- Internet-easy to falsify information i.e name, picture
- no proof needed from information given
- can create an alter ego- Facebook accounts can become numerous (no limit to accounts)
- you can become someone else i.e 'Megan' was Angela
- mobiles- don't see the person, could be anyone, i.e same as above
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Catfish (2010)
What does this film have to say about the ways we construct our identity through modern technology?
Saturday, 19 February 2011
Catfish - 2010
What does this film have to say about the ways we contrast our identity through modern technology?
- It says that today people find it ok to lie to other people as the internet allows them to be whoever they say they are, without the other person finding out.
- It shows us that knowing someone over the internet doesn't mean you know them at all in reality.
- The internet give people the freedom to be what they always dreamed of, however it always shows the consequences of getting too involved in a virtual life.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Butlins Advertising case study
This advert has a positive impact because it changes the audiences view of Butlins by the way the advert makes the location look upper class, clean and family friendly which will change peoples attitudes on the area and encourage people to go there. Also the use of 'Ludo the Dinosaur' enhances that families should go there however it also has negative impacts like if a family actually went to Butlins there children would not be able to play with Ludo the Dinosaur which the advertisement is trying to show. Another thing is that all the families portrayed in this look middle class which is used to attract more middle class richer people when infact it is a poorer holiday destination to go to.
It cant be censored because there is nothing wrong happening in the advertisement it is a child friendly advert so there is no need too.
It will change peoples behavior because it will encourage familes to go out and start acting more like a family and this will be done by the adults getting encouraged to go to butlins to spend more time together with there children because it seems like it brings the family together.
Tv/film should not be banned as it is used as it is vital in the economy because it shows to people what they should spend there money on and it also makes money for tv companys; without this lots of companys would lose trade and not have proper ways of tarfeting audiences
The Effects Debate: My Super Sweet 16 UK
My Super Sweet 16 is an MTV reality series documenting the lives of teenagers, usually in the United States, Canada and UK, who usually have wealthy parents that throw huge coming of age celebrations.
What impact (positive/negative) could your case study have?
This programme can have a negative impact on its viewers because it shows younger people being showered with money and gifts, they then might think that this is a social norm, so then the teenagers that watch this could then expect the same treatment from there parents even though the teenagers in the programme have incredibly rich parents.A positive impact that this programme may have on its views is that they see the teenagers who are being thrown amazing parties with amazing gift but yet they are mostly very ungrateful and come across as selfish. This could make the audience of the programme want to act the total opposite.
Do you think the images should be censored? Explain why?
How far do you agree that the case study can change someones behaviour?
Do you think TV/ film should be banned?
Case Study; New Tricks
1) What impact (positive/negative) could your case study have?
New Tricks could be seen to have a positive impact on society as it shows the police in a good light as they are solving cases and making society a safer place. It also counteracts other shows around now-a-days that don't use older actors and portray the older generation as not as useful as the younger generation. This TV show however, portrays that even though they are retired and are no longer in the police force they still have all the attributes that got them into the police force and they are still helpful to society.
Also, the show is all about solving closed cases and the main characters are shown to really care about the case and the victims involved and they are shown to actually get the villain in the end no matter the cost. This TV show could be seen as having a positive impact due to the content of the show, i.e solving sometimes brutal crimes, and the dedication of the main characters.
However, in someways it could also have a negative effect because the Characters (especially Jack) tend to get so involved in the cases that they end up using unorthodox methods that the police force would not be allowed to, i.e forcing a confession out of someone in interview or using blackmail to get information off of them.
2) Do you think images should be censored? Explain why?
In this TV show we believe that the images should not be censored as it adds to the whole imapct of the brutal crimes that have been committed. If they were not seen then it would be harder for the audience to understand where the characters are coming from when they describe the murder, and it makes it harder for the viewers to want justice for the victim and the criminal.
3) How far do you agree that the case study can change someone's behaviour?
Our case study makes this question hard to answer as we can only come up with the idea that it could create paranioia ...
New Tricks could be seen to have a positive impact on society as it shows the police in a good light as they are solving cases and making society a safer place. It also counteracts other shows around now-a-days that don't use older actors and portray the older generation as not as useful as the younger generation. This TV show however, portrays that even though they are retired and are no longer in the police force they still have all the attributes that got them into the police force and they are still helpful to society.
Also, the show is all about solving closed cases and the main characters are shown to really care about the case and the victims involved and they are shown to actually get the villain in the end no matter the cost. This TV show could be seen as having a positive impact due to the content of the show, i.e solving sometimes brutal crimes, and the dedication of the main characters.
However, in someways it could also have a negative effect because the Characters (especially Jack) tend to get so involved in the cases that they end up using unorthodox methods that the police force would not be allowed to, i.e forcing a confession out of someone in interview or using blackmail to get information off of them.
2) Do you think images should be censored? Explain why?
In this TV show we believe that the images should not be censored as it adds to the whole imapct of the brutal crimes that have been committed. If they were not seen then it would be harder for the audience to understand where the characters are coming from when they describe the murder, and it makes it harder for the viewers to want justice for the victim and the criminal.
3) How far do you agree that the case study can change someone's behaviour?
Our case study makes this question hard to answer as we can only come up with the idea that it could create paranioia ...
What impact could your Case Study have?
Some teenagers could be offended by some of the derogatory terms used, especially to do with homophobic insults. Being gay is portrayed as a bad thing, for example many jokes are made about Neil's Dad. This means that people who aren't gay may think its acceptable to use these insults. Gay people however may be scared to show their sexuality. A lot of the episodes focus on the characters loosing their virginity, this could make a teenage audience feel pressured.
Do you think the images should be censored?
We don't think the images should be censored because everything is shown in a comical way. There are no really serious issues such as drug taking or violence. Anything that does happen is often fairly censored anyway. Most teenagers are familiar with the themes in The Inbetweeners.
How far do you agree that the Case Study can change someones behaviour?
The programme could change the way some people view sex and change their morals. They may think it is acceptable to behave the way the characters do. People could pick up on some of the jokes and use them in everyday life.
Do you think films/TV should be banned?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grotesque_(2009_film)
The film Grotesque was banned in 2009 for explicit sexual torture.
With these explicit films we think there should be strict ID regulations. People should know what the films are about and a new rating should be made to show they contain extreme violence, sexual torture ect.
Some teenagers could be offended by some of the derogatory terms used, especially to do with homophobic insults. Being gay is portrayed as a bad thing, for example many jokes are made about Neil's Dad. This means that people who aren't gay may think its acceptable to use these insults. Gay people however may be scared to show their sexuality. A lot of the episodes focus on the characters loosing their virginity, this could make a teenage audience feel pressured.
Do you think the images should be censored?
We don't think the images should be censored because everything is shown in a comical way. There are no really serious issues such as drug taking or violence. Anything that does happen is often fairly censored anyway. Most teenagers are familiar with the themes in The Inbetweeners.
How far do you agree that the Case Study can change someones behaviour?
The programme could change the way some people view sex and change their morals. They may think it is acceptable to behave the way the characters do. People could pick up on some of the jokes and use them in everyday life.
Do you think films/TV should be banned?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grotesque_(2009_film)
The film Grotesque was banned in 2009 for explicit sexual torture.
With these explicit films we think there should be strict ID regulations. People should know what the films are about and a new rating should be made to show they contain extreme violence, sexual torture ect.
Green Street
What impact could your case study have?
The negative impacts of Green Street it that is promotes voilence and implies that football hooliganism as heroic. The film also shows that teenagers and young adults turn to gangs for safty and protection. The gangs are shown as a family unit. Films such as Green Street show that being in a football firm can have a positive effect on your life with a good social life, it also has positive effect on showing the negatives to being in a football firm where the main leader dies at the end which shows that being in a firm isnt always good. Additionally, these films show a realistic side to football hooliganism and portrays how familys can be effected through this.
past/present/future and realte to the effects debate
Case Study: This is England
This could make people realise that money isn't everything and relationships are more important. This is backed up through the good times the film shows the group having throughout the film. This shows the value of unity and the strong morals that this friendship group has towards each other. This is shown when Woody stands up for Shaun when people are taking the 'Micky' out of him.
