presented in an unrealistic way and made to look better and more important than it actually is. The media represents celebrities as idols and some of the more successful people as villains for striving for the best e.g. Alan Sugar when he fires people. When normal people read magazines and see the celebrities on televisions it makes them depressed because they cannot become these people and then eventually they hang themselves and then discover that when they are dead they become famous e.g. Van Gough.
What different effects does Charlie Brooker say repeated visions of middle class lifestyle is having on british people?
- everyone expects the best because of competitive nature of tv - As television becomes more modern and glamorized the industry becomes more and more competitive therefore creating more glamorized television raising everyones expectations of every day life
- The public want to to be as glamorous as people on tv, however tv isn't real, and real life isn't perfect.The public now see what they see on tv to be the norm, and there for expect there lives to be glamorous e.g. My sweet 16 - Teenagers expect their parties to be as over the top as theirs as they see middle class celebrating in style a couple of days a week, therefore it becomes a normality in their lives.Not only does it effect the audience but it affects middle class as the sweet 16s become less and less grateful for their wealth and expect everything to be perfect.
- People are treated how they are portrayed on television - e.g. Ian Beale isn't in the public eye, because he isn't a glamorous person yet he is one of most well known soap characters on tv, and has achieved more than people such as Katie Price.
Effects Debate
What different effects does Charlie Brooker say repeated visions of middle class lifestyle is having on British people?
He says that the repeated visions of middle class lifestyle is giving a false representation of life and making unreal expectations. These are not possible to live up to and lead to making people feel inadequate. Things are always over the top and make people feel their lives are boring as these exciting events will never occur in their lives. They are also creating delusions for children who think they will grow up to be like the people on TV which is very unlikely to happen. They ignore the truths of real life and don't portray the 'real world'. The focus is on money, popularity and looking good rather than family values and working your way in life.
He says that the repeated visions of middle class lifestyle is giving a false representation of life and making unreal expectations. These are not possible to live up to and lead to making people feel inadequate. Things are always over the top and make people feel their lives are boring as these exciting events will never occur in their lives. They are also creating delusions for children who think they will grow up to be like the people on TV which is very unlikely to happen. They ignore the truths of real life and don't portray the 'real world'. The focus is on money, popularity and looking good rather than family values and working your way in life.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Friday, 11 February 2011
Semiology...
FISH TANK
Signifier- Sky and clouds painted on Mia's bedroom door
Signified- Escapism
Sign- She can't leave her lifestyle, she is trapped
Signifier- Little sister always watching "Cribs" on the TV
Signified- A rich lifestyle is the norm in today's society as it is always displayed in the media
Sign- They want that lifestyle but they are not making the effort to get there e.g. Mum has no job, children don't go to school
AN EDUCATION
Signifier- Chanel Perfume
Signified- Glamour and wealth
Sign- It wasn't available in England at the time and was very expensive and luxurious so everyone wanted Jenny to buy it for them from Paris
Signifier- Trip to Paris
Signified- Wealth
Sign- Jenny's trip to Paris was seen as a once in a lifetime opportunity back then, all her school friends were jealous because they knew they would never be able to go themselves
Signifier- Sky and clouds painted on Mia's bedroom door
Signified- Escapism
Sign- She can't leave her lifestyle, she is trapped
Signifier- Little sister always watching "Cribs" on the TV
Signified- A rich lifestyle is the norm in today's society as it is always displayed in the media
Sign- They want that lifestyle but they are not making the effort to get there e.g. Mum has no job, children don't go to school
AN EDUCATION
Signifier- Chanel Perfume
Signified- Glamour and wealth
Sign- It wasn't available in England at the time and was very expensive and luxurious so everyone wanted Jenny to buy it for them from Paris
Signifier- Trip to Paris
Signified- Wealth
Sign- Jenny's trip to Paris was seen as a once in a lifetime opportunity back then, all her school friends were jealous because they knew they would never be able to go themselves
Sign and ting
Misfits
Signifier - Orange jumpsuit
Signified - By the community service
Sign - Shows the diversity between the people
Alfie
Signifier - Single men
Signified - Jumping from women to women
Sign - Shows no consideration to caring for females
Kidulthood
Signifier - Making a gun
Signified - Crime
Sign - Crime is reflected in the youths as they are making guns for the older generations
An Education
Signifier - Values of women
Signified - Expect her to go to Oxford knowing she will have limited job opportunities
Sign - She wants to rebel with David
Upstairs Downstairs
Signifier - Black shirts
Signified - Black clothing
Sign - Violent protesting
Signifier - Orange jumpsuit
Signified - By the community service
Sign - Shows the diversity between the people
Alfie
Signifier - Single men
Signified - Jumping from women to women
Sign - Shows no consideration to caring for females
Kidulthood
Signifier - Making a gun
Signified - Crime
Sign - Crime is reflected in the youths as they are making guns for the older generations
An Education
Signifier - Values of women
Signified - Expect her to go to Oxford knowing she will have limited job opportunities
Sign - She wants to rebel with David
Upstairs Downstairs
Signifier - Black shirts
Signified - Black clothing
Sign - Violent protesting
Sign/Signifier/Signified
Kidulthood:
Signifier= Confrontation between the white teacher and the black student
Signified= Conflict between the races and that their is a generation gap between adults and kids
Sign= the kids run the school and intimidate the teachers and have more authority
Signifier= Kid stealing a game boy
Signified= A boy in the year above stealing a game boy
Sign= Shows a divide in the year group and to show a hierarchy within the school
Fish tank
Signifier= White horse
Signified= A chained up horse which is being starved
Sign= Mia represents the horse as she feels like she is being restricted in life and wants to be free.
