Collective identity and representing ourselves
Task 1: Media Magazine article
Read the Media Magazine article on collective identity: Self-image and the Media (MM41 - page 6). Our Media Magazine archive is here.
Complete the following tasks on your blog:
1) Read the article and summarise each section in one sentence, starting with the section 'Who are you?'
Who are you? - We all construct our image to communicate our identity through music, fashion and makeup. There is a difference between who think we are and who we want to be. The construction of role models influences us on our lifestyle choices
I think, therefore I am - social constructs determine how we perceive ourselves and how we are perceived by others. Our identity is based on the conditions of the families we are born into and this includes class, religion, gender and other predetermined roles
From citizen to consumer - This is idea that identity is constructed by externalised image
2) List three brands you are happy to be associated with and explain how they reflect your sense of identity.
3) Do you agree with the view that modern media is all about 'style over substance'? What does this expression mean?
I do agree that modern media is all about substance as people jump on bandwagons and keep up to date with the media to look trendy and cool. Style of substance means that there is no context/meaning behind their style
4) Explain Baudrillard's theory of 'media saturation' in one paragraph. You may need to research it online to find out more.
High cultural value being placed on external factors such as physical beauty and fashion
sense over internal traits such as intelligence or compassion. media images are shown to reflect reality but in reality have no reflection of the real event
High cultural value being placed on external factors such as physical beauty and fashion
sense over internal traits such as intelligence or compassion. media images are shown to reflect reality but in reality have no reflection of the real event
5) Is your presence on social media an accurate reflection of who you are? Have you ever added or removed a picture from a social media site purely because of what it says about the type of person you are?
I do think that social media is a reflection of our interests and hobbies and aspirations however it isn't an accurate reflection of who we are as individuals people. I haven't removed a picture on social media but I do think the media you bring your attention to and actively like and agree with does reflect your morals/ideals and beliefs
6) What is your opinion on 'data mining'? Are you happy for companies to sell you products based on your social media presence and online search terms? Is this an invasion of privacy?
I do think that data mining is an invasion of privacy because companies watch and track people's history and search engines and then use this to their advantage by offering products. I think people should be giving the choice whether they allow data mining on their phone
I do think that social media is a reflection of our interests and hobbies and aspirations however it isn't an accurate reflection of who we are as individuals people. I haven't removed a picture on social media but I do think the media you bring your attention to and actively like and agree with does reflect your morals/ideals and beliefs
6) What is your opinion on 'data mining'? Are you happy for companies to sell you products based on your social media presence and online search terms? Is this an invasion of privacy?
I do think that data mining is an invasion of privacy because companies watch and track people's history and search engines and then use this to their advantage by offering products. I think people should be giving the choice whether they allow data mining on their phone
Task 2: Media Magazine cartoon
Now read the cartoon in MM62 (p36) that summarises David Gauntlett’s theories of identity. Write five simple bullet points summarising what you have learned from the cartoon about Gauntlett's theories of identity.
- Mass media texts offer us a more diverse range of representation than ever before
- Audiences actively process the messages put across by media texts regarding identity
- 'we have to establish am ethics and mode of living' - evaluation of Judith butler's theory
- 'alternative idea and images have created some space for a greater diversity of gender'
- 'identities promoted to men are constrained' - questions whether masculinity is in crisis
A ‘collective’ identity is one that is primarily based around a collection of individuals who share a set of traditions, values and a similar understanding of the world that surrounds them.
2) Complete the task on the factsheet (page 1) - write a list of as many things as you can think of that represent Britain. What do they have in common? Have you represented the whole of Britain or just one aspect/viewpoint?
Tea, buscuits, football, train, red buses, BBC, good morning show, royal family
3) How does James May's Top Toys offer a nostalgic representation of Britain?
The programme dwells upon and explores aspects of British history: the history of the race track
4) How has new technology changed collective identity?
Technology has enabled people to actively engage with the content of the culture around them and then go on to use it as resources for their own cultural productions.
5) What phrase does David Gauntlett (2008) use to describe this new focus on identity?
‘Identity is complicated; everyone thinks they have got one.’
6) How does the Shaun of the Dead Facebook group provide an example of Henry Jenkins' theory of interpretive communities online?
The creation of this group conforms to the following ‘repeated’ view from Henry Jenkins: fans created their own, new texts, but elements within the originating text defined,
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