No because you take responsibility for what you watch. The certificate is 18 and therefore you should expect scenes of this nature as you are warned before hand.
This could make people realise that money isn't everything and relationships are more important. This is backed up through the good times the film shows the group having throughout the film. This shows the value of unity and the strong morals that this friendship group has towards each other. This is shown when Woody stands up for Shaun when people are taking the 'Micky' out of him.
No because you take responsibility for what you watch. The certificate is 18 and therefore you should expect scenes of this nature as you are warned before hand.
The Effects Debate - My super sweet 16
The Effects Debate
- What impact (possitive/negative) could your case study have?
The case study shows a negative impact on the audience, because it makes them feel inferior.
- Do you think the images should be censored - Explain why?
The images don't have to be censored as it is appropriate for 16 years olds, who are the main viewers.
- How far do you agree that the case study can change someones behaviour?
I think that it has a big influence on the audiences behavior as they want to be like what they see. This has a negative effect on there behaviour. They try to mirror the behaviour of the 16 year olds on the programme to make themselves feel better.
- Do you think TV/Film should be banned?
No, because it's almost like a necessity for the audience to keep in touch with the latest TV/FILM.
Case Study: Misfits
What impact (positive/negative) could Misfits have?
Misfits features criminals as the main protagonists, possibly giving off the impression that this is okay. This is particularly true in the case of Nathan, who is presented as the joker, and quite likable. His attitude to criminal activity is sometimes light hearted and this could have a negative impact on the viewer, encouraging them to see this as the norm.
Do you think the images should be censored? Explain why.
Some of the sexual and violent content in Misfits is shocking, especially for a young audience. However the younger generation are now so exposed to shocking content that it may be pointless to censor it.
How far do you agree that Misifts can change someone's behaviour?
It is always possible that something on TV/Film could influence someone's behaviour, especially when the person is particularly vulnerable. However, the everyday person is not going to be heavily influenced as a direct result of watching Misfits, but it may be a problem if an audience is exposed to this sort of behaviour over time.
Do you think TV/Film should be banned?
It seems a drastic solution to ban TV and Film entirely, mostly due to the fact that not all television is a negative influence. Also, as with other banned substances/objects, it will always be the case that people will try to gain access to it illegally, causing more problems than solutions.
Misfits features criminals as the main protagonists, possibly giving off the impression that this is okay. This is particularly true in the case of Nathan, who is presented as the joker, and quite likable. His attitude to criminal activity is sometimes light hearted and this could have a negative impact on the viewer, encouraging them to see this as the norm.
Do you think the images should be censored? Explain why.
Some of the sexual and violent content in Misfits is shocking, especially for a young audience. However the younger generation are now so exposed to shocking content that it may be pointless to censor it.
How far do you agree that Misifts can change someone's behaviour?
It is always possible that something on TV/Film could influence someone's behaviour, especially when the person is particularly vulnerable. However, the everyday person is not going to be heavily influenced as a direct result of watching Misfits, but it may be a problem if an audience is exposed to this sort of behaviour over time.
Do you think TV/Film should be banned?
It seems a drastic solution to ban TV and Film entirely, mostly due to the fact that not all television is a negative influence. Also, as with other banned substances/objects, it will always be the case that people will try to gain access to it illegally, causing more problems than solutions.
Monday, 14 February 2011
Misfits & Skins series 1
MISFITS
Does this TV show challenge or reaffirm stereotypes?
At first, Misfits seems to reaffirm British stereotypes, especially of the lower class, but as the programme progresses and the characters develop, the stereotypes are challenged, for example, we get an insight into Alisha and Simon's characters as they develop in series 2.
Is this TV show conventional of a teen programme?
Yes, in some ways. The type of humour used is common among other teenage programmes, but the occasional violent sections are shocking and unexpected. The audience being aimed at seems to be older than teens due to the strong sexual content, but the humour is mostly aimed at a teen audience.
Is the fact that they are criminals a harsh truth of today’s society? Or is it in order to shock the audience?
The fact that the main protagonists in Misfits are criminals does reflect on the society of some places, but cannot be taken to be entirely true. For example, programmes like Inbetweeners reflect the behaviour of some teenagers in Britain, but not all. Featuring the protagonists as criminals however is unexpected and could shock the audience as they are used to watching 'good' main characters. This unique selling point could have been a main contributor to the programme's success.
MISFITS AND SKINS
How are the collective groups in these two TV shows defined through their attitudes to sex?
Misfits presents Simon as the 'loner', who struggles with social interactions, and we are told that he is a virgin. He is made fun of throughout the series by the character of Nathan because of this, and it is made a significant event in series 2 when he loses his virginity. However the character of Alisha, mostly in series 1 is presented as a girl who sleeps around, therefore her 'power' is to make everyone who touches her want to have sex with her.
Comparatively, in Skins series 1; in the very first episode, the character of Sid is talking to Tony about losing his virginity. Again, this is made a big deal and he is also portrayed as the slightly odd one. Both programmes tend to put a lot of emphasis on whether a character has had sex, however Skins does not present sex so graphically as Misfits, possibly because of the slightly younger target audience.
Thursday, 10 February 2011
textual anaylis
In Fish tank we see Mia's sister watching MTV cribs on the TV this is the signifier. At first sight this doesn't seem relevant but i feel this relates to her wanted to have that celebrity lifestyle. We see her live in poverty and her escape is watching MTV cribs , dreaming about that lifestyle of wealth this is the sign. Another point that i feel has deeper meaning in Fish-tank is Mia's aim to free a tied up horse, this being the signifier. I feel this relates to Mia , like the horse , they are both trapped and victims of their environment. As Mia's boyfriend says how the horse was put down due to how old it was this reflects Mia's decision to leave as she doesn't want to be like the horse, to old and never to be set free, this is the sign.
Applying semiology to Key texts.
An education jenny is a Teenage school girl with a set out path to go to oxford. This requires her to learn latin. Latin is a dying language which not many people are using. This symbolizes that her path for the future is drying. She tries to enjoy french music to break away for this dying path but when her dad finds out she is listening to this she gets in trouble. her father is almost forcing her down a dying path.
In Inbetweener's Simon's car is bright yellow with a red door its sort of a miss fit car, this reflects their Awkwardness in personalities and as a group they are socially retarded. the title inbetweener's also could reflect their social awkwardness, they are only really properly friends with each other and not with other groups of people, they are inbetween the crowds.
Alfie buys a Bear for his son, except his mother never takes it for him, alphie holds onto the bear for a while because he doesn't want to let go of his son.
In Inbetweener's Simon's car is bright yellow with a red door its sort of a miss fit car, this reflects their Awkwardness in personalities and as a group they are socially retarded. the title inbetweener's also could reflect their social awkwardness, they are only really properly friends with each other and not with other groups of people, they are inbetween the crowds.
Alfie buys a Bear for his son, except his mother never takes it for him, alphie holds onto the bear for a while because he doesn't want to let go of his son.
Examples of Signified, Signifier and the Sign
In Boyz N the Hood the bullet holes in the wall (signifier) show that somebody got shot there and the kids see as something cool to look at (signified). However it can be interpreted as the children's future, that it is very likely that they could be killed as well if they stay in a bad neighbourhood. (sign)
textual analysis
In Kidulthood the boys are playing Fifa. This tells us that they maybe aspire to be professional footballers and with their background and environment this is unlikely to happen. This shows they are chasing a dream and lifestyle that wouldn't fit their stereotype. Fifa is the signifier and chasing a dream that isn't going to happen is the signified. This is the sign. Another point that i feel has a deeper meaning is in Kidulthood when the lad steals from the shop (the signifier). I believe this has a double meaning reflecting that he cheats in life (the signified). My interpretation of this is the sign.
applying semiotics to fish tank
In Fish tank Mia is always watching MTV; which shows how she aspires to be like people on there but the fact its on a screen is like a barrier to her not being able to get there.