Signifier= Connor
Signified= Just the mums boyfriend
Sign= Connor is a father figure for Mia and is providing her with a better life
Misfits
Signifier= Orange Jumpsuit
Signified= Shows that the characters are doing community service
Sign= A way of helping the characters show off their own personalities and standing out
An Education
Signifier= Jenny smoking a cigarette
Signified= Just a girl smoking
Sign= Jenny is smoking to try and become more mature and to get noticed
Alfie
Signifier= Abortion
Signified= A common abortion at the time
Sign= Shows that Alfie doesn' t want to ruin his reputation and is not bothered about the baby
Signifier= Confrontation between the white teacher and the black student
Signified= Conflict between the races and that their is a generation gap between adults and kids
Sign= the kids run the school and intimidate the teachers and have more authority
Signifier= Kid stealing a game boy
Signified= A boy in the year above stealing a game boy
Sign= Shows a divide in the year group and to show a hierarchy within the school
Fish tank
Signifier= White horse
Signified= A chained up horse which is being starved
Sign= Mia represents the horse as she feels like she is being restricted in life and wants to be free.
Signified= Just the mums boyfriend
Sign= Connor is a father figure for Mia and is providing her with a better life
Misfits
Signifier= Orange Jumpsuit
Signified= Shows that the characters are doing community service
Sign= A way of helping the characters show off their own personalities and standing out
An Education
Signifier= Jenny smoking a cigarette
Signified= Just a girl smoking
Sign= Jenny is smoking to try and become more mature and to get noticed
Alfie
Signifier= Abortion
Signified= A common abortion at the time
Sign= Shows that Alfie doesn' t want to ruin his reputation and is not bothered about the baby
KIDULTHOOD Signifier.
Key scene... When 'trif' (trevor) stares at the teacher to intimidate him
The signifier ishe is a trouble maker and the signified is its his own fault. However there are hidden signs like the teacher isn't in control so the youth take over.
Key scene... When the girl and boy are having oral sex behind the tree in the playground.
The signifier is the disgusting rude and bad manored youth and the sign is the youth are disgusting and the signs are the teachers havent taught them well and maybez the childrena re bored with the rubbish routine of life.
Key scene...
Roland Barthes Theory - Semiology
Are You Being Served?
Signifier = The departments are separated
Signified = They are for different sections of the store i.e mens and womens clothing
Sign = Men and Women are separated in society at this time.
Upstairs Downstairs
Signifier = The two sections of the house are divided
Signified = Upstairs for the owners of the house, Downstairs for the workers.
Sign = Shows the divide between classes. The workers are the lower class and the owners are the higher class.
Alfie
Signifier = Abortion
Signified = Character does not want the child.
Sign = Society at that time would look down upon women who have bastard children.
Signifier = The departments are separated
Signified = They are for different sections of the store i.e mens and womens clothing
Sign = Men and Women are separated in society at this time.
Upstairs Downstairs
Signifier = The two sections of the house are divided
Signified = Upstairs for the owners of the house, Downstairs for the workers.
Sign = Shows the divide between classes. The workers are the lower class and the owners are the higher class.
Alfie
Signifier = Abortion
Signified = Character does not want the child.
Sign = Society at that time would look down upon women who have bastard children.
Semiology within our key texts.
Key texts:
-Alfie
-Kidulthood
-Misfits
Alfie:
In Alfie the curtains in the kitchen, (the signifier) could be used to show a divide in the rooms in his flat. This could be there to separate men and women and their stereotypical roles in the home, for example women work in the kitchen and men go elsewhere. It can also mean that men and women can hide things from one another, for example when lily is having the abortion, she closes the curtains so Alfie could not come in or see her.
Kidulthood:
In Kidulthood the gun in the grit box (the signifier) could be used to show that the youths in the film hide dangerous objects in the daylight. The sign is that young children are using school facilities to make weapons and store them.
Misfits:
In Misfits Nathans mum kicks him out of the house (the signifier) and this shows the type of family unit he has as being unstable. This could be there to show the audience that this family issue could be the reason as to why he is doing community service.
