Representation in our Trailer

Representation is “the way in which ideas, objects, people, groups and life-forms are depicted by the mass media [and] is the method used by the mass media to create meanings.” (Price)

“A stereotype is a label which involves a process of categorisation and evalua-tion… an easily grasped characteristic (usually negative) is presumed to belong toa whole group…”(O’Sullivan, Dutton & Rayner)

Perkins (1979) argues that:

1.some stereotypes are positive ( “The French are good cooks.”)

2.they are not always minority groups or the less powerful

3.they can be held about one’s own group

4.they are not rigid or unchanging

5.they are not always false

Perkins suggests that stereotypes are not always negative and sometimes contain a grain of truth. This relates to our trailer as stereotypes feature throughout. One stereotype shown in our trailer is 'teenagers', the protagonist conveys several stereotypical aspects of a teenager, such as the idea that teenagers take drugs and drink. He is conforming to these ideas of teenagers, however, the narrative of the trailer allows the audience to be empathetic towards the protagonist and understand why he is taking part in these activities. Another stereotype depicted in our trailer is Mods, a common image which represents Mods is a violent gang. However, the image illustrated in our trailer is towards to fashion aspects of the Mods, shown through clips of the boy imitating style, seen in the 'MODS!' book, by wearing a suit and parka.