Also the way she wants to set the horse free to have freedom relates to how she wants to also have freedom too in her life and be released .
The way she goes to the dance place to audition for dancing reflects on how that is her job she desires which does show how she will not go far with her life.
Because she lives in a poor house which signifies that she will go on to get the same which shows how she will live on to be poor.
The way she continuously drinks alcohol when at such a young age signifies that she obviously likes alcohol but it actually shows how she does not care about her life a lot by getting drunk at the age of 15.
In an education the nice red sports car that the man has is used to signify how he is rich and has a good lifestyle.
Also the way the girl listens to an very old record player is used to represent how she is intellectual and how she could have a good life if she doesnt get with him
In an education the nice red sports car that the man has is used to signify how he is rich and has a good lifestyle.
Also the way the girl listens to an very old record player is used to represent how she is intellectual and how she could have a good life if she doesnt get with him
Meanings in the films we studied.
In An Education, Jenny shuts the door to her room, and her dad has to bring her cup of tea to the other side of the door. This shows the barriers she has put up.
Signifier = Door
Signified = An entrance
Semiology = There is more than one meaning
Sign = A barrier between Jenny and her father and the outside world.
In Fish Tank, the main family are often seen watching MTV, and the wallpaper is of palm trees. This shows that they are always aspiring to live the 'American dream'.
Signifier = MTV and wallpaper
Signified = Music TV and wallpaper
Semiology = There is more than one meaning
Sign = The characters are aspiring to live in America.
In Coronation Street, the pub represents a community, not just a place to go for a drink.
Signifier = The pub
Signified = A place to drink
Semiology = There is more than one purpose
Sign = It's also the place everyone sees each other, which creates a community spirit.
Signifier = Door
Signified = An entrance
Semiology = There is more than one meaning
Sign = A barrier between Jenny and her father and the outside world.
In Fish Tank, the main family are often seen watching MTV, and the wallpaper is of palm trees. This shows that they are always aspiring to live the 'American dream'.
Signifier = MTV and wallpaper
Signified = Music TV and wallpaper
Semiology = There is more than one meaning
Sign = The characters are aspiring to live in America.
In Coronation Street, the pub represents a community, not just a place to go for a drink.
Signifier = The pub
Signified = A place to drink
Semiology = There is more than one purpose
Sign = It's also the place everyone sees each other, which creates a community spirit.
Roland Barters
The Apple logo (signifier) Computers (signified)
The brand has grown, technology has advanced.
Now the Apple logo has many many meanings (iPhone, iPod, iPad, Macs, iTunes)
The brand has grown, technology has advanced.
Now the Apple logo has many many meanings (iPhone, iPod, iPad, Macs, iTunes)
Coca cola barters
- Coca cola now does lots of advertising in the world and is regulary on television
- It sponsers lots of companies especially in sporting terms
- the trademark and logo is highly recognised
Roland Barthes -TESCO Semiology
"Originally a UK-focused retailer specialising in food and drink, it has diversified both geographically and by product, into areas such as clothing, electronics, financial services, telecoms, home, health, car and dental insurance, retailing and renting DVDs,[9] CDs, music downloads, Internet services and software." - Wikipedia
Sign
Tesco has more meanings. E.g. car insurance
Seminology
Tesco has grown
Object Meaning
The Tesco logo Food and drink
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
collective identity questions
1. The representation of the chauffeur is portrayed from a biased point of view as the chauffeur is someone representing a follower of the 'black shirts' and this is someone who follows the views of Nazism and at the time of the 1930's being a 'black shirt' wasn't wrong as the views of Nazism were not wrong until the 1940's however the chauffeur is portrayed as being in the wrong as when he goes to his demonstrations the camerawork used and the mise en scene of people shouting to stop it makes it sound like what he is doing is wrong which is biased because it is shown in a pro-Nazi view as it shows police needed to stop fights breaking out which shows that what he is doing must be wrong when he is actually following the perfectly normal views of Nazism.
2. The upstairs family and downstairs staff are staying to tradition in a changing world because there is a clear class divide shown which is not normally portrayed in real life anymore and this is shown with how the downstairs staff sleep in cramped conditions and are working all day while the upstairs family sleeping in massive rooms and not working which is traditional of a class divide. it also fits the stereotypical views of rich people having servants and not changing there lifestyles at all while the world around them is in the way of that there are revolutions like the Nazi's getting powerful.
3. Lady Persephone wants to join the blackshirts because she simply wants a change from her boring lifestyle and wants to do something in her life and she chooses to express this by supporting the blackshirts which is very unconventional of such an upper class person because they don't need change because they are happy the way they are.
4. Similarities from Lady Persephone and Jenny from 'An Education' is that they are both girls who want to experiment and this is shown from Lady Persephone by the way in which she starts to follow a new group and Jenny experiments by experiencing boyfriends for the first time. Another similarity is that they both have strong gender roles as they both have a lot of rights and can do what they like which is different to the stereotypical view of an women from the 1930's also they both are from an upper class family which shows how they are similar because they can both in a sense have more freedom. The last thing that is similar is that both girls have a good family unit and this is because they are well connected to there family and get on with them well.
5. The strongest collective identity is defiantly the downstairs family because it shows them not being dull servants who don't have a life it collectively reflects on how the downstairs staff all get on with each other and are friendly people another reason how the collective identity of them is so strong is because of how it shows in depth of how they have to follow the household rules and it shows how they have to be asked to talk and can't go upstairs which does strongly reflect there identity. The blackshirts is also strong and they are collectively shows as being opposed too by many people and even though they are meant to have freedom of speech they get abused and fought a lot for there normal views which gives implications that fascists/Nazi's are shown as wrong in Britian.
EXAM QUESTION : TO WHAT EXTENT DOES YOUR CASE STUDY TEXT REPRESENT YOUR CHOSEN COLLECTIVE IDENTITY IN A POSITIVE WAY?
Intro - talk about what film will be used and the collective identity of blackshirts and the downstairs family and what time period
Paragraph 1 - family unit
paragraph 2 - gender roles
para 3 - blackshirts
2. The upstairs family and downstairs staff are staying to tradition in a changing world because there is a clear class divide shown which is not normally portrayed in real life anymore and this is shown with how the downstairs staff sleep in cramped conditions and are working all day while the upstairs family sleeping in massive rooms and not working which is traditional of a class divide. it also fits the stereotypical views of rich people having servants and not changing there lifestyles at all while the world around them is in the way of that there are revolutions like the Nazi's getting powerful.
3. Lady Persephone wants to join the blackshirts because she simply wants a change from her boring lifestyle and wants to do something in her life and she chooses to express this by supporting the blackshirts which is very unconventional of such an upper class person because they don't need change because they are happy the way they are.
4. Similarities from Lady Persephone and Jenny from 'An Education' is that they are both girls who want to experiment and this is shown from Lady Persephone by the way in which she starts to follow a new group and Jenny experiments by experiencing boyfriends for the first time. Another similarity is that they both have strong gender roles as they both have a lot of rights and can do what they like which is different to the stereotypical view of an women from the 1930's also they both are from an upper class family which shows how they are similar because they can both in a sense have more freedom. The last thing that is similar is that both girls have a good family unit and this is because they are well connected to there family and get on with them well.
5. The strongest collective identity is defiantly the downstairs family because it shows them not being dull servants who don't have a life it collectively reflects on how the downstairs staff all get on with each other and are friendly people another reason how the collective identity of them is so strong is because of how it shows in depth of how they have to follow the household rules and it shows how they have to be asked to talk and can't go upstairs which does strongly reflect there identity. The blackshirts is also strong and they are collectively shows as being opposed too by many people and even though they are meant to have freedom of speech they get abused and fought a lot for there normal views which gives implications that fascists/Nazi's are shown as wrong in Britian.