-Alfie
-Kidulthood
-Misfits
Alfie:In Alfie the curtains in the kitchen, (the signifier) could be used to show a divide in the rooms in his flat. This could be there to separate men and women and their stereotypical roles in the home, for example women work in the kitchen and men go elsewhere. It can also mean that men and women can hide things from one another, for example when lily is having the abortion, she closes the curtains so Alfie could not come in or see her.
Kidulthood:
In Kidulthood the gun in the grit box (the signifier) could be used to show that the youths in the film hide dangerous objects in the daylight. The sign is that young children are using school facilities to make weapons and store them.
Misfits:
In Misfits Nathans mum kicks him out of the house (the signifier) and this shows the type of family unit he has as being unstable. This could be there to show the audience that this family issue could be the reason as to why he is doing community service.
Semiology of our key texts
In Fish Tank, the signifier is a heart shaped balloon flying over the council flats, the signified is that there is a silver lining, the sign is that after all the difficulties she has experienced, there is still a shred of hope for her, she now has got freedom and the fact it is heart shaped represents the love she has for her family.
In An Education, the scene where David pulls out the banana is the signifier, the signified is displaying how much of a fraud David is being to Jenny. The sign is that he would rather hide behind stories he has made up than show Jenny who he really is, in this, the banana is meant to compensate for his manhood.
In Alfie, at the very beginning and at the very end of the film there is a signifier of an abandoned dog running round the streets. The signified is that no one wants to look after the dog and it has to fend for itself. The sign is this represents the life Alfie has chosen at the beginning of the film is ultimately not the life he wants at the end but he is stuck with it. He ends up like the dog: lonely and forgotten
Signifier/Signified
The Disney logo is a Signifier and origionally the Signified was just to show that it was a Disney film.
Now the Sign has become many different things Disney now represents CD's, Memorabillia, Theme parks , Certain characters.
'Apple'
adidas
For Adidas the signifier is the Adidas logo, as everybody recognises it as its exsisted for over 100 years,
It is signified as a Sport fashion brand, designing more expensive and qaulity sports clothing that are trendy.
The "sign" for adidas now represents, sponsors, fashion - star wars range, forest hill etc
It is signified as a Sport fashion brand, designing more expensive and qaulity sports clothing that are trendy.
Red Bull
- Red Bull is the most popular energy drink in the world being first introduced in 1987 in Austria.
- They are now inolved in tournament sponsorship like the Red Bull X Fighters. They have ownerships of many teams most notably the formula one champions Red Bull Racing and New York Red Bulls in the MLS. Celeberity endorsements such as Reggie Bush, an NFL player and it even has its own record label.
- They are stepping away from the norm by evolving into other enterprises.
- They are also involved in sports clothing for the different teams they sponsor.
- Puma are also linked with Red Bull.
Starbucks...
- Fresh Food
- Supports Fairtrade
- Merchandise and gifts
- Supports the National Literacy Trust
- Supports the Prince's Trust
- Concerned about the environment
Lucozade Brand.
Roland Barthes Theory:The Signifier = Lucozade.
The Signified = -Previously a remedy for illness
-a popular brand through the bottle
-a sponser (sport rugby challenge)
-teamed up with men's health magazine.
-engergy drink for sport
-regular drink (just for flavour)
-global company
-range of products eg. drinks, gels, bottles, tablets, pouches when doing exercise, shots for sudden energy boosts.
-training packs online to buy advertised through sporty celebrities.
semiology of the apple logo
the sign (signifier) is a silhouette of an apple with a bite taken out of it
the meaning (signified) is a software company which is the only one that could rival Microsoft
examples: when you see it, you know it's links to computer software
they have now expanded to MP3 players, laptops, phones, applications
they're constantly updating their products to appeal to the market
they also have stock and donate software to Pixar, an animated movie company
the meaning (signified) is a software company which is the only one that could rival Microsoft
examples: when you see it, you know it's links to computer software
they have now expanded to MP3 players, laptops, phones, applications
they're constantly updating their products to appeal to the market
they also have stock and donate software to Pixar, an animated movie company
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Exam Question
To what extent does your case study text represent your chosen collective identity in a positive way?
Intro - state our collective identity (Britishness - class, age, gender, 1930). bring up what our case study text is, upstairs downstairs.start off with how far you agree and disagree.
Main - Talk about the family unit.
Intro - state our collective identity (Britishness - class, age, gender, 1930). bring up what our case study text is, upstairs downstairs.start off with how far you agree and disagree.
Main - Talk about the family unit.
Upstairs, Downstairs...
1) Is The Representation Of The Chauffeur Portrayed From A Biased Point Of View? If So Why?
We think that the portrayal of the chauffeur is biased because the programme is made by the BBC which is a British company. The programme was made recently therefore the people making the programme know how bad Hitler and the Nazis were and the awful things they did so the BBC wanted to influence their audience to be against the Black Shirts. The chauffeur was shown to influence Lady Persephone to follow the Black Shirts even though she didn't know much about it. So he was thought of badly because he influenced a young girl into the Black Shirt's ways.
