“In Long Beach, is all comes down to what you look like, it’s all about colour.”[1]
Does the movie ‘Freedom Writers (2007)’ reinforce common stereotypes of people from ethnic minority backgrounds?
It has almost become somewhat of a tradition, for ethnic minorities to always be related within a circle of violent behaviour. The media constantly targets youths from different minorities in ways where hegemony uses culture to promote power. In this case it would be the ruling by cultural influence where white people have the power and dominant control over people from ethnic minorities.
Set in Long Beach, California, Freedom Writers (2007) puts forward this negative stereotype of people within the ethnic community belonging to a vicious crime filled environment. The characters within the movie belong to a segregated community, where each race is divided into separate tribes. The students are represented as a central point to the movie, and the way they struggle to break free from the chaotic atmosphere around them to emerge as one, putting away the elements of the ‘Other’, and accepting their classmates for who they are rather than their ethnic backgrounds. “Racism is like a poor kid who grew up needing someone to hurt.”[2] This quote implies that racism is something which affects someone in such a way, that the outcome would be to hurt someone. Perhaps this is the reason, why the action of the youths in this film was due to all the segregation between them. Freedom Writers holds strong stereotypes of people within the African-American, Latino, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Caucasian race to be associated with violence, gun/gang crime and drugs which has therefore resulted in people believing in these given stereotypes.
Freedom Writers focuses on a true story in 1994 where a first time teacher (Hilary Swank) faces a group of students who have been considered by the government as “un-teachable, at-risk” teenagers. The movie represents street wise kids who have all witnessed fights out breaking in front of them as well as murders of their own friends and family. Stuart Hall (1977) talks about the way black people are characterized in the media; “…their ‘locations’ are the familiar real-life settings of ghetto, street, police station and drug-bust.”[3]This goes to show how each character in the movie also falls within this categorisation of what Stuart Hall refers to as being a representation of black people within movies, which helps support the fact that people from ethnic minorities are there to become objectified in negative ways.
The institution of the texts is a highly recognisable institution, ‘Paramount Pictures.’ Paramount Pictures teams up with ‘MTV Films’ to bring to its audience ‘Freedom Writers.’ The movie had a domestic total gross of $36,605,602[4], which supports that it was a very successful movie. The fact that Paramount pictures are such a hugely successful establishment shows that the movie was used as a mainstream distributor so many people would have watched the movie anyway. However, teaming up with MTV films would interest people from different backgrounds who would not have been that interested in the movie to come and watch it. This is due to the fact how the soundtracks used in the movie such as ‘Keep Ya Head Up’[5] and the soundtrack ‘I have a dream’ [6]is from a rap genre which would be targeted at people within a multicultural society and perhaps specifically people from a more ghetto and urbanised area. The fact that the institution is MTV films also supports how people from the urbanised areas are more likely to watch the movie, as it is a music based institution, meaning it will contain a lot of music that would usually appear on this mainstream channel. As people from ethnic minorities are usually associated with hip hop, grime and rap music, the stereotypes given to them of being associated within crime and drugs, sticks well and supports the negative representation of them within the community.
A theorist, Richard Dyer, talks about how ‘stars are important.’ Freedom Writers has used this approach in attracting their audiences to view the movie. Mario – a famous R‘n’B artist, plays one of the lead characters in the movie as ‘Andre Bryant’ who is represented as one of the teenagers who has just lost hope. Coming from a ‘typical broken home’ as a lot of black people are shown on screen, he struggles to maintain a good record at school, and as he sells drugs when he is out of the classroom, he just cannot find time to finish his school work. Andre – In fact, all of the characters in the movie are shown as dumbing one another down. All of the characters in the movie are portrayed as to have lost hope and are represented to be at school, because they have to and not the case where they feel that they want to.
Erin (Hilary Swank) is represented as determined to change the ways of these students and that is when she starts to personally buy books for them. When she learns that the students have no idea what a Holocaust is, she makes them study ‘The diary of Anne Frank.’ “When I write I can shake off all my cares, My sorrow disappears, my spirits are revived!”[7] The students are then given the opportunity to keep a diary themselves and then later understand the ease of writing out all of the feelings, hurt and pain they had kept inside them for so long, just like Anne Frank did, write everything our before her on blank pieces of paper, helping her emerge from what was going on around her. Their life, written on paper felt so excellent, causing them to begin changing their lives around. This part in the movie helps change the common stereotypes which are given to people from ethnic minorities. The fact that these students are prepared to leave the gang crime and swap it for books, goes to show how knowledge is something which acts like a tool in the movie and how all these negative stereotyped students really needed was someone to pay attention and not ‘dumb them down’ and classify them as ‘dangerous’ and ‘useless.’
“Racial stereotypes are among the most readily employed in the media.”[8] It is right to say that the stereotypes within contemporary society are supported with what is actually a representation of something which has been ‘constructed’ in the media. The media continuously reinforces stereotypes given to people from ethnic minorities, such as black people are always associated with drugs and gun crime. The “Oriental stereotype” of the people from the East being chaotically violent and of Asians being regarded as the ‘Other’ due to them lacking the qualities any average – in fact an average WHITE man would have.
However, although these negative stereotypes have been put forward in the media continuously, movies such as “Coach Carter (2005)”[9], “Honey (2003)”[10] and Freedom Writers challenge these assumptions. These movies all contain the Proppian Hero/Heroine who depicts the grimy scenes of the ghetto which are based at the centre of these characters hearts and then learn to interact with them in such a way that they are able to change everything around to favour these rebellious teenagers. The thing in common in all three movies is how we as an audience get a fairly accurate representation of street life. The way the characters go in their every day-to-day lives and struggles of not having money as they are from the ‘hood’, the neglect they face from people outside their race and social status. The movies also help support the stereotypes given to people from ethnic minorities, however they are also challenged and as the movies come to an end, all three movies have shown the characters have changed their lives around, from the stereotypes given, to someone who can now be accepted in society and by not being judged on their skin.
Freedom Writers reinforces the stereotypes given to the characters within the movie. This is created through the usage of props and characters clothing. The way the characters dress is in loose and street wise clothing. The male teenagers all wear hooded tops, which itself has a negative connotation stuck to it, as well as baggy jeans falling half way down their waists and loose baggy t-shirts, which look more like dresses! These are the typical clothes a teenager would wear; however, they are specifically worn by teenagers within the ethnic community and less likely to be worn by a white boy, within the same age range and perhaps even same society. The stereotypes of being violent are also supported through the usage of props which are given to these characters. The characters are seen holding weapons like knives and guns in some scenes, which strengthens the negative views of people, on the people that are being categorized here as the ‘Other’ as they are simply not like us.
“Violence only begets violence”’[11] It is always vital to remember how a person’s actions are always based upon something they may have come across in the past. Similarly, in Freedom Writers, the reason why these students are so out of control could be as they have seen one another as the ‘Other’, because they are not like them. They are different to them, they do not act and behave the way their specific ‘people’ act and behave, causing the segregation between one another.