EXAM QUESTION : TO WHAT EXTENT DOES YOUR CASE STUDY TEXT REPRESENT YOUR CHOSEN COLLECTIVE IDENTITY IN A POSITIVE WAY?
Intro - talk about what film will be used and the collective identity of blackshirts and the downstairs family and what time period
Paragraph 1 - family unit
paragraph 2 - gender roles
para 3 - blackshirts
Responses to 'Upstairs, Downstairs'
1) Is the representation of the Chauffeur portrayed from a biased point of view?
I don't think that the Chauffeur was portrayed from a biased point of view because he is shown as a hard working British citizen who hasn't done anything wrong. He is never shown to have any malicious ideology as he just believed the good things that were said by Oswold. He is shown to be quite innocent and naive to the true values of the Nazi's.
2) In what ways could you say the upstairs family and the downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
Both of these groups try not to mix together and keep the lower and higher classes divided. However some of them break this tradition, for example Lady Persephone and the Chauffeur are together even though it is frowned upon. Another example of the downstairs staff trying to keep tradition is that they never ask the Indian man to join them when they are relaxing, this is because racism was still a big deal in Britain. The new maid broke this tradition as she offers him to come down and sit with them and it is clear that the rest of the downstairs staff are uncomfortable with this.
3) Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
She has a very rebellious attitude because she is tired of her family telling her what to do and she wants to stand for something different to what her family does. Also she is quite naive so she is easily drawn in by the speeches and ideology that Oswold preaches and to her it seems like it makes sense and the right thing to believe in. Also she wants the Chauffeur to be interested in her so she becomes interested in the black shirts to get closer to him.
4) Can you find similarities between Lady Persephone and Jenny from An Education?
Both characters have different ideologies to their families and what they are expected to believe in, for example in An Education, Jenny seeks a more sophisticated life away from her family and in Upstairs, Downstairs, Lady Persephone wants to join a very controversial group that her family and also most the people in Britain disagree with.
Both of the characters find a man that introduces them to a new way of living that they originally believe is the ideal life but then soon learn that not everything is what it seems. They are both clever but at the same time quite naive which leads them to making bad decisions.
5) Whose British collective identity do you think is the strongest and why?
I think that the upstairs family is the strongest collective identity compared with the other two collective groups, the Black shirts and the downstairs staff. I think this because these two collective groups are quite forgiving and lenient,
I don't think that the Chauffeur was portrayed from a biased point of view because he is shown as a hard working British citizen who hasn't done anything wrong. He is never shown to have any malicious ideology as he just believed the good things that were said by Oswold. He is shown to be quite innocent and naive to the true values of the Nazi's.
2) In what ways could you say the upstairs family and the downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
Both of these groups try not to mix together and keep the lower and higher classes divided. However some of them break this tradition, for example Lady Persephone and the Chauffeur are together even though it is frowned upon. Another example of the downstairs staff trying to keep tradition is that they never ask the Indian man to join them when they are relaxing, this is because racism was still a big deal in Britain. The new maid broke this tradition as she offers him to come down and sit with them and it is clear that the rest of the downstairs staff are uncomfortable with this.
3) Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
She has a very rebellious attitude because she is tired of her family telling her what to do and she wants to stand for something different to what her family does. Also she is quite naive so she is easily drawn in by the speeches and ideology that Oswold preaches and to her it seems like it makes sense and the right thing to believe in. Also she wants the Chauffeur to be interested in her so she becomes interested in the black shirts to get closer to him.
4) Can you find similarities between Lady Persephone and Jenny from An Education?
Both characters have different ideologies to their families and what they are expected to believe in, for example in An Education, Jenny seeks a more sophisticated life away from her family and in Upstairs, Downstairs, Lady Persephone wants to join a very controversial group that her family and also most the people in Britain disagree with.
Both of the characters find a man that introduces them to a new way of living that they originally believe is the ideal life but then soon learn that not everything is what it seems. They are both clever but at the same time quite naive which leads them to making bad decisions.
5) Whose British collective identity do you think is the strongest and why?
I think that the upstairs family is the strongest collective identity compared with the other two collective groups, the Black shirts and the downstairs staff. I think this because these two collective groups are quite forgiving and lenient,
Responses to 'Upstairs, Downstairs'
1. Is the representation of the chauffeur portrayed from a biased point of view? If so why?
The chauffeur has joined the black shirts. The BBC have presented him in a negative way by showing the black shirts as a minority so that it shows that they are saying they don't support the Nazis.
2. In what ways could you say the upstairs family and downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
The Upstairs family and downstairs staff keep the tradition of the division between classes. They each have their own quarters and are made to eat separately. The world is slowly changing and these views
3. Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts because she's been influenced by the chauffeur. She is bored of being told what to do by her sister and by joining the black shirts it is a good way for her to escape and rebel.
4. Can you find similarities between Lady Persephone and and Jenny from An Education?
Both characters
Both characters find a man that they associate themselves with. Lady Persephone's relationship with the chauffeur is more scandalous than Jenny's relationship with David, even though David proves not to be so nice when it is shown that he steals.
5. Whose British collective identity do you think is the strongest and why? The downstairs staff, upstairs family or the Black shirts ?
I think the downstairs staff are the strongest in terms of loyalty. They are all appreciative of what they have and seem to look out for each other. The upstairs family are stronger in that they are more powerful and have more authority over the downstairs staff.
The chauffeur has joined the black shirts. The BBC have presented him in a negative way by showing the black shirts as a minority so that it shows that they are saying they don't support the Nazis.
2. In what ways could you say the upstairs family and downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
The Upstairs family and downstairs staff keep the tradition of the division between classes. They each have their own quarters and are made to eat separately. The world is slowly changing and these views
3. Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts because she's been influenced by the chauffeur. She is bored of being told what to do by her sister and by joining the black shirts it is a good way for her to escape and rebel.
4. Can you find similarities between Lady Persephone and and Jenny from An Education?
Both characters
Both characters find a man that they associate themselves with. Lady Persephone's relationship with the chauffeur is more scandalous than Jenny's relationship with David, even though David proves not to be so nice when it is shown that he steals.
5. Whose British collective identity do you think is the strongest and why? The downstairs staff, upstairs family or the Black shirts ?
I think the downstairs staff are the strongest in terms of loyalty. They are all appreciative of what they have and seem to look out for each other. The upstairs family are stronger in that they are more powerful and have more authority over the downstairs staff.
Responses to 'Upstairs, Downstairs'
1. Is the representation of the chauffeur portrayed from a biased point of view? If so why?
The chauffeur is shown as being a facist as he is a supporter of Hitler, the audience has sympothy for the jewish woman who is obviously upset and frightend as she believed she escaped the nazi's by coming to england, but she didnt! The key scene that shows this view strongly is where the chauffeur comes in and sits down at the dinner table with evreryone wearing the distinctive facist uniform. This ties in with strykers theory, by the audience idenity with the facist movement as evil, and that people that support it are. Through this the audience develop an collective idenity and not and indivual identity.
2. In what ways could you say the upstairs family and downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
The family in upstairs down stairs are clinging to traditional living through mainly keeping the service staff and the family mainly seperate. Also having living quaters in different areas of the house. However when this tv series was made the British soceity was changing and people started to have equal rights. Also the views of the upstairs family are the same as most of the society which is against hitler.
3.Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black (navy) shirts?
Lady Persephone seems like a upper class woman stuck in the society and has a desiere to break out from that society. She has to listen to what her family tell her to do and act in a way which is proper for that class. Lady Persephone is shown to be in a social prison.
The chauffeur is shown as being a facist as he is a supporter of Hitler, the audience has sympothy for the jewish woman who is obviously upset and frightend as she believed she escaped the nazi's by coming to england, but she didnt! The key scene that shows this view strongly is where the chauffeur comes in and sits down at the dinner table with evreryone wearing the distinctive facist uniform. This ties in with strykers theory, by the audience idenity with the facist movement as evil, and that people that support it are. Through this the audience develop an collective idenity and not and indivual identity.