2) In What Ways Could You Say The Upstairs Family and Downstairs Staff Are Clinging To Tradition In A Changing World?
The Upstairs family are oblivious to the happenings that are going on at the time. They are more interested in the monarchy and their personal situations i.e the pregnancy. This is possibly their way of distracting themselves from facing the terrible truths. The Downstairs staff are more aware of the political situations and they face reality because they are lower class and it will effect them more. Lady Persephone and the Chauffeur are the people in the house who are most concerned about the current affairs and they are the people who talk about it the most.
3) Why Do You Think Lady Persephone Wants To Join The Black Shirts?
Lady Persephone takes an interest in politics and reads the paper to keep up with current events. She is also influenced by the chauffeur and his beliefs in the Black Shirts therefore the combination of her interests and his influence lead her to join in the Black Shirts. Another motive is the appeal of rebelling against her family as they always tell her what to do and what to dress like.
4) Can You Find Similarities Between Lady Persephone And Jenny From 'An Education'?
Both characters are quite similar as they both feel frustrated with their families holding them back and telling them what to do. Both characters are strong minded and opinionated therefore want to choose their own future. Jenny rebels by lying to her parents about why she is going to Oxford pretending that it is an educational visit when actually it is just for fun. Similarly when Lady Persephone turns up to a Black Shirts rally without telling her family where she is.
5) Whose British Collective Identity Do You Think Is The Strongest And Why? The Downstairs Staff, The Upstairs Family Or The Black Shirts.
We think that the strongest collective identity is the Black Shirts because they are a purposely a group that have come together to follow the same beliefs. They wear the same clothes to show that they are a very tight unit because they all feel strongly about the same thing. They are a very large group of people spread over a wide area and they come together at arranged rallies to put their views across.
We think that the portrayal of the chauffeur is biased because the programme is made by the BBC which is a British company. The programme was made recently therefore the people making the programme know how bad Hitler and the Nazis were and the awful things they did so the BBC wanted to influence their audience to be against the Black Shirts. The chauffeur was shown to influence Lady Persephone to follow the Black Shirts even though she didn't know much about it. So he was thought of badly because he influenced a young girl into the Black Shirt's ways.
2) In What Ways Could You Say The Upstairs Family and Downstairs Staff Are Clinging To Tradition In A Changing World?
The Upstairs family are oblivious to the happenings that are going on at the time. They are more interested in the monarchy and their personal situations i.e the pregnancy. This is possibly their way of distracting themselves from facing the terrible truths. The Downstairs staff are more aware of the political situations and they face reality because they are lower class and it will effect them more. Lady Persephone and the Chauffeur are the people in the house who are most concerned about the current affairs and they are the people who talk about it the most.
3) Why Do You Think Lady Persephone Wants To Join The Black Shirts?
Lady Persephone takes an interest in politics and reads the paper to keep up with current events. She is also influenced by the chauffeur and his beliefs in the Black Shirts therefore the combination of her interests and his influence lead her to join in the Black Shirts. Another motive is the appeal of rebelling against her family as they always tell her what to do and what to dress like.
4) Can You Find Similarities Between Lady Persephone And Jenny From 'An Education'?
Both characters are quite similar as they both feel frustrated with their families holding them back and telling them what to do. Both characters are strong minded and opinionated therefore want to choose their own future. Jenny rebels by lying to her parents about why she is going to Oxford pretending that it is an educational visit when actually it is just for fun. Similarly when Lady Persephone turns up to a Black Shirts rally without telling her family where she is.
5) Whose British Collective Identity Do You Think Is The Strongest And Why? The Downstairs Staff, The Upstairs Family Or The Black Shirts.
We think that the strongest collective identity is the Black Shirts because they are a purposely a group that have come together to follow the same beliefs. They wear the same clothes to show that they are a very tight unit because they all feel strongly about the same thing. They are a very large group of people spread over a wide area and they come together at arranged rallies to put their views across.
Respose to Upstairs Downstairs
1) Is the representation of the Chauffeur portrayed from a biased point of view? If so why?
The chauffeur is represented as a bad person because in his spare time he is a black shirt. The BBC is a London based compoany so most of the people working for the BBC will be from London, they will allready have views on what the black shirts stood for and they could have been biased against the character. Nowadays people know more about Hitler and his regimes so the biased points to make him look bad would have to be slightly exagerated to really come across as bad.
2) In what ways could you say the upstairs family and downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
One way that this is shown is through the values of clothing at different time periods, e.g. white and pink dress, and apron for the morning, and a black dress and white apron for the evening for women servants.
The values of this are shown when the Chauffeur eats in the evening wearing his "black shirt" attire rather than the traditional evening wear, not only does it cause problems because its the wrong clothing but also because there is a jewish servant that takes offence to it. This relates to the change in society and the new views of people, which are that they want a new government regime like the one that Hitler is using, but the servants downstairs cannot see passed their own old views of dressing correctly and the beliefs. They dont think that anyone should be wanting a change in society and going to a "black shirt" march is wrong.