Colonialism played a major hand in the fact that it was ok to be racist. It was used to justify oppression and was seen as socially acceptable. This reflects on the way that as well as colonialism, the way that some historical issues prevailed was also a reason why it is still ok to categorise people from ethnic minorities. As the text is polysemic it all depends on the audience’s social, cultural and educational background; however it has a purpose of challenging the assumptions made of the stereotypes the movie holds. However, movies such as ‘Get Rich Or Die Trying (2005), continuously reinforce the stereotype given to people from ethnic minorities. This is due to the way the characters are represented. Marcus (50 Cent) the lead role, is represented as a street gangster, his job is to kill. When black people are portrayed like this is the media, the representation is always degraded, as it helps fulfil the present stereotypes, and movies like these gangster films, do not really help the representation of these black males in the media. However, the changing point in the movie of when he finds his hidden talent of being able to sing and become a singer is a point of change for him and shows how he himself has now seen the light and wants to put it away, but just like in Freedom writers, when the students are constantly faced with struggles he is also unable to do so straight away.
Movies such as “Get Rich or Die Trying (2005)” [12]are seen as films belonging to a gangster genre. They follow the typical generic codes associated within this genre. These movies also use a repertoire of different props which aim in helping the genre fall in place. Weapons such as guns and knives are used within gangster films; similarly these props are also used in Freedom writers. This does not mean that this movie falls within this genre however, it does follow the typical codes and conventions of a gangster film. “The contemporary gangster film best embodies the ambivalence of film-makers towards ethnicity and race.”'[13] Winokur (1991) states a fact here, as more and more contemporary movies which are based within the gangster genre draw film makers towards ethnicity and race. This goes to show how the media is putting out new entertainment through an issue such as racial profiling and racism to become acceptable when the outcome is only just to viewing it, rather than using it as something to perpetrate in reality. The fact that the media is such a powerful tool, it acts as manipulating us into believing what we see on screen is a picture of what is happening in the real world, and it goes to show how as a naive and passive audience we are also injected with these thoughts, making ourselves believe the negative assumptions made against people from ethnic minorities.
There are many different social issues which have also been an influence to the way people have been represented from ethnic minorities. “Racist behaviour is based on centuries of economic exploitation and has been deeply embedded in European culture.”[14] An issue such as Black Slavery in the 1930’s is perhaps a main real reason to why the black people are shown as being under the whites. Why it is the case of the white being the rich and elite and blacks being second priority and not as good. A well known hegemonic theorist, Marcuse says how the media ‘indoctrinates and manipulates’ us. Similarly, with issues such as black slavery and Martin Luther King’s plans of liberation, the idea of the blacks rising above these specified stereotypes of the blacks just not being good enough are confirmed to be mistaken.
The Blaxploitation genre came forward in the early 1970’s where the movie ‘Shaft (1971)’[15] was the first movie belonging to this genre. This genre is specifically targeted at Black people of where the films within it tend to take place in an urbanised setting referred to as ‘the ghetto’. Blaxploitation films contain many negative stereotypes of black people, of which certain characters are portrayed in being associated with drugs, gun crime, and violence. Similarly, Freedom Writers also contains elements of this specific genre. The characters are all represented to be involved with crime as they have this hatred and this ethnic disgrace towards one another, where they are seen as being racist towards one another by the way they live their lives. The fact that all of the characters behave in such a racial way towards one another, goes to show how they themselves do not care about the issues of racial profiling and discrimination towards one another, as that is the way they have been brought up. It does not affect them. Theorist, Levi Strauss’s binary opposition theory comes hinted out at this point as people from a certain background will not associate within someone from another
Background, In this case, The Cambodians were against the Latino’s which was like Good vs. Evil, yet all of the people were innocent and only guilty for having this grudge of spite against each other as they were trying to fight for their own place in ‘their America.’
The movie Shaft does not contain specific indication to racism yet some of the characters behaviour involves them being prejudice. A scene where Shaft puts his hand out for the taxi, and the driver stops ahead of him where the other passenger is a white man. This portrays how there is a ‘fear of the black man.’ This is also reflected in ‘Freedom Writer’s’ where in one scene, Erin makes the students swap their seats, so she can divide them from the tribes they sit in. She asks Ben (the only white boy in the class) to go to the back (where all the black people are seated) and he instantly says ‘I can’t go back there.’[16] This shows the strong stereotype black people hold of being involved in violence as well as being socially unaccepted within people from another society.
To finish, Stereotypes do still exist within contemporary society and those given to ethnic minorities are seriously negative representations of these people, as they are categorised and targeted by the media regularly. This goes to show how the media acts as a major source, which controls the stereotypes given, making the stereotyped feel out of place and pushing them to the edge. This categorisation of people from ethnic minorities only just shows how we are living in a white dominated society, of where people from ethnic minorities don’t have as much respect in society as much as an ordinary man would have. The stereotypes are used to label specific people from a different culture to our own. This label is stuck to them in such a way that it affects the way they carry out their normal lives and continues to be a reason for the media to target them on a regular basis. The movie Freedom writers does reinforce these common stereotypes, however only to a certain extent. By the end of the movie, the students who were at the beginning labelled as ‘unreachable’ students are represented as intelligent and wise at the end. This goes to show that although the negative stereotypes are given to people from ethnic minorities, the media does in a way help to change this by introducing movies such as freedom writers and showing the way the stereotypes can change. Most importantly, although the media does change the stereotypes of these people, it is essential to remember that if there were no stereotypes in the first place, then there would be nothing to change within movies like these. Although the movies are purely made for entertainment purposes, people do reflect on them and compare them to what they see in reality, which helps create the realism.
Word count: 3012
[1] ‘Freedom Writers’ (2007)
[2] ROSE (1989) cited in SHOHAT, E. and STAM, R. 1994: ‘Unthinking Eurocentrism: multiculturalism and the media’ pg.21, London: Routledge
[3]Hall, Stuart (1977): Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices, (1977) pg.271, London, New Delhi. Sage Publications
[4] DOMESTIC TOTAL GROSS FIGURE:http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=freedomwriters.htm
[5] SHAKUR, TUPAC:’KEEP YA HEAD UP’ – 1993 : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keep_Ya_Head_Up
[6] COMMON ft WILL.I.AM (2007): ‘I Have A Dream’, soundtrack Freedom Writers
[7] FRANK, Ann (1947) ‘The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank’
[8] Representation handout: pg. 79
[9] Coach Carter (2005) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coach_Carter
[10] Honey (2003) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey_(2003_film)
[11] ‘Get Rich Or Die Trying’ (2005) - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Get_Rich_or_Die_Tryin%27_(film)
[12] Get Rich or Die Trying (2005)
[13] WINOKUR (1991) cited in STRINATI, Dominic (2000) : ‘An introduction to studying Popular culture’ pg.61, London: Routledge
[14] Essential word dictionary: AS/A- level Media studies, pg. 125
[15] ‘Shaft’ (1971)
[16] FREEDOM WRITIERS; Hunter Parrish
Wednesday
Tuesday
Cover Work - 27/01/08
'Slumdog Millionaire'
The trailer of 'Slumdog Millionaire' starts off with a shot of the slums. This overall represents the day to day livings of each person living in this poverty filled society. The importance of giving the audience a shot straight away is to ensure that they grasp the anchorage meaning of the title 'Slumdog' so that they become aware throughout the end that the story line will be related to someone from this 'slum' throughout the remaining trailer.