2. In what ways could you say the upstairs family and downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
The family in upstairs down stairs are clinging to traditional living through mainly keeping the service staff and the family mainly seperate. Also having living quaters in different areas of the house. However when this tv series was made the British soceity was changing and people started to have equal rights. Also the views of the upstairs family are the same as most of the society which is against hitler.
3.Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black (navy) shirts?
Lady Persephone seems like a upper class woman stuck in the society and has a desiere to break out from that society. She has to listen to what her family tell her to do and act in a way which is proper for that class. Lady Persephone is shown to be in a social prison.
Planning an Exam Question
To what extent does your case study text represent your chosen collective identity in a positive way?
Introduction: Mention Britishness - some examples of case studies - say about the past, reflective and contemporary case studies. Family, gender, age and class.
Paragraph1: Past British movies and programs (corrie 1970's and Alfie) - use theorist. corrie (man in the navy talking to is old lady friend - this is positive as he is not rude to her but still is above her as he calls the shots and says when they should meet, so this is a true representation of England at that time) Alfie (the way he treats the different girls from different classes - this shows a negative side of Britain) Use the theorist Althusser.
Paragraph2: Reflective British movies and programs (An education and Upstairs downstairs) - use theorist
Paragraph3: Contemporary British movies and programs (kidluthood, Inbetweeners and Fish Tank) - use theorist.
Conclusion: say over all opinion on where the media represent Britishness in a negative or postive way, give brief examples, state your point of argument and a final summary.
Introduction: Mention Britishness - some examples of case studies - say about the past, reflective and contemporary case studies. Family, gender, age and class.
Paragraph1: Past British movies and programs (corrie 1970's and Alfie) - use theorist. corrie (man in the navy talking to is old lady friend - this is positive as he is not rude to her but still is above her as he calls the shots and says when they should meet, so this is a true representation of England at that time) Alfie (the way he treats the different girls from different classes - this shows a negative side of Britain) Use the theorist Althusser.
Paragraph2: Reflective British movies and programs (An education and Upstairs downstairs) - use theorist
Paragraph3: Contemporary British movies and programs (kidluthood, Inbetweeners and Fish Tank) - use theorist.
Conclusion: say over all opinion on where the media represent Britishness in a negative or postive way, give brief examples, state your point of argument and a final summary.
Responses to Upstairs Downstairs
1) Is the representation of the Chauffeur portrayed from a biased point of view? If so why?
The Chauffeur is portrayed from a biased point of view because he is painted in a negative light. This is because at the beginning he is abrasive towards Lady P. and his boss, this shows that he is disrespectful towards his superiors. Then the portrayal of him becomes more entrenched in negativity as he upsets the Downstairs residence as they are offended by his uniform of the British Union of Fascists i.e the Black Shirts. This is highlighted by the arrival of the German Jewish new maid. After the rally, he informs the police unnecessarily about Lady P's borrowing of his car to get away form the aftermath of the violent rally. This then reflects badly on him as by doing this he upsets the Upstairs family. All this leads to the conclusion that the Chauffeur is portrayed in a bias light. We believe that this is because it is a more reflective character portrayal as the producers would have known about the war and the consequences of the fascists movement to come.
2) In what ways could you say that the upstairs family and the downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
In one way the Upstairs family is trying to cling to tradition because Lady Holland wants Lady Persephone to not have any opinions on the politics of today and tells her that she should just take an interest in it and have a knowledge so she can understand what the males of the house are talking about. However, Lady Persephone disagrees with this as she wants to to support the fascists and go along with Harry Spargo and attend a rally with him, this shows that the younger generation want things to change and Lady Persephone wants women to be more equal and wants to rebel from the family, whereas the older generation wants the women to obey the men (or what she tells the man) of the house and want things to stay the way they are at the moment.
The downstairs staff however, go along with the Upstairs family as they are ultimately their bosses and they have to follow their opinions and beliefs, but they do follow traditions as they have their own routines. For example they always sit and listen to the radio by the fire, and they follow orders from their superior. Although they are of the 'lower status' in society they have their own mini-society within their work place, for example they all listen to Head Maid and the male butler as they have the most authority out of the downstairs staff. This divide in the house creates a class divide and boundaries for everyone to follow, for example the Downstairs people don't get involved in the personal lives of the Upstairs and visa versa.
3) Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the Black Shirts?
At the beginning we think that Lady P wishes to join the Black shirts purely out of rebellion against her elders. This rebelion originates from a previous confrontation with Lady Holland about how she is only allowed interests not opinions, this then makes her more inclined to defy Lady Holland. However, once she attends the rally with Spargo she becomes absorbed in the beliefs of the fascist way. We believe that she didn't fully understand the meaning behind the fascist movement whereas Spargo is portrayed to understand it a lot more.
4) Can you find similarities between Lady P and Jenny from An Education?
We can find similarities between Lady P and Jenny because they both start out naive and they both wish to have independence and freedom to do as they wish, however as they both develop and find new relationships they start to differ dramatically. Lady P becomes more involved in finding independence by joining the Black Shirts and attending rallies and forming her own opinions, not the opinions of her family. Whereas Jenny thinks that she's gaining independence but in fact she has just moved from parental control to David's, once she is in this relationship she becomes very subdued and judgmental against those who are different to her. Overall this shows that once the fairytale of their partners and the life they have with them falls away Jenny and Lady P are made to go back to their families and are back in their control.
5) Whose British collective identity do you think is strongest and why? The Downstairs staff, the Upstairs family or the Black shirts (also known as the British Union of Fascists)
We think that the Downstairs staff have the strongest British collective identity... to be continued!!!
Responses to 'upstairs, downstairs'
Is the representation of the chauffeur portrayed from a biased point of view? is so why ?
Chauffeur is represented in some respects in a fair way as the program shows how easily it is to be seduced by the propaganda of the Black shirts. Chauffeur is shown after the rally he attends to get out of control with the protest against there views turns into a riot. He is seen in a mid shot, after taking of his black shirt which identifies him as one of them. This suggests he is ashamed of what he is following and doesn't want to be identified with them. This is a fair representation of a Black shirt which shows chauffeur having regret and shame. A typical hollywood film would have a biased point of view suggesting Black shirts are the "baddies" with little emotion or any back story to how easily it is to get caught up in an deceiving political following. On the other hand it could be argued chauffeur is portrayed in a very biased way, this could be shown through his little regard to other people feelings and his poor manners. This is shown in the scene where he sits down to have a staff meal wearing his black shirt uniform. the rest of the staff are horrified as he has no emotion to there concern,he expresses his freedom of choice in a rude way. The question is where all 'black shirts' rude with no regard to other people feelings ? This could be an biased pre conceived view the director had.
In what ways could you say the upstairs family and downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world ?
There is a separation between the upstairs and the downstairs, the downstairs like to keep to themselves downstairs and do not expect the upstairs to interfere with their world, the upstairs don't expect the downstairs people to go upstairs unless called upon. A scene which shows this is when the lady persephone is having the affair with the chauffeur, she is mixing with the downstairs which really annoys the old butler who wishes to keep the way things are exactly the same.
why do you think Lady persephone wants to join the black shirts ?
I feel Lady persephone wants to join the black shirts due to her wanted her own identity, as she says in the film, she says nothing her owns is hers and is tired of being told what to do. This adds to her frustration and therefore needed a way out. Her way out was partly due to her relationship with chauffeur as she takes a like to him she is also influenced by his views of the black shirts. As there relationship progresses so does her view of the black shirts.
Can you find similarities between lady persephone and jenny from An education ?