3)Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts because she fancies the chauffeur, and is mesmirised by his such strong views and belief in change, she sees this as a bit of excitement, not truely understand the depth of their views and actions they take, this is evident after the black shirts march, when she drives home in the chauffers car leaving him in bedlam.
4) Can you find similarities between Lady Persephone and Jenny from An Education?
They both want to break away from tradition female lives, and live their lives to full, especially at a young age. Both of these girls did the things they did because they were wanting attention from a man, for Jenny it was to make David think that she was mature and could handle the things they did, but for Lady Persphone it was to prove that her status doesnt meen she cant go on a march and to show that she is not boring even though she is bored in life.
5) Whos British collective identity do you think is the strongest and why? The downstairs staff, upstairs family, or the black shirts
Both the upstairs and down stairs families are the strongest because they are both tradional British families, which are most recognised through out Britian and reflect families today and the way they have changed. We are able to identify the classes of each era, through their traditions and clothing. The most traditional value is class, it is imediatly clear on the class of the up and down stairs families through clothing, and that they are serving and cleaning after the upperclass. Today class is still reflected through living conditions and clothing, but upper class commonly don't treat lower class with as little respect as they used to. The black shirts have the least collective identity for britsihness because they are beliving and marching for regimes in Germany. They believe te same views as Hitler which the rest of Britain is against, this means that they are outcatsted and in Upstairs Downstairs it shows how people hate them when they try and fight them.
The chauffeur is represented as a bad person because in his spare time he is a black shirt. The BBC is a London based compoany so most of the people working for the BBC will be from London, they will allready have views on what the black shirts stood for and they could have been biased against the character. Nowadays people know more about Hitler and his regimes so the biased points to make him look bad would have to be slightly exagerated to really come across as bad.
2) In what ways could you say the upstairs family and downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
One way that this is shown is through the values of clothing at different time periods, e.g. white and pink dress, and apron for the morning, and a black dress and white apron for the evening for women servants.
The values of this are shown when the Chauffeur eats in the evening wearing his "black shirt" attire rather than the traditional evening wear, not only does it cause problems because its the wrong clothing but also because there is a jewish servant that takes offence to it. This relates to the change in society and the new views of people, which are that they want a new government regime like the one that Hitler is using, but the servants downstairs cannot see passed their own old views of dressing correctly and the beliefs. They dont think that anyone should be wanting a change in society and going to a "black shirt" march is wrong.
3)Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts because she fancies the chauffeur, and is mesmirised by his such strong views and belief in change, she sees this as a bit of excitement, not truely understand the depth of their views and actions they take, this is evident after the black shirts march, when she drives home in the chauffers car leaving him in bedlam.
4) Can you find similarities between Lady Persephone and Jenny from An Education?
They both want to break away from tradition female lives, and live their lives to full, especially at a young age. Both of these girls did the things they did because they were wanting attention from a man, for Jenny it was to make David think that she was mature and could handle the things they did, but for Lady Persphone it was to prove that her status doesnt meen she cant go on a march and to show that she is not boring even though she is bored in life.
5) Whos British collective identity do you think is the strongest and why? The downstairs staff, upstairs family, or the black shirts
Both the upstairs and down stairs families are the strongest because they are both tradional British families, which are most recognised through out Britian and reflect families today and the way they have changed. We are able to identify the classes of each era, through their traditions and clothing. The most traditional value is class, it is imediatly clear on the class of the up and down stairs families through clothing, and that they are serving and cleaning after the upperclass. Today class is still reflected through living conditions and clothing, but upper class commonly don't treat lower class with as little respect as they used to. The black shirts have the least collective identity for britsihness because they are beliving and marching for regimes in Germany. They believe te same views as Hitler which the rest of Britain is against, this means that they are outcatsted and in Upstairs Downstairs it shows how people hate them when they try and fight them.
'Upstairs, Downstairs'
Is the representation of the Chauffeur portrayed from a biased point of view? If so why?
Yes we believe that the portrayal of the Chauffeur is biased. This is because the Black shirts are seen as a group of people that britain doesn't want to be associated with. The black shirts are racist and fascist. The makers of the film are also living in the 21st century so know a lot more about fascism in the war with hitler etc. When the black shirts were around they didn't know what their views would lead to. As the makers of the show now live in a multicultural society they now have different views.
In what ways could you say the upstairs family and the downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
There is obvious segregation between the staff and the family, this shows that they are clinging onto the traditional look on keep certain people separate. At this moment in time, the world was changing and was losing some of its traditions. The upstairs family and the downstairs staff
Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
In my opinion Lady Persephone joins the blackshirts with a naive immaturity. Not knowing what really any of the beliefs are she follows others including the chauffeur. Lady P is seen as very ignorant when joining the Black shirts and I think after the protest she realises this. At first she thinks its very British and traditional to be a Black shirt. Once she notices the opposition against the black shirts, including her foreign staff, she feels differently towards them and maybe realises that she is wrong.