The trailer represents the indian characters in many different ways. One shot we see a capably bright boy who has the ability to make it on to the telivision show 'Who wants to be a Millionaire' however due to him being from a slum and actually being able to win £1m shows that there are labels stuck to him. The labels show this boy being stereotyped as a cheat and liar as he is just labeled as a 'slumdog' who simply, 'cannot know the answers.'
--
This in a way represents indians in a negative way, simply due to the fact that, just because some people do not have the best of lives, they are bound to be a failure. This brings in elements of the 'oriental' stereotypes' of how although the lead character 'Jamal' is uneducated, he is definately wise
NANDY = Colonization; the colonized have been brutalized by the colonizers. This shows thta as Jamal is labeled as a 'Cheat' that he is represented as the colonized in this movie, because he is the one that is being abused here. However, the colonizers are non other than people from his own race, yet due to their authoritive power and elite background, Jamal is seen as the weaker role as he is a 'slum dog' which makes it easier for him to be the character or have the emotional feelings/qualities the colnizers are not supposed to have.
Danny Boyle on India
Danny boyle simply talks about the way it was for him to go to india and to make the film. There are scenes shown from the movie of little kids running around through the streets of the indian shanty town areas. This is not representing India in a negative way as it is a true insight of reality, which is not portrayed in the media often. This is the reason why some people may say that India is being represented in a negative way.
Danny Boyle talks about India in a positive way throughout the clip and the way life really is for some people.
British Asians
Poorna Shetty talks about the reactions of people from the asian community and whether they agree with th representations shown on screen. P.Shetty says 'I feel Boyle's depiction of Mumbai is spot on.' Shetty says how she agrees with the way Boyle has depicted Mumbai. This is true as Boyle is giving the audience a real Taste of Mumbai. The goods and bads. Although at places Indians have been represented as negative, where the slums and poverty and how every kid is devious through the way they manage to trick people into buying things just to make a living. As well as there being begative people within a community who aim in making money by using and abusing these children. There are also positive represenatations, for instance, the knowledge of this 'Slumdog' is so great, that he manages to win himself £1m, all based around different stories from his childhood.
Although some people are relieved that India has now had the oppurtunity to be shown as the way it really is for some people in the poorer areas, it has also become an issue for others. The representation of the cops beating up this young man who is telling the truth clearly shows that India's authoritive figures areebing stereotyped as ones to take bribary as well as use illegal ways to find out the truth, even if it means that the man may be innocent. This is a highly negative representation, it could be saying how Certain countries are more in controll as they have a controlled legal role in the way they treat their criminals/suspects, however, as India is not such a rich contry, it lacks the way it treats others etc.
Poverty Porn
This article is all about the way that the movie is trying to represent similar links between what is actually happening in the poorer parts of India. However, the writer argues how many different directors have also come along to India and done the same, Filemed a movie, Won awards, and then carried on, never revisiting the area or thinking again about these issues. Ian Jack explains how a lot of research has been carried out, however the fcat that some people from the indian industry alone disagree shows that they may totally disagree with the way the asian lifestlyes and communitys are being represented in this movie.
The trailer of 'Slumdog Millionaire' starts off with a shot of the slums. This overall represents the day to day livings of each person living in this poverty filled society. The importance of giving the audience a shot straight away is to ensure that they grasp the anchorage meaning of the title 'Slumdog' so that they become aware throughout the end that the story line will be related to someone from this 'slum' throughout the remaining trailer.
The trailer represents the indian characters in many different ways. One shot we see a capably bright boy who has the ability to make it on to the telivision show 'Who wants to be a Millionaire' however due to him being from a slum and actually being able to win £1m shows that there are labels stuck to him. The labels show this boy being stereotyped as a cheat and liar as he is just labeled as a 'slumdog' who simply, 'cannot know the answers.'
--
This in a way represents indians in a negative way, simply due to the fact that, just because some people do not have the best of lives, they are bound to be a failure. This brings in elements of the 'oriental' stereotypes' of how although the lead character 'Jamal' is uneducated, he is definately wise
NANDY = Colonization; the colonized have been brutalized by the colonizers. This shows thta as Jamal is labeled as a 'Cheat' that he is represented as the colonized in this movie, because he is the one that is being abused here. However, the colonizers are non other than people from his own race, yet due to their authoritive power and elite background, Jamal is seen as the weaker role as he is a 'slum dog' which makes it easier for him to be the character or have the emotional feelings/qualities the colnizers are not supposed to have.
Danny Boyle on India
Danny boyle simply talks about the way it was for him to go to india and to make the film. There are scenes shown from the movie of little kids running around through the streets of the indian shanty town areas. This is not representing India in a negative way as it is a true insight of reality, which is not portrayed in the media often. This is the reason why some people may say that India is being represented in a negative way.
Danny Boyle talks about India in a positive way throughout the clip and the way life really is for some people.
British Asians
Poorna Shetty talks about the reactions of people from the asian community and whether they agree with th representations shown on screen. P.Shetty says 'I feel Boyle's depiction of Mumbai is spot on.' Shetty says how she agrees with the way Boyle has depicted Mumbai. This is true as Boyle is giving the audience a real Taste of Mumbai. The goods and bads. Although at places Indians have been represented as negative, where the slums and poverty and how every kid is devious through the way they manage to trick people into buying things just to make a living. As well as there being begative people within a community who aim in making money by using and abusing these children. There are also positive represenatations, for instance, the knowledge of this 'Slumdog' is so great, that he manages to win himself £1m, all based around different stories from his childhood.
Although some people are relieved that India has now had the oppurtunity to be shown as the way it really is for some people in the poorer areas, it has also become an issue for others. The representation of the cops beating up this young man who is telling the truth clearly shows that India's authoritive figures areebing stereotyped as ones to take bribary as well as use illegal ways to find out the truth, even if it means that the man may be innocent. This is a highly negative representation, it could be saying how Certain countries are more in controll as they have a controlled legal role in the way they treat their criminals/suspects, however, as India is not such a rich contry, it lacks the way it treats others etc.
Poverty Porn
This article is all about the way that the movie is trying to represent similar links between what is actually happening in the poorer parts of India. However, the writer argues how many different directors have also come along to India and done the same, Filemed a movie, Won awards, and then carried on, never revisiting the area or thinking again about these issues. Ian Jack explains how a lot of research has been carried out, however the fcat that some people from the indian industry alone disagree shows that they may totally disagree with the way the asian lifestlyes and communitys are being represented in this movie.