Similarities we have identified are they are both victims of there surrounding, this is shown through both there family's who are pushing them to behave in a certain way. This is shown through An education where jennies father pushes her to go to oxford. In upstairs, downstairs Lady persephone is forced to socialize with those only seen fit for her. This makes her rebel by falling in love with the Chauffeur, a man who wouldn't be deemed fit for her. In an education jenny rebels by falling in love with an older man who is a thief and throws money at her to keep her intrigued.
Whose british collective identity do you think is the strongest and why ? The downstairs staff, upstairs family and Black shirts ?
We feel that the strongest collective identity is the downstairs staff. This is because we feel the downstairs staff are closer as a collective group, they all know their place and all follow the characteristics of their collective identity, they do not step out of line, apart from the new girl who speaks to the indian guy and the chauffeur who has an affair with lady persephone. The upstairs family are a broken family, and do not have a solid identity, this is because there is so much conflict within the family. The black shirts are hardly accepted within society, and after the protest against them the chauffeur removes his shirt which is almost abandoning the black shirts all together.
Chauffeur is represented in some respects in a fair way as the program shows how easily it is to be seduced by the propaganda of the Black shirts. Chauffeur is shown after the rally he attends to get out of control with the protest against there views turns into a riot. He is seen in a mid shot, after taking of his black shirt which identifies him as one of them. This suggests he is ashamed of what he is following and doesn't want to be identified with them. This is a fair representation of a Black shirt which shows chauffeur having regret and shame. A typical hollywood film would have a biased point of view suggesting Black shirts are the "baddies" with little emotion or any back story to how easily it is to get caught up in an deceiving political following. On the other hand it could be argued chauffeur is portrayed in a very biased way, this could be shown through his little regard to other people feelings and his poor manners. This is shown in the scene where he sits down to have a staff meal wearing his black shirt uniform. the rest of the staff are horrified as he has no emotion to there concern,he expresses his freedom of choice in a rude way. The question is where all 'black shirts' rude with no regard to other people feelings ? This could be an biased pre conceived view the director had.
In what ways could you say the upstairs family and downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world ?
There is a separation between the upstairs and the downstairs, the downstairs like to keep to themselves downstairs and do not expect the upstairs to interfere with their world, the upstairs don't expect the downstairs people to go upstairs unless called upon. A scene which shows this is when the lady persephone is having the affair with the chauffeur, she is mixing with the downstairs which really annoys the old butler who wishes to keep the way things are exactly the same.
why do you think Lady persephone wants to join the black shirts ?
I feel Lady persephone wants to join the black shirts due to her wanted her own identity, as she says in the film, she says nothing her owns is hers and is tired of being told what to do. This adds to her frustration and therefore needed a way out. Her way out was partly due to her relationship with chauffeur as she takes a like to him she is also influenced by his views of the black shirts. As there relationship progresses so does her view of the black shirts.
Can you find similarities between lady persephone and jenny from An education ?
Similarities we have identified are they are both victims of there surrounding, this is shown through both there family's who are pushing them to behave in a certain way. This is shown through An education where jennies father pushes her to go to oxford. In upstairs, downstairs Lady persephone is forced to socialize with those only seen fit for her. This makes her rebel by falling in love with the Chauffeur, a man who wouldn't be deemed fit for her. In an education jenny rebels by falling in love with an older man who is a thief and throws money at her to keep her intrigued.
Whose british collective identity do you think is the strongest and why ? The downstairs staff, upstairs family and Black shirts ?
We feel that the strongest collective identity is the downstairs staff. This is because we feel the downstairs staff are closer as a collective group, they all know their place and all follow the characteristics of their collective identity, they do not step out of line, apart from the new girl who speaks to the indian guy and the chauffeur who has an affair with lady persephone. The upstairs family are a broken family, and do not have a solid identity, this is because there is so much conflict within the family. The black shirts are hardly accepted within society, and after the protest against them the chauffeur removes his shirt which is almost abandoning the black shirts all together.
Responses to 'Upstairs, Downstairs
1. I believe the representation of the chauffeur is portrayed as biased. This is because of him being a Black shirt. As the film is British the majority of British people are going to frown on this belief. As well as this, we know what damage they caused as the film was made in the modern day and as a result of this, people are going to be skeptical as they don't trust the Black shirts due to what they did.
2. There is more likely to be more unity throughout the country due to the inevitable second World War. Due to this, people in the country pull together and help each other out as they are fighting as a country. This causes the divide in class to be scrapped as they need each other to help one and other, despite their social class. This is shown in the scene between the maid and the new house owner.They are talking about how to act and what to plan for the day and the house owner is taking advice off the maid.
3. This is because she looks up to the chauffeur as an idol and therefore wants to follow his beliefs and what he does. As well as this, they are having an affair and this means she clearly has feelings for him and therefore she wants to have the same opinions and beliefs. This is backed up in the scene where she goes with him to the march through the streets.
4. One similarity between Lady Persephone and Jenny is that they both date older men. This is evident from Jenny going out with a bloke almost twice her age and also Lady Persephone dating the chauffeur who is also somewhat older. They also show a poor attitude towards elders at times. This happens when Jenny is sarcastic to her Dad on numerous occasions and when Lady Persephone is sulking about having to go the ball.
5. I believe the strongest collective identity is the downstairs staff. This is because they are used to not having the luxuries and therefore helping each other and looking out for one and other is the norm. For example, when the new woman is feeling ill they give her some food and put her to bed. This shows collective unity within the group and shows how strong the care is between them. This is probably because they are the most used to having to do everything themselves and having no one to help them out and therefore, they have to unite to get things done as they are all in the same position.
Exam Question Plan:
Reference to Inbetweeners, Fish Tank, An Education, Kidulthood, Corrie, AYBS, Uppy Downy
Inbetweeners shows Britishness in a poor way as it shows the humour has to be on a plate.
AYBS shows that we hadn't accepted homosexuality as a nation 100% at that time. This is due to the innuendos
Kildulthood shows Bristish teens to be thugs and has a negative effect.
Kidulthood- the mise en scene shows them wearing gangsta clothing and this reflects youths in the country on a whole to people from other countries watching it.
2. There is more likely to be more unity throughout the country due to the inevitable second World War. Due to this, people in the country pull together and help each other out as they are fighting as a country. This causes the divide in class to be scrapped as they need each other to help one and other, despite their social class. This is shown in the scene between the maid and the new house owner.They are talking about how to act and what to plan for the day and the house owner is taking advice off the maid.
3. This is because she looks up to the chauffeur as an idol and therefore wants to follow his beliefs and what he does. As well as this, they are having an affair and this means she clearly has feelings for him and therefore she wants to have the same opinions and beliefs. This is backed up in the scene where she goes with him to the march through the streets.
4. One similarity between Lady Persephone and Jenny is that they both date older men. This is evident from Jenny going out with a bloke almost twice her age and also Lady Persephone dating the chauffeur who is also somewhat older. They also show a poor attitude towards elders at times. This happens when Jenny is sarcastic to her Dad on numerous occasions and when Lady Persephone is sulking about having to go the ball.
5. I believe the strongest collective identity is the downstairs staff. This is because they are used to not having the luxuries and therefore helping each other and looking out for one and other is the norm. For example, when the new woman is feeling ill they give her some food and put her to bed. This shows collective unity within the group and shows how strong the care is between them. This is probably because they are the most used to having to do everything themselves and having no one to help them out and therefore, they have to unite to get things done as they are all in the same position.
Exam Question Plan:
Reference to Inbetweeners, Fish Tank, An Education, Kidulthood, Corrie, AYBS, Uppy Downy
Inbetweeners shows Britishness in a poor way as it shows the humour has to be on a plate.
AYBS shows that we hadn't accepted homosexuality as a nation 100% at that time. This is due to the innuendos
Kildulthood shows Bristish teens to be thugs and has a negative effect.
Kidulthood- the mise en scene shows them wearing gangsta clothing and this reflects youths in the country on a whole to people from other countries watching it.