Can you find similarities between Lady Persephone and Jenny from An Education?
There a few similarities between these two people. They are both ignorant and young. Jenny is blinded by love where as Lady Persephone is blinded by British tradition. Both women are fairly young and are shown to be like this by how they act. They both are very quick to get excited by something . Jenny gets excited by the older rich man and Lady P gets excited by the passion that the british fascists show.
Yes we believe that the portrayal of the Chauffeur is biased. This is because the Black shirts are seen as a group of people that britain doesn't want to be associated with. The black shirts are racist and fascist. The makers of the film are also living in the 21st century so know a lot more about fascism in the war with hitler etc. When the black shirts were around they didn't know what their views would lead to. As the makers of the show now live in a multicultural society they now have different views.
In what ways could you say the upstairs family and the downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
There is obvious segregation between the staff and the family, this shows that they are clinging onto the traditional look on keep certain people separate. At this moment in time, the world was changing and was losing some of its traditions. The upstairs family and the downstairs staff
Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
In my opinion Lady Persephone joins the blackshirts with a naive immaturity. Not knowing what really any of the beliefs are she follows others including the chauffeur. Lady P is seen as very ignorant when joining the Black shirts and I think after the protest she realises this. At first she thinks its very British and traditional to be a Black shirt. Once she notices the opposition against the black shirts, including her foreign staff, she feels differently towards them and maybe realises that she is wrong.
Can you find similarities between Lady Persephone and Jenny from An Education?
There a few similarities between these two people. They are both ignorant and young. Jenny is blinded by love where as Lady Persephone is blinded by British tradition. Both women are fairly young and are shown to be like this by how they act. They both are very quick to get excited by something . Jenny gets excited by the older rich man and Lady P gets excited by the passion that the british fascists show.
Exam Question.
To what extent does your case study text represent your chosen collective identity in a positive way?
Intro
- State the text = Upstairs Downstairs.- State the collective identity = British people and their attitudes.
"to what extent" For and Against
- Points for:
1. Follows tradition - for example Lady P's mother in law and sister help her to find a husband - follows Stryker's theory because their behaviour continues to be a social expectation (Men dominate Women) Relate to british traditions. We believe that its good to follow traditions however people have the right to be independent.
2.Respect the separation - for example staff are allowed to upstairs and upper class people come downstairs but they both know their places in reality, when Lady P goes into the chauffeurs room - follows Strykers theory because it shows certain groups are expected because it is usual to them in that time period. We believe this is wrong however as the characters see it as good therefore we agree because they are happy.
- Points against:
1. Shows a clear separation and the audience think its bad - for example the upstairs is upper class and the downstairs is working class, maids have a bedroom that they share - Marcusse because the downstairs staff are forced to live downstairs and were told to do so therefore they followed the rules and now agree with it. We believe all people should be treated with respect and should not be separated based on class.
Conclusion:
- There is more positive than negative meaning Britishness can be show in a positive way through media representation between the time period 1930's - 2010.
questions on Upstairs, Downstairs
1. I wouldn't say Spargo, the Chauffeur, was portrayed in a biased way. It was evident that his commitment to the Black Shirts was one that grew from deep seeded opinions about the state of politics. He listened to Osewald Moseley because he expressed some of the views he shared. He wasn't portrayed as the stereotypical fascist, not being evil, spiteful or narcissistic, he was just mislead.
2. The upstairs family and downstairs family seem to be happy with the two social classes having rigid boundaries, but these boundaries are blurred, things become uncomfortable. The two main examples being when Lady Persie goes down to Spago's quarters and Spargo keeps telling her she could go to bed, and when Mr. Amanjit joins the staff in listening to the radio. As he is an Abyssinian emperor who was overthrown by Mussolini, he is still part of an entirely different social class to him and stands out like a hooker in a nunnery
3 + 4. Lady Persephone is frustrated with her family trying to control her so tries to lash out, she doesn't necessarily believe in the ideals of the black shirts, but because it makes her family very angry, she finds joy in being one of them. In many ways she is like Jenny in An Education as they both want to do more than their elders will allow them and so try to break out with destructive consequences. They also both go for older gentlemen from different social circles, as an additional taboo for their respected guardians to deal with
5. The strongest British collective identity is probably the downstairs staff, as they share a group of people from different backgrounds who have come together despite their differences. However, they are also passive aggressive as they reluctantly sit with Spargo to eat when he wears his black shirt uniform, despite Rachel obvious displeasure to it.