Monday
First paragraph again!!
In Long Beach, it all comes down to what you look like, it’s all about colour.”[1]
[2] ROSE (1989) cited in SHOHAT, E. and STAM, R. 1994: ‘Unthinking Eurocentrism: multiculturalism and the media’ pg.21, London: Routledge
Does the movie ‘Freedom Writers (2007)’ reinforce common stereotypes of people from ethnic minority backgrounds?
It has almost become somewhat of a tradition, for ethnic minorities to always be related within a circle of violent behaviour. The media constantly targets youths from different minorities in ways where hegemony uses culture to promote power. In this case it would be the ruling by cultural influence where white people have the power and dominant control over people from ethnic minorities.
Set in Long Beach, California, Freedom Writers (2007) puts forward this negative stereotype of people within the ethnic community belonging to a vicious crime filled environment. The characters within the movie belong to a segregated community, where each race is divided into separate tribes. The students are represented as a central point to the movie, and the way they struggle to break free from the chaotic atmosphere around them to emerge as one, putting away the elements of the ‘Other’, and accepting their classmates for who they are rather than their ethnic backgrounds. “Racism is like a poor kid who grew up needing someone to hurt.”[2] This quote implies that racism is something which affects someone in such a way, that the outcome would be to hurt someone. Perhaps this is the reason, why the action of the youths in this film was due to all the segregation between them. Freedom Writers holds strong stereotypes of people within the African-American, Latino, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Caucasian race to be associated with violence, gun/gang crime and drugs which has therefore resulted in people believing in these given stereotypes.
[2] ROSE (1989) cited in SHOHAT, E. and STAM, R. 1994: ‘Unthinking Eurocentrism: multiculturalism and the media’ pg.21, London: Routledge
Self Evaluation
· Attainment:3
I have made progress from my last interim. This is because before I did not have sufficient information on my independent study, and now that I have started to write it, I have gained more and more information along the way.
· Effort : 3
I really think that I do put a lot of effort in and do try my best. However, it could be improved a lot more. I think this term I have put in a lot of effort into all of my work but it still can be improved a lot more.
· Punctuality:3
This area really needs to improve as I am frequently turning up late to lessons. However, when I do come, it’s never the case of forgetting equipment as I always have what will be needed within the specific day’s lesson.
· Submission and quality of homework:2
I feel that my quality and submission of homework has improved vastly since the last interim report. This is because all my homework is completed to a high standard. I would like to make sure that I put in a lot of effort this term so that this could perhaps go up to a 1.
· Ability to work independently:2
I feel I can work independently really well; I did need help with my independent study as I was unsure but that is not a problem. I have started my independent study and am still independently researching through different media texts.
· Quality of writing:3
I personally think that my quality of writing still needs to improve. I need to practise structuring my essays as I usually just tend to have all the paragraphs muddled up!! This term I have learnt a lot of different media theorists and key terms which would aid in helping my quality of writing.
· Organisation of Media folder:2
I have given myself a 2 for my media folder as I got a credit for it when it was checked in class!! My media folder is organised well, and I always make sure to put all of my notes and handouts in the correct order.
· Oral contributions in class:4
I don’t really think that I contribute much in lessons as much as I should. This is partly due to the fact that sometimes it takes time for me to be able to understand something we are learning about, which results in not being able to answer confidently.
· Standard of Module 5 blog:3
I feel my blog has all of the homework tasks completed which have been asked to be done. However, I feel that when I am researching about my independent study, even when I just read through information, I should post that onto my blog. This is because maybe it will come handy when writing my essay.
· Standard of Module 6 blog:4
I think that this blog is not up to that much of a high standard as my med 5 blog. This could be due to the fact that Mr Bush just gives us a lot of extra work!! But the work that I have completed on the blog has been completed to a satisfactory level, which could easily be improved.
ebi:
*Need more work to do on med 6 blog
*Attend lessons on time
www:
*All of my work is up to date
*My independant study is half complete
I have made progress from my last interim. This is because before I did not have sufficient information on my independent study, and now that I have started to write it, I have gained more and more information along the way.
· Effort : 3
I really think that I do put a lot of effort in and do try my best. However, it could be improved a lot more. I think this term I have put in a lot of effort into all of my work but it still can be improved a lot more.
· Punctuality:3
This area really needs to improve as I am frequently turning up late to lessons. However, when I do come, it’s never the case of forgetting equipment as I always have what will be needed within the specific day’s lesson.
· Submission and quality of homework:2
I feel that my quality and submission of homework has improved vastly since the last interim report. This is because all my homework is completed to a high standard. I would like to make sure that I put in a lot of effort this term so that this could perhaps go up to a 1.
· Ability to work independently:2
I feel I can work independently really well; I did need help with my independent study as I was unsure but that is not a problem. I have started my independent study and am still independently researching through different media texts.
· Quality of writing:3
I personally think that my quality of writing still needs to improve. I need to practise structuring my essays as I usually just tend to have all the paragraphs muddled up!! This term I have learnt a lot of different media theorists and key terms which would aid in helping my quality of writing.
· Organisation of Media folder:2
I have given myself a 2 for my media folder as I got a credit for it when it was checked in class!! My media folder is organised well, and I always make sure to put all of my notes and handouts in the correct order.
· Oral contributions in class:4
I don’t really think that I contribute much in lessons as much as I should. This is partly due to the fact that sometimes it takes time for me to be able to understand something we are learning about, which results in not being able to answer confidently.
· Standard of Module 5 blog:3
I feel my blog has all of the homework tasks completed which have been asked to be done. However, I feel that when I am researching about my independent study, even when I just read through information, I should post that onto my blog. This is because maybe it will come handy when writing my essay.
· Standard of Module 6 blog:4
I think that this blog is not up to that much of a high standard as my med 5 blog. This could be due to the fact that Mr Bush just gives us a lot of extra work!! But the work that I have completed on the blog has been completed to a satisfactory level, which could easily be improved.
ebi:
*Need more work to do on med 6 blog
*Attend lessons on time
www:
*All of my work is up to date
*My independant study is half complete
First Paragraph
Does the movie ‘Freedom Writers (2007)’ represent typical stereotypes of people from ethnical backgrounds?
“In Long Beach, it all comes down to what you look like, it’s all about colour.”[1]
The Blaxploitation genre came forward in the early 1970’s where the movie ‘Shaft (1971)’[2] was the first movie belonging to this genre. This genre is specifically targeted at Black people of where the films within it tend to take place in an urbanised setting referred to as ‘the ghetto’. Blaxploitation films contain many negative stereotypes of black people, of which certain characters are portrayed in being associated with drugs, gun crime, and violence. Similarly, Freedom Writers also contains elements of this specific genre.