Responses to 'Upstairs, Downstairs'
1. Is the representation of the chauffeur portrayed from a bias point of view? If so why?
The portrayal of the chauffeur is slightly bias because he was representing someone who followed the "black shirt" as this is a modern day representation of that time, we know the black shirts turned out to be wrong and the follewers gradually disappeared as Hitler began his rein. We see how he upsets his colleagues when he goes to sit at the dinner table in his black shirt uniform. He is presented as a minority as the majority is disagreeing with him, suggesting that his view is wrong. During the riot scene is his also ouot numbered and becomes injured in the protests. Also, he has a fling with his employee which could also been seen as wrong because in those days, this wasn't done.
2. In what ways could you say the upstairs family and downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
The rest of the staff think it is inappropriate that the eldest lady's servant is allowed to eat upstairs, they think that they should all eat together downstairs which is a tradition. he represents the changing world as in a normal circumstance all of the servants would have to eat together beneath the rich family. At the end of the episode the chauffeur stands up to his employee (the rich man) whilst he is being told off for his behaviour, this is not traditional behaviour as he is going against his morals and standing up for what he believes in to his employee, this means he is not clinging to to tradition compared to the other staff members. The rich family clings to traditions more than the servants do, for example, they are always having to look there best and show up to balls and posh parties. The ring the bell for the servants when they need them which is very traditional. The youngest daughter in the family is not a traditional rich English girl as she has a fling with the chauffeur and goes to the black coat protest with him, she ends up also getting hurt.
3. Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
She wants to break away from the norms of her life as she is probably getting bored with just sitting around all day, so she wanted to do something interesting for once. So it wasn't that she was really into the black coats, she just wanted to do something exciting. Also, because there was a male involved, this added to the excitement as she has someone to mess about with and share their common beliefs.
4. Can you find similarities between Lady Persephone and Jenny from An Education?
One similarity is that they both rebel their normal life for something that is more interesting and exciting, however Jenny is more intelligent and when it is all over, she realizes that she needs to go back to school and carry on with her normal life, whereas Lady Persephone still wants to be involved even when she gets into trouble and her family totally disagrees with her choice. Both of the girls have inappropriate relationships, and these relationships are what lead to there troubles and the bad situations that they get into. They both smoke.
5. Whose British identity do you think is the strongest and why?
The upstairs family has the strongest British identity because they try to carry on with traditions and they have the traditional British home, servants, accents and way of life. Also, their values are those of the most of Britain, so they are a stereotype higher class British family. If one of the family member were to break the collective identity, there would be major consequences and maybe even rejection. For example, if the family were to find out about Lady Persephone's affair with the chauffeur, she would have to face serious repercussions and she would also probably been sent away, rejected, or sent out on to the street.
The portrayal of the chauffeur is slightly bias because he was representing someone who followed the "black shirt" as this is a modern day representation of that time, we know the black shirts turned out to be wrong and the follewers gradually disappeared as Hitler began his rein. We see how he upsets his colleagues when he goes to sit at the dinner table in his black shirt uniform. He is presented as a minority as the majority is disagreeing with him, suggesting that his view is wrong. During the riot scene is his also ouot numbered and becomes injured in the protests. Also, he has a fling with his employee which could also been seen as wrong because in those days, this wasn't done.
2. In what ways could you say the upstairs family and downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in a changing world?
The rest of the staff think it is inappropriate that the eldest lady's servant is allowed to eat upstairs, they think that they should all eat together downstairs which is a tradition. he represents the changing world as in a normal circumstance all of the servants would have to eat together beneath the rich family. At the end of the episode the chauffeur stands up to his employee (the rich man) whilst he is being told off for his behaviour, this is not traditional behaviour as he is going against his morals and standing up for what he believes in to his employee, this means he is not clinging to to tradition compared to the other staff members. The rich family clings to traditions more than the servants do, for example, they are always having to look there best and show up to balls and posh parties. The ring the bell for the servants when they need them which is very traditional. The youngest daughter in the family is not a traditional rich English girl as she has a fling with the chauffeur and goes to the black coat protest with him, she ends up also getting hurt.
3. Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
She wants to break away from the norms of her life as she is probably getting bored with just sitting around all day, so she wanted to do something interesting for once. So it wasn't that she was really into the black coats, she just wanted to do something exciting. Also, because there was a male involved, this added to the excitement as she has someone to mess about with and share their common beliefs.
4. Can you find similarities between Lady Persephone and Jenny from An Education?
One similarity is that they both rebel their normal life for something that is more interesting and exciting, however Jenny is more intelligent and when it is all over, she realizes that she needs to go back to school and carry on with her normal life, whereas Lady Persephone still wants to be involved even when she gets into trouble and her family totally disagrees with her choice. Both of the girls have inappropriate relationships, and these relationships are what lead to there troubles and the bad situations that they get into. They both smoke.
5. Whose British identity do you think is the strongest and why?
The upstairs family has the strongest British identity because they try to carry on with traditions and they have the traditional British home, servants, accents and way of life. Also, their values are those of the most of Britain, so they are a stereotype higher class British family. If one of the family member were to break the collective identity, there would be major consequences and maybe even rejection. For example, if the family were to find out about Lady Persephone's affair with the chauffeur, she would have to face serious repercussions and she would also probably been sent away, rejected, or sent out on to the street.
Upstairs, Downstairs Responses
Is the representation of the Chauffer portrayed from a biased point of the view? If so why?
Our opinion is biased because we are only shown other people's opinions, and are never given a chance to form our own. For example, in the scene where the chauffer and Percy go to the talk, we never fully hear the speaker, we only see the reactions of the audience. The chauffer never actually discusses why he has the opinions he does; just that that's what he believes. Another reason the portrayal of the Chauffer would be negative is that the BBC have knowledge now of what was really going on in Germany with the Nazis, so have to make sure that the audience know that what they were doing was bad. However if the programme had been made at the time of the nazis, the Chauffer may not have been represented so negatively as they did not have full knowledge of what was going on at the time.
In what ways could you say the upstairs family and downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in the changing world?
The scene where the chauffer walks into the kitchen in his uniform shows that the cook is set in her ways and thinks that food comes before anything else. Also, the husband tells Percy that she can't live in their house if she has fascist views because 'they are British'.
Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
Rebellion and boredom. Also because she likes the chauffer ;)
Can you find similarities between Lady Persphone and Jenny from An Education?
Rebellion, and (young) age trying to be mature. Status in the family - being treated as a child and wanting to rebel. For example, Jenny goes to Oxford and doesn't tell her father the real reason.
Whose British collective identity do you think is the strongest and why?
Upstairs, if you rebelled, the consequences could result in being disowned, depending on the situation and your status. Downstairs, people tend to get over rebelliousness, for example the chauffeur scene (as above) because they see other things as more important. Also, the indian man who normally took his meals upstairs broke the collective identity by coming downstairs; he was accepted. However the Black Shirts would kill you if you were living in Germany and didn't follow the collective identity.
Our opinion is biased because we are only shown other people's opinions, and are never given a chance to form our own. For example, in the scene where the chauffer and Percy go to the talk, we never fully hear the speaker, we only see the reactions of the audience. The chauffer never actually discusses why he has the opinions he does; just that that's what he believes. Another reason the portrayal of the Chauffer would be negative is that the BBC have knowledge now of what was really going on in Germany with the Nazis, so have to make sure that the audience know that what they were doing was bad. However if the programme had been made at the time of the nazis, the Chauffer may not have been represented so negatively as they did not have full knowledge of what was going on at the time.
In what ways could you say the upstairs family and downstairs staff are clinging to tradition in the changing world?
The scene where the chauffer walks into the kitchen in his uniform shows that the cook is set in her ways and thinks that food comes before anything else. Also, the husband tells Percy that she can't live in their house if she has fascist views because 'they are British'.
Why do you think Lady Persephone wants to join the black shirts?
Rebellion and boredom. Also because she likes the chauffer ;)
Can you find similarities between Lady Persphone and Jenny from An Education?