2. The upstairs family and downstairs family seem to be happy with the two social classes having rigid boundaries, but these boundaries are blurred, things become uncomfortable. The two main examples being when Lady Persie goes down to Spago's quarters and Spargo keeps telling her she could go to bed, and when Mr. Amanjit joins the staff in listening to the radio. As he is an Abyssinian emperor who was overthrown by Mussolini, he is still part of an entirely different social class to him and stands out like a hooker in a nunnery
3 + 4. Lady Persephone is frustrated with her family trying to control her so tries to lash out, she doesn't necessarily believe in the ideals of the black shirts, but because it makes her family very angry, she finds joy in being one of them. In many ways she is like Jenny in An Education as they both want to do more than their elders will allow them and so try to break out with destructive consequences. They also both go for older gentlemen from different social circles, as an additional taboo for their respected guardians to deal with
5. The strongest British collective identity is probably the downstairs staff, as they share a group of people from different backgrounds who have come together despite their differences. However, they are also passive aggressive as they reluctantly sit with Spargo to eat when he wears his black shirt uniform, despite Rachel obvious displeasure to it.
Responses to 'Upstairs, Downstairs'
1) Is the representation of the Chauffeur portrayed from a biased point of view? If so why?
Yes the representation is bias as it shows that him becoming a black shirt is bad so is biased towards Britishness. This is probably due to the programme being made by the BBC which is a British company. Also, as this was made after the war, there is even more reason to portray Nazi radicalism in a negative way because we know now what the Nazi's did, compared to when the original was made and people were only just starting to understand this.
2) In what ways could you say that the upstairs family and the downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
Theres clearly a divide between the staff and family. One obvious example is the fact that the family live upstairs while the staff live downstairs. The family don't really interact with the staff unless they need something and don't show a lot of respect towards them. The staff act as a unit and downstairs the decisions are made by them. For example, when the chaffeur has become a black shirt he is not welcome at the dinner table. Rachel, the jewish maid, was distraught at this and refused to eat dinner and the staff supported her. The young maid is quite disorganised and clumsy and represents the changing world as she is not a typical maid and provides something different for the family. Her personality is quite lively and chatty
3) Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
She was sick of having upper class expectations and wanted to diverge from this by joining the black shirts. This is because the black shirts were offering a different way of life through extremism. This is completely different from the role she was playing in her family. The chauffeur also encourages her, and as she is rather fond of him, she is easily persuaded. She trying to break from tradition and feels the black shirts is a new way in life.
4) Can you find similarities between Lady Persephone and Jenny from An Education?
Both are very spoilt and have everything taken care of with their lives set out for them. For example, Jenny's dad has already chosen what university she is going to and what hobby's she will do. Lady Persephone's mother gave her an expensive gift and set her up for going to a ball. Both are trying to rebel, such as Jenny lieing to her parents about going to Oxford to get a book signed so she can go out. Lady Persephone chooses to become a black shirt. Both characters are unhappy with their current social status. Both of them are easily influenced and misleaded by men. Jenny is influenced and manipulated by David, and anything he says she does. Lady Persephone is influenced by the chauffeur and becomes a black shirt.
5) Whose British collective identity do you think is the strongest and why? The downstairs staff, upstairs family or the Black shirts (also known as the British Union of Fascists)
The strongest unit is the staff as they are more accepting of others, such as accepting a Jew, an Asian, a young maid and a posh guy. They act more as a family unit than the actual family. They are more close as they are all huddled in the small space downstairs. The maids are more closer together and act like sisters (sharing the same bed) compared to the actual sisters in the family. Not everyone in the upstairs family gets on, whereas the downstairs family act more like a family and represent a typical British family.
Yes the representation is bias as it shows that him becoming a black shirt is bad so is biased towards Britishness. This is probably due to the programme being made by the BBC which is a British company. Also, as this was made after the war, there is even more reason to portray Nazi radicalism in a negative way because we know now what the Nazi's did, compared to when the original was made and people were only just starting to understand this.
2) In what ways could you say that the upstairs family and the downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
Theres clearly a divide between the staff and family. One obvious example is the fact that the family live upstairs while the staff live downstairs. The family don't really interact with the staff unless they need something and don't show a lot of respect towards them. The staff act as a unit and downstairs the decisions are made by them. For example, when the chaffeur has become a black shirt he is not welcome at the dinner table. Rachel, the jewish maid, was distraught at this and refused to eat dinner and the staff supported her. The young maid is quite disorganised and clumsy and represents the changing world as she is not a typical maid and provides something different for the family. Her personality is quite lively and chatty
3) Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
She was sick of having upper class expectations and wanted to diverge from this by joining the black shirts. This is because the black shirts were offering a different way of life through extremism. This is completely different from the role she was playing in her family. The chauffeur also encourages her, and as she is rather fond of him, she is easily persuaded. She trying to break from tradition and feels the black shirts is a new way in life.
4) Can you find similarities between Lady Persephone and Jenny from An Education?