Set in the ghetto, Freedom Writers brings to us a true life story of a teacher so devoted to her students and the happenings of their classroom. One thing in common, helping the ,film fall within the Blaxploitation genre, is how these youths were all segregated into their own separate tribes of Strauss’s Binary opposition theory of Black vs. Cambodians, where only Blacks associated with Blacks and Cambodians associated with Cambodians etc. “Racism is like a poor kid who grew up needing someone to hurt.”[3] This quote implies that racism is something which affects someone in such a way, that the outcome would be to hurt someone. Perhaps this is the reason, why the action of the youths in this film was due to all the segregation between them. The categorisation of these students was the root cause of fights that would outbreak in the classroom, playground and even on the streets, of where children as young as 15 where using guns and involved in murder rather than being at home within the late hours of falling darkness.
---
[1] ‘Freedom Writers’ (2007)
[2] ‘Shaft’ (1971)
[3] ROSE (1989) cited in SHOHAT, E. and STAM, R. 1994: ‘Unthinking Eurocentrism: multiculturalism and the media’ pg.21, London: Routledge
“In Long Beach, it all comes down to what you look like, it’s all about colour.”[1]
The Blaxploitation genre came forward in the early 1970’s where the movie ‘Shaft (1971)’[2] was the first movie belonging to this genre. This genre is specifically targeted at Black people of where the films within it tend to take place in an urbanised setting referred to as ‘the ghetto’. Blaxploitation films contain many negative stereotypes of black people, of which certain characters are portrayed in being associated with drugs, gun crime, and violence. Similarly, Freedom Writers also contains elements of this specific genre.
Set in the ghetto, Freedom Writers brings to us a true life story of a teacher so devoted to her students and the happenings of their classroom. One thing in common, helping the ,film fall within the Blaxploitation genre, is how these youths were all segregated into their own separate tribes of Strauss’s Binary opposition theory of Black vs. Cambodians, where only Blacks associated with Blacks and Cambodians associated with Cambodians etc. “Racism is like a poor kid who grew up needing someone to hurt.”[3] This quote implies that racism is something which affects someone in such a way, that the outcome would be to hurt someone. Perhaps this is the reason, why the action of the youths in this film was due to all the segregation between them. The categorisation of these students was the root cause of fights that would outbreak in the classroom, playground and even on the streets, of where children as young as 15 where using guns and involved in murder rather than being at home within the late hours of falling darkness.
---
[1] ‘Freedom Writers’ (2007)
[2] ‘Shaft’ (1971)
[3] ROSE (1989) cited in SHOHAT, E. and STAM, R. 1994: ‘Unthinking Eurocentrism: multiculturalism and the media’ pg.21, London: Routledge
Wednesday
Historical Texts
Shaft Trailer
Shaft is a 1971 American blaxploitation film directed by Gordon Parks and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. An action film with elements of film noir, Shaft tells the story of a black private detective, John Shaft, who travels through Harlem and to the Italian mob in order to find the missing daughter of a black mobster. The movie was adapted by Ernest Tidyman and John D. F. Black from Tidyman's 1971 novel of the same name.
Shaft is a 1971 American blaxploitation film directed by Gordon Parks and released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. An action film with elements of film noir, Shaft tells the story of a black private detective, John Shaft, who travels through Harlem and to the Italian mob in order to find the missing daughter of a black mobster. The movie was adapted by Ernest Tidyman and John D. F. Black from Tidyman's 1971 novel of the same name.
- Shaft is shown as a ‘man on a mission’ throughout the movie. He is trying to complete the task of finding Marcy (daughter of Bumpy - mob) and goes to different lengths to ensure she is found.
This relates to Freedom Writers, because ‘Erin Gruwell’ (teacher) also goes all out for the students. She makes them learn that they need an education, even though they don’t want it.
- Blaxploitation Genre came forward in 1971 in the United States, in this very same movie. This genre targets the Urban Black audience. The movies within this genre are set in ‘the ghetto’ of where they the characters are involved with gun/gang crime, violent behaviour as well as being part of or related to a mob.
This genre fits into Freedom Writers, as that is also set in ‘the ghetto.’ The characters are all represented to be involved with crime as they have this hatred towards one another. They have this ethnic disgrace towards one another, where they are seen as being racist towards one another by the way they live their lives.
- The movie does not contain specific indication to racism yet some of the characters behaviour involves them being prejudice. A seen where Shaft puts his hand out for the taxi, and the driver stops ahead of him where the other passenger is a white man. This portrays how there is a ‘fear of the black man.’
In one scene, Erin makes the students swap their seats, so she can divide them from the tribes they sit in. She asks Ben (the only white boy in the class) to go to the back (where all the black people are seated) and he instantly says ‘I can’t go back there.’ This shows the strong stereotype black people hold of being involved in violence.
- The film uses Strauss’s Binary Opposition. We see the:
Black vs. White
Harlem Mob vs. Mafia
Freedom writers also contains this very same use of binary oppositions. It is seen more as, Hood vs. Hood. This shows the way the different people from the different multi-cultural backgrounds have been segregated.
Books I will Use:
*FERGUSON, ROBERT Representing ‘Race’: Ideology, Identity and The Media
*MALIK, SARITA Representing Black Britain: Black And Asian Images On Television
*STRINATI, DOMINIC Introduction to Studying Popular Culture, An
*O’SULLIVAN AND JEWKES Media Studies Reader, The
Monday
5 female Directors/reasons/rare sight
Gurinder Chadha
- Bhaji On the Beach (1993)
- Bride and Prejudice (2004)
- The Mistress of Spices (2005)
Amy Heckerling
- Clueless (1995)
- Look who's talking (1989)
- I could never Be your Woman (2007)
Amma Asante
-A way Of Life (2004)
Lynne Ramsey
-Morvan Caller
Sally Field
- Mrs Doubtfire (1993)
- Legally Blonde 2 (2001)
-The little Mermaid (2008)
5 Ways females are a rare sight
- 9/10 will be high positioned males
-Due to objectification they do not get to play these parts
-The directors have given up totaly
-They have children and have to play the motherly figure
Reasons to improve
-More women need to subit ideas rather than being scared of rejection
-Men should contribute in household activities
-More females should step forward with fresh ideas
- Bhaji On the Beach (1993)
- Bride and Prejudice (2004)
- The Mistress of Spices (2005)
Amy Heckerling
- Clueless (1995)
- Look who's talking (1989)
- I could never Be your Woman (2007)
Amma Asante
-A way Of Life (2004)
Lynne Ramsey
-Morvan Caller
Sally Field
- Mrs Doubtfire (1993)
- Legally Blonde 2 (2001)
-The little Mermaid (2008)
5 Ways females are a rare sight
- 9/10 will be high positioned males
-Due to objectification they do not get to play these parts
-The directors have given up totaly
-They have children and have to play the motherly figure
Reasons to improve
-More women need to subit ideas rather than being scared of rejection
-Men should contribute in household activities
-More females should step forward with fresh ideas
HomeWork!! - Contempary/Historical
Contempary ads
Parozone Ad
This advert shows the protagonist is concerned about taking a lead role through cleaning up. He is represented as authorative and the clothing he is wearing connotes a police officer type uniform, supporting him as a dominant male figure. This ad changes the way females have been represented in society, because the 12st century is showing an ad containing a lead male carying out a womens job. This new role of men taking on womens roles is shown how this is becoming accepted in society today so more males are taking on roles like these.