Rebellion, and (young) age trying to be mature. Status in the family - being treated as a child and wanting to rebel. For example, Jenny goes to Oxford and doesn't tell her father the real reason.
Whose British collective identity do you think is the strongest and why?
Upstairs, if you rebelled, the consequences could result in being disowned, depending on the situation and your status. Downstairs, people tend to get over rebelliousness, for example the chauffeur scene (as above) because they see other things as more important. Also, the indian man who normally took his meals upstairs broke the collective identity by coming downstairs; he was accepted. However the Black Shirts would kill you if you were living in Germany and didn't follow the collective identity.
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
To what Extent is Human Identity Increasingly Mediated?
Essay Plan.
Films to mention: An Education, Alfie, Inbetweeners.
Explain what "mediated" means.
Paragraphy One:
in An Education, the scene where she is seen in mature clothing with david and helen has done her hair to seem more grown up, relate to theorist Styker - identity negotiation develops a consistent set of behaviours that reinforce the identity of a person or group, basically people change to fit in.
Paragraph Two:
Alfie- Gilda puts a ring on her finger and pretends to be married to Alfie this shows that Marriage is shown as sacred and the done thing at the time, it's a disgrace to have a child without being married Abortion was also seen as frowned upon.
Paragraph Three:
Inbetweeners, Scene in the kitchen where simon and Tara are getting close and the scene in the lounge with the universtiy students.Teenagers drink and only have sex on their mind. Marcuse. Attitudes and habits , certain interlectual and emotional reasons which blind the consumer and reduce then to a mindless mass.
Conclusion
British identity is shown through the media effecting the way some thing is presented by age and time.
Films to mention: An Education, Alfie, Inbetweeners.
Explain what "mediated" means.
Paragraphy One:
in An Education, the scene where she is seen in mature clothing with david and helen has done her hair to seem more grown up, relate to theorist Styker - identity negotiation develops a consistent set of behaviours that reinforce the identity of a person or group, basically people change to fit in.
Paragraph Two:
Alfie- Gilda puts a ring on her finger and pretends to be married to Alfie this shows that Marriage is shown as sacred and the done thing at the time, it's a disgrace to have a child without being married Abortion was also seen as frowned upon.
Paragraph Three:
Inbetweeners, Scene in the kitchen where simon and Tara are getting close and the scene in the lounge with the universtiy students.Teenagers drink and only have sex on their mind. Marcuse. Attitudes and habits , certain interlectual and emotional reasons which blind the consumer and reduce then to a mindless mass.
Conclusion
British identity is shown through the media effecting the way some thing is presented by age and time.
How do contemporary media represent nations, regions, social, collective groups?
Each of the contemporary medias represent a similar ideology for Britain, age, class, gender and family
All of the contemporay medias we have analysed show Britain to have a social norm of a broken home to some extent. This is shown in both TV shows and Films. Inbetweeners agrees with this statment as Will's family is broken as his parents are not together, another example from Inbetweeners is Neil as they make constant joke to his father's sexuality and you never see his mother. This comes across to the audience as if the social ecxpectation is for a family to not stay together. This accents Stryer's theoery on identity negotiation and social expectations as if all contemporary medias show the same representation of broken families then it will reinforce the identity of broken families.
Fish Tank also represents the identity of broken homes as the main character Mia, has no father, her mother seems to have many previous boyfriends, she lives in an unstable household with her sister and mother with no apparent income. This lack of income combined with the environment Mia lives in shows that her family is being represented as lower class. Mia is misbehaved and does whatever she wants to do, for example she just wanders out of her house and give money to somebody to get her alcohol. This is relatable to Althusser's theory as the lower class are represented in a particular way which has become stereotypical and expected from an outsiders perspective.
In Alfie the audience accepts that women feel that they have to cook and clean while the men go out and work etc, Marcusse's theory back this up as we have been told enough times that women had less rights back in the 60's so we readily accept this when we watch it (collective groups - gender). An example scene of this point is when Gilda is cleaning Alfie's house without any thanks from Alfie. It is accepted that her role is in the house whilst Alfie goes out to work.
Exam Prompts for Collective Identity
3- What are the social implications of different media representations of groups?
-Fish tank
-Inbetweeners
-An education
-Correnation street (no representation of ethnic groups in the 70s, More of a classic white society and Eastenders sows a more generalized view of the type of people in Britain)
Encourages social groups to act like the movies do, e.g. when the little kid is smoking and drinking in fish tank.
The image Fish tanks shows of Britain is a broken world where teenagers are corrupted by greed and drugs and alcohol, a lack of a father figure could be the causes of the family dysfunction, as well as rebellious children attitude. The incapability from the mother to look after her children is shown by the fact that she is at the pub at every opportunity and that she cares more about her social life then her children.
This films collective identity is a negative view on the modern lower class of british society, the kids run wild and the parents seem to not even care. People Who are not from Britain would stereotype British people in this negative way.
Inbetweeners is based mainly around a middle class public school, the implications of this film are much different to the implications in fish tank, The students are more smartly dressed and have much nicer homes then the flats you see in Fish tank, out this still shows Britain in a bad light because the actors in it are rude, this is also more of a comic view of Britain rather then a serious view that you would find in Inbetweeners and An education.
-Fish tank
-Inbetweeners
-An education
-Correnation street (no representation of ethnic groups in the 70s, More of a classic white society and Eastenders sows a more generalized view of the type of people in Britain)
Encourages social groups to act like the movies do, e.g. when the little kid is smoking and drinking in fish tank.
The image Fish tanks shows of Britain is a broken world where teenagers are corrupted by greed and drugs and alcohol, a lack of a father figure could be the causes of the family dysfunction, as well as rebellious children attitude. The incapability from the mother to look after her children is shown by the fact that she is at the pub at every opportunity and that she cares more about her social life then her children.
This films collective identity is a negative view on the modern lower class of british society, the kids run wild and the parents seem to not even care. People Who are not from Britain would stereotype British people in this negative way.
Inbetweeners is based mainly around a middle class public school, the implications of this film are much different to the implications in fish tank, The students are more smartly dressed and have much nicer homes then the flats you see in Fish tank, out this still shows Britain in a bad light because the actors in it are rude, this is also more of a comic view of Britain rather then a serious view that you would find in Inbetweeners and An education.
How Do contemporary representations compare to previous times? Essay Plan
- In Inbetweeners and Are You Being Served gay people are represented very different. In Inbetweeners explicit jokes are made and gay people are represented in a derogatory way. However in Are You being Served its not mentioned and hints are made around the subject. This is because at the time it was not entirely acceptable. However we know it is the case because of the preconceived stereotypes we have. This is what Althusser believed; that the media has the ability to create stereotypes of a person which are then taken to be reality.
- In Alfie, An Education and Fish Tank masculinity is a strong theme. In all three, the men are unfaithful. In Alfie, an older film, the males behaviour is glamorized. However in An Education and Fish Tank they are punished and looked down on. This is because 'Hollywood' films made now are made to have morals in the story, so a 'bad' character can't go unpunished.
- In Corrie the women are seen as outspoken and independent. However in Alfie the women are walked over by the men. For example Gilda is treated as a servant and is always preparing meals/cleaning for Alfie. This shows the growing equality of men and women from Alfie, to Corrie and now Fish Tank.
- Stryker - Characters changing in order to fit in with social expectations. For example. Gilda in Alfie - she decides to marry Humphery because it is socially acceptable. Jenny in An Education wants to be cultured and grown up and tries to fit in with the adults. In Inbetweeners all of the boys want to lose their virginity as soon as possible because it is supposedly the social expectation.
Conclusion
The films/TV we have studied show the changes in representations of people from the 60s to the present day. Specifically representations of masculinity, homosexuality, and female status. Overall we have improved our representations of equality, but in some cases (Inbetweeners) we reverse this and make fun of stereotypes.
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