Both are very spoilt and have everything taken care of with their lives set out for them. For example, Jenny's dad has already chosen what university she is going to and what hobby's she will do. Lady Persephone's mother gave her an expensive gift and set her up for going to a ball. Both are trying to rebel, such as Jenny lieing to her parents about going to Oxford to get a book signed so she can go out. Lady Persephone chooses to become a black shirt. Both characters are unhappy with their current social status. Both of them are easily influenced and misleaded by men. Jenny is influenced and manipulated by David, and anything he says she does. Lady Persephone is influenced by the chauffeur and becomes a black shirt.
5) Whose British collective identity do you think is the strongest and why? The downstairs staff, upstairs family or the Black shirts (also known as the British Union of Fascists)
The strongest unit is the staff as they are more accepting of others, such as accepting a Jew, an Asian, a young maid and a posh guy. They act more as a family unit than the actual family. They are more close as they are all huddled in the small space downstairs. The maids are more closer together and act like sisters (sharing the same bed) compared to the actual sisters in the family. Not everyone in the upstairs family gets on, whereas the downstairs family act more like a family and represent a typical British family.
Responses to Upstairs Downstairs.
1. Is the representation of the chauffeur portrayed from a biased point of view? If so why?
- As the BBC created the series in the modern day as opposed to the 1930's, we feel that their may be a chance of bias explanations in each episode. The chauffeur plays his role as a server however in his spare time he was a Black Shirt. This mean't he followed some of Hitlers beliefs and showed the viewing audience that he had his own opinion of the matter. He was also shown to influence Lady Persephone to becoming a black shirt however she didn't feel as passionate to the matter as the Chauffeur.
2. In what ways could you say the upstairs family and downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
- The way each level is clinging to tradition is through the way they live. As they have two floors with different people living on each they portray the fact they still believe in seperating class. The upstairs belongs to the upper class people and the downstairs belongs to the staff for example the cook, chauffeur and maids. However the world and ways of living are changing due to the war therefore afterwards they will be forced to change their tradition into religion and beliefs.
3. Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
- The reason Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts is because she was led to it through the beliefs of the Chauffeur. As she is controlled by her sister and her mother in law(therefore told what to wear, how to speak and what to do) she was led a stray and became a black shirt. She feels that becoming a black shirt will make her an indiviual and free from being controlled. She didn't believe in the actions of Hitler as such however she felt it nessasary to join the black shirts for her freedom and exitement rather than being serious about the belief of the black shirts.
4. Can you find similarities between Lady Persephone and Jenny from An Education?
A main similarity we found between Lady P and Jenny is that they are both egar to become indiviuals and independent. This is shown through they're behaviour as they both allowed themselves to be directed in a certain way by men. Another similarity is they were both previously controlled by their families as Lady P was told what to do by her sister and her mother in law and Jenny was told what to do by her dad and her mum.
5. Whose British collective identity is the strongest and why?
We believe that the strongest collective identity is the Black Shirts. This is because their attitude towards the beliefs of Hitler was inspiring therefore their behaviour was determined by this. It led to the Chauffeur getting in trouble with an upstairs character because he drove Lady P to the parade where she wasn't supposed to go.
- As the BBC created the series in the modern day as opposed to the 1930's, we feel that their may be a chance of bias explanations in each episode. The chauffeur plays his role as a server however in his spare time he was a Black Shirt. This mean't he followed some of Hitlers beliefs and showed the viewing audience that he had his own opinion of the matter. He was also shown to influence Lady Persephone to becoming a black shirt however she didn't feel as passionate to the matter as the Chauffeur.
2. In what ways could you say the upstairs family and downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
- The way each level is clinging to tradition is through the way they live. As they have two floors with different people living on each they portray the fact they still believe in seperating class. The upstairs belongs to the upper class people and the downstairs belongs to the staff for example the cook, chauffeur and maids. However the world and ways of living are changing due to the war therefore afterwards they will be forced to change their tradition into religion and beliefs.
3. Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
- The reason Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts is because she was led to it through the beliefs of the Chauffeur. As she is controlled by her sister and her mother in law(therefore told what to wear, how to speak and what to do) she was led a stray and became a black shirt. She feels that becoming a black shirt will make her an indiviual and free from being controlled. She didn't believe in the actions of Hitler as such however she felt it nessasary to join the black shirts for her freedom and exitement rather than being serious about the belief of the black shirts.
4. Can you find similarities between Lady Persephone and Jenny from An Education?
A main similarity we found between Lady P and Jenny is that they are both egar to become indiviuals and independent. This is shown through they're behaviour as they both allowed themselves to be directed in a certain way by men. Another similarity is they were both previously controlled by their families as Lady P was told what to do by her sister and her mother in law and Jenny was told what to do by her dad and her mum.
5. Whose British collective identity is the strongest and why?
We believe that the strongest collective identity is the Black Shirts. This is because their attitude towards the beliefs of Hitler was inspiring therefore their behaviour was determined by this. It led to the Chauffeur getting in trouble with an upstairs character because he drove Lady P to the parade where she wasn't supposed to go.
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