Parozone Ad
This advert shows the protagonist is concerned about taking a lead role through cleaning up. He is represented as authorative and the clothing he is wearing connotes a police officer type uniform, supporting him as a dominant male figure. This ad changes the way females have been represented in society, because the 12st century is showing an ad containing a lead male carying out a womens job. This new role of men taking on womens roles is shown how this is becoming accepted in society today so more males are taking on roles like these.
This advert shows the change in todays society. The three owmen are shown as independant females working in an office. With these females given this role in the office setting alone ngoes to show the second wave of feminism definately hit. The three females are watching 'the hunk' as he comes down. This can introduce the new 'female gaze theory' which suggests that women look at men as well as men look at women.
This ad shwos a women who is an object of the male gaze. She is beautiful which supports Scheibe (1979) theory. The fact that she is supposed to be advertising perfume is understandable,but the perfum comes in at the end with no link to the owmen taking her clothes and jewelery on in the development to the fragrance name. The new adverts of the 21st century clearly show females now have lead roles but they are chosen based on their looks and what they casn offer on screen.
Historical Ads
Women in television ads were found to be more concerned about 'beauty, cleanliness, family and pleasing others.' Says Scheibe in 1979. This advert proves how Scheibe was on the right track about his thoughts on ads. This women is concerned about 'cleanliness' and 'pleasing others' by selling this Bounty paper towel product. She is dressed in a way which would suggest a housewife/motherly figure which go to connote the way women were represented in the 70's at that time.
This advert shows a women who is eating the chocolate in a sexual manner. It could be said that by eating it slowly she is creating pleasure for others. This ad shows how women would not get much time on screen, and when they did they were always using their beauty to enhance their role.This women is an object of theMale Gaze because the viewers willbe watching her rather than the product in her hands she is trying to sell.
This advert ranges and shows many different females giving their view on the Big Mac.The ad instantly opens up with two pretty females sitting on the table which shows they are being on screen to attract attention from the males. Another women is shown as just describing Big Mac, using her smile and beauty to interact withj the audience watching. The third female shown is shown in a motherly figure whilst holding a baby. This reflects on Scheibe's nwords of how women areshown on screen.
Tuesday
H/work
1950's
These are two movies form the 1950's. We see the camera angles shots are constantly making the male roles look dominat through the low angled shots. They are seen as role model figures which means they must of been highly influential in that period of time. The males would have more screen time and it was clear that women had no main roles as yet other than accompanying the lead male.
High Noon
DOA (film noir)
1960's
Alfred Hitchcock's Physco was a huge hit. Statisticly, this was also a big time for women as they were now getting more screentime which meantthat theyw ould have some type of leading roles. 'The final girl' was a phrse used to describe the lead character who survives in the end. This was a classic and showed how women were starting to take on lead roles. another hit fom the 1960's which also show women with leading roles was the movie Hypnotic Eye, we see a character who is shown as strong reflecting on how the woemn were geting lead roles.
Phsyco
Hypnotic Eye
1970's
This time also show how women are noe with many leading roles. The famous star wars movie, the women is a highly admired figure. In 1972 Sharon Smith also said how ''The role of a woman in a film almost always revolves around her physical attraction and the mating games she plays with the male characters''.
Star wars
1980's
The femma fatale female was introduced. The backlash had also come along. Women were hsown as superior roles and dominated leading roles which men woiuld take on. The femme fatal which originated in the 1940's shows women as sexy and classy yet wuith the power to almost do anything in their will so that they can destroy the lead male.
Fatal Attraction
1990's
men had a percentage of prime time tv roles whilst women were in many leading roles as well. The new generation of women were gainin identity and also had the role of new and challenging roles. This would show them as powerfull and their vioew changed in society. The women were all free and independant yet their sexuality was used a moajrity of the time aswell.
Three men and a Baby
Contemapry Texts
Movies in todays society have the females with leading roles. A lot of the females are young and independat and can be put on screen just as men are. The new women are shown as storng as the males and not only their for sexual pleasures or the token. They can play lead roles. such as charlies angles and lara croft in tomb raider.
Charlies Angels
Tomb Raider
These are two movies form the 1950's. We see the camera angles shots are constantly making the male roles look dominat through the low angled shots. They are seen as role model figures which means they must of been highly influential in that period of time. The males would have more screen time and it was clear that women had no main roles as yet other than accompanying the lead male.
High Noon
DOA (film noir)
1960's
Alfred Hitchcock's Physco was a huge hit. Statisticly, this was also a big time for women as they were now getting more screentime which meantthat theyw ould have some type of leading roles. 'The final girl' was a phrse used to describe the lead character who survives in the end. This was a classic and showed how women were starting to take on lead roles. another hit fom the 1960's which also show women with leading roles was the movie Hypnotic Eye, we see a character who is shown as strong reflecting on how the woemn were geting lead roles.
Phsyco
Hypnotic Eye
1970's
This time also show how women are noe with many leading roles. The famous star wars movie, the women is a highly admired figure. In 1972 Sharon Smith also said how ''The role of a woman in a film almost always revolves around her physical attraction and the mating games she plays with the male characters''.
Star wars
1980's
The femma fatale female was introduced. The backlash had also come along. Women were hsown as superior roles and dominated leading roles which men woiuld take on. The femme fatal which originated in the 1940's shows women as sexy and classy yet wuith the power to almost do anything in their will so that they can destroy the lead male.
Fatal Attraction
1990's
men had a percentage of prime time tv roles whilst women were in many leading roles as well. The new generation of women were gainin identity and also had the role of new and challenging roles. This would show them as powerfull and their vioew changed in society. The women were all free and independant yet their sexuality was used a moajrity of the time aswell.
Three men and a Baby
Contemapry Texts
Movies in todays society have the females with leading roles. A lot of the females are young and independat and can be put on screen just as men are. The new women are shown as storng as the males and not only their for sexual pleasures or the token. They can play lead roles. such as charlies angles and lara croft in tomb raider.
Charlies Angels
Tomb Raider
Books
Media Studies AS + A2 by Jacquie Bennett, Published in 2005
Stereotypes - Pg 94
This page covers what the term stereotypes actually means; I found it important to understand the terms and its meanings better as my independant study can relate to stereotypes of people from ethnic backgrounds. I learnt that there are many different characteristics of stereotypes.Stereotypes are and have usually been used as terms to describe certain groups of people (black, white etc) Stereotypes can be anything from people to actual things. Groups which can be stereotyped are:Age, Sex, Race, Religion, Vocation, Nationality, Places and things.
Theorists to Consider - Pg 92/93
Propp = His attitudes and beliefs towards the usage of characters and certain character roles. Levi Strauss = Binary oppositions - Whites vs Blacks (racism) Rolande Barthes = Enigma codes, the way they are created and how they help the audience resolve the story. Todorov's Narrative structures.
Ferguson, Robert (1998): Representing 'Race', U.K, Arnold Publications.
The way these males are shown and represented in foilms. This will be used because of the way the negative stereotypes are shown of males in the media. This will relate to my text because the way all of the students are categorised apart creating a split between each other. Jahmal is black he doesnt Andre who is a cambodian race.
“The Impact of Race on Policing, Arrest Patterns, and Crime” (1998)
This article talks about the way the view in society on issues such as racial profiling has chnaged over time. I can use this in my essay because i can say how the stereotypes given to the certain students can be changed over time because they do.
Agression and violence, (1982): Basil Blackwell Publisher LTD.
There is an interesting section which can relate to my study becausae a part in this chapter is about the way a character is judged on his anger and the consequnces it leads to. This can be seen how in the movie the character Eva is aggresive towards everyone which makes her role in the film. This is because o what has happened to her in the past that has made her that specific person.
DESEGREGATION IN THE BALTIMORE CITY SCHOOLS (1954 pg 32)
This book contains information abotu the way students were catergorised and felt the racial profiling and racism attatched to their lives. It is important to make reference to because in Freedom writers the studnets are contstantly targeted by different races and know that at school they are just there becaus ethey have to be rather than wan to have an education.
Micheal Banton (1987) Racial Theories. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press pg 3
'To identify the groups as races was to imply that the biological differences were the key ones.' This qoute hspws how people themselvs have created the difference amongst racial profiling today. We ourselves have continuously used race to replace the persons idenctity because they are not the same as us. This shows how in the movie they are all against one another tryiong to make their own kind survive.
Nelmes, Jill (1999) pg292, "An Introduction to Film Studies", Routledge, U.K.
This page contains a theorist Dyer speaking about hw black stereotypes are not always negative. This can be used to supporth the fact that ok, they are not always negative which is reflected in Freedom writers, Bceuase in the first half of the movie, the studnets are ll really bad and mishaving meeting the stereotypes given to them but when they turn around and chnage everything, they no longer meet those stereotypes.
Stereotypes - Pg 94
This page covers what the term stereotypes actually means; I found it important to understand the terms and its meanings better as my independant study can relate to stereotypes of people from ethnic backgrounds. I learnt that there are many different characteristics of stereotypes.Stereotypes are and have usually been used as terms to describe certain groups of people (black, white etc) Stereotypes can be anything from people to actual things. Groups which can be stereotyped are:Age, Sex, Race, Religion, Vocation, Nationality, Places and things.
Theorists to Consider - Pg 92/93
Propp = His attitudes and beliefs towards the usage of characters and certain character roles. Levi Strauss = Binary oppositions - Whites vs Blacks (racism) Rolande Barthes = Enigma codes, the way they are created and how they help the audience resolve the story. Todorov's Narrative structures.
Ferguson, Robert (1998): Representing 'Race', U.K, Arnold Publications.
The way these males are shown and represented in foilms. This will be used because of the way the negative stereotypes are shown of males in the media. This will relate to my text because the way all of the students are categorised apart creating a split between each other. Jahmal is black he doesnt Andre who is a cambodian race.
“The Impact of Race on Policing, Arrest Patterns, and Crime” (1998)
This article talks about the way the view in society on issues such as racial profiling has chnaged over time. I can use this in my essay because i can say how the stereotypes given to the certain students can be changed over time because they do.
Agression and violence, (1982): Basil Blackwell Publisher LTD.
There is an interesting section which can relate to my study becausae a part in this chapter is about the way a character is judged on his anger and the consequnces it leads to. This can be seen how in the movie the character Eva is aggresive towards everyone which makes her role in the film. This is because o what has happened to her in the past that has made her that specific person.
DESEGREGATION IN THE BALTIMORE CITY SCHOOLS (1954 pg 32)
This book contains information abotu the way students were catergorised and felt the racial profiling and racism attatched to their lives. It is important to make reference to because in Freedom writers the studnets are contstantly targeted by different races and know that at school they are just there becaus ethey have to be rather than wan to have an education.
Micheal Banton (1987) Racial Theories. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press pg 3
'To identify the groups as races was to imply that the biological differences were the key ones.' This qoute hspws how people themselvs have created the difference amongst racial profiling today. We ourselves have continuously used race to replace the persons idenctity because they are not the same as us. This shows how in the movie they are all against one another tryiong to make their own kind survive.
Nelmes, Jill (1999) pg292, "An Introduction to Film Studies", Routledge, U.K.
This page contains a theorist Dyer speaking about hw black stereotypes are not always negative. This can be used to supporth the fact that ok, they are not always negative which is reflected in Freedom writers, Bceuase in the first half of the movie, the studnets are ll really bad and mishaving meeting the stereotypes given to them but when they turn around and chnage everything, they no longer meet those stereotypes.
Representation of Gender today
Prime time tv shows from 1992-1993, 61% of men had the total number of speaking roles, whilst women had the remaining 39%.
From 1995-1996 studies found 63% of men now had the speaking roles, (increased by 2%) with women only having the 37%Studies found that in 1992-1993, 3% of woman were represented as housewives.
This was a major fall from the 1970’s which shows how women were started to get recognised. Women and Men became equally seen on screens, shows study.
‘Bunting’ later complained how men would be the sole object of any sensible womens life, showing them as strong, dominant figures.
Buffys creator and driving force, joss whedon adds that buffy is a good role model for a wide target audience.
From 1995-1996 studies found 63% of men now had the speaking roles, (increased by 2%) with women only having the 37%Studies found that in 1992-1993, 3% of woman were represented as housewives.
This was a major fall from the 1970’s which shows how women were started to get recognised. Women and Men became equally seen on screens, shows study.
‘Bunting’ later complained how men would be the sole object of any sensible womens life, showing them as strong, dominant figures.
Buffys creator and driving force, joss whedon adds that buffy is a good role model for a wide target audience.
Representation of Gender in the Past
The 1950’s-70’s, only featured 20-35 per cent of characters who were females, the figure had increased by the mid 80’s, but women were still not shown with leading roles.
Miles (1975) found that there were equal proportions of men and woman in situation comedies but the gender roles could still have been sexist.
Davis (1990) noted how women appeared more on screen for action-adventure shows by 29%.
1970’s saw males to be the dominant characters as well as decision makers.
Mc Neil (1975) concluded that women’s movement was totally ignored due to the fact how they were shown as married housewives as the only position held.
Men were more likely to be assertive and adventurous whilst woman passive and weak.
Gaye Tuchman: says how ‘Women don’t count for much’ and ‘they don’t matter much in American Society.’
Dyer: says how there are different programmes and types which ‘Feature women in a more central way.’
Gillian Dyer: Women in central roles (police, crime) had increased, portraying their power and gender.
Sharon Smith: Argues how women’s roles in movies always ‘revolve around her physical attraction.’
Ann Kaplan: says how women are an object of the male gaze and ‘their desire is subjected to male desire.’
Kathio Maio: mentions in her book how women are ‘portrayed as powerless and infectual.’
Miles (1975) found that there were equal proportions of men and woman in situation comedies but the gender roles could still have been sexist.
Davis (1990) noted how women appeared more on screen for action-adventure shows by 29%.
1970’s saw males to be the dominant characters as well as decision makers.
Mc Neil (1975) concluded that women’s movement was totally ignored due to the fact how they were shown as married housewives as the only position held.
Men were more likely to be assertive and adventurous whilst woman passive and weak.
Gaye Tuchman: says how ‘Women don’t count for much’ and ‘they don’t matter much in American Society.’
Dyer: says how there are different programmes and types which ‘Feature women in a more central way.’
Gillian Dyer: Women in central roles (police, crime) had increased, portraying their power and gender.
Sharon Smith: Argues how women’s roles in movies always ‘revolve around her physical attraction.’
Ann Kaplan: says how women are an object of the male gaze and ‘their desire is subjected to male desire.’
Kathio Maio: mentions in her book how women are ‘portrayed as powerless and infectual.’
Hegemonic..Pluralistic..??
I believe in the pluralistic theory rather than teh hegemonic theory. This is because i feel i belong to the active audience rather than passive and believe of teh different consumer choices, which the pluralistic model supports. I look at specific media texts in my own way and do not look judge them in a way they have been sent out to be judged and read. I am against the hegemonic model of ruling classes because everyone is brainwashed by this and all of the passive audinces are indoctrinated with media and false consiousness. I am a Pluralistic!!
Monday
Key Issues In a Mens Mag
There were key points i picked up from the independant study hand out.. These were..
*All issues of Mens Magazine without a doubt will talk about sex..Contain pornographic images of women and show these woemn ina sexual way. The magazine cover above alone highlights teh key issues in red 'Sex & Music*
*When it comes to 'Lad's Mags' Sex sells BIGTIME!
* The cover girl must meet all aspects a man will be attracted to when he picks up the mag..It must be perfect.
* The posture of the women is a sexual and seductive pose which is exactly what the photgraphers make them do as it is what the target market want to buy.
*Women are seen as sex objects in leading magazines of Playboyy, FHM, and loaded.
*Aimed at target audience of men from 15-25
*Aimed at target audience of men from 15-25
*Women are only seen as objects of mens sexual desire which makes the male role dominant over powering the women as weak
*The magazines uses of Hypodermic needle theory suggesting the passive audience
* Successful readership of a dominat male suggests the theory as 'ladism'
*Changes in society now accept the way women ar being represented
Sunday
MIGRAIN Analysis of Line Game Scene
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=u8cQusMBOMU
Media Language (M)
what techniques are being used to make meaning in the text?
Erin is dressed smart and stereotyped as the typical respect seeking teacher in the classroom. Each character represents their ethnic image through the way they dress. The black boys (Andre and Jamal) are wearing baggy loose clothing and the Girls are all wearing every day casual clothes.
There are many Zoom in the scene as well as a pan type shot with BCU’s to express emotion on the facial expression on each characters face. The Zoom of the students feet and the line made of tape is consistent as this scene is focusing on how much times the student step on the line.
Each time the students move towards the line we hear a repetive sound of footsteps and voices in a hurry towards the line, which anchors the meaning of how the questions Erin is asking relate to everyone.
The scene finishes with a fade, and there are many reversal shots whn the camera moves towards and through each students comments as well as Erin‘s.
Institution (I)
who produces, distributes, regulates the text?
A huge Hollywood production. A well known instittuion Paramount pictures in Association with MTV films. Mainstream distribution as well as publicity.
Perhaps say how there has been ethnical exploitation throug the way they have handed these 13 year olds with issues such as gang violence to deal with. As in they had to witness things like Erin questions on the line game..Prison..loosing friends etc.
Dumbing down of students. They don’t think they will make it any where because of the stereotype they have given them selves, they think their type of people will not make it far in life.
Genre
(G)what type of text is it?
hybrid genre..Drama and Crime,Drama due to the way each students stories have so much mayhem in them. Someones mother is a drug addict whilst some one is dealing drugs. Another persons father is shot in front of her very eyes whilst another student is shooting another student from another ethnic background. This also enhances the crime dram because of the use of violence.
Based on reality so a non-fiction story line, which enhances on the authenticity and realism which is created in the scene and movie overall.
Representation (R)
who or what is being represented in the text? how?
White boy - Ben - seen in a negative/ afraid type of way who is over shadowed and over powered by every member of the class room.
Eva - Latino - shown as strong and independent, stands up and speaks her mind yet against the blacks and Cambodians strictly and will protect ‘her own kind’ no matter what. Stereotypes are negative at the beginning of the narrative and by the time the story line progresses we see these stereotypes change over time and the characters do not met them any more. They are reinforced and challenged.Audience (A)who consumes the text?primary audience of students who come from these backgrounds. Secondary is generally students any way as well as teachers and adults. The tect is their to relate to similar issues going on and to show how you should never give up.
Ideology & Values (I)
what are the belief systems/messages/values underpinning the text?dominant ideology. Eva is attacked by a group of boys when she is running and is attacked as she may testify against her own type ‘of people’
The text is here to educate and inform the audience.
Narrative (N)
how is the narrative in the text organized and structured?
non-linear narrative: flashback. We see Eva telling her story in the beginning narrating it almost at once about her childhood. Even between scenes there are past moments mentioned and even in the line game scene we see Erin talk about the past which shows a non linear narrative. This gives the audience a wide range of info to deal with an knowledge and understanding of past situations the students were faced with.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=u8cQusMBOMU
Media Language (M)
what techniques are being used to make meaning in the text?
Erin is dressed smart and stereotyped as the typical respect seeking teacher in the classroom. Each character represents their ethnic image through the way they dress. The black boys (Andre and Jamal) are wearing baggy loose clothing and the Girls are all wearing every day casual clothes.
There are many Zoom in the scene as well as a pan type shot with BCU’s to express emotion on the facial expression on each characters face. The Zoom of the students feet and the line made of tape is consistent as this scene is focusing on how much times the student step on the line.
Each time the students move towards the line we hear a repetive sound of footsteps and voices in a hurry towards the line, which anchors the meaning of how the questions Erin is asking relate to everyone.
The scene finishes with a fade, and there are many reversal shots whn the camera moves towards and through each students comments as well as Erin‘s.
Institution (I)
who produces, distributes, regulates the text?
A huge Hollywood production. A well known instittuion Paramount pictures in Association with MTV films. Mainstream distribution as well as publicity.
Perhaps say how there has been ethnical exploitation throug the way they have handed these 13 year olds with issues such as gang violence to deal with. As in they had to witness things like Erin questions on the line game..Prison..loosing friends etc.
Dumbing down of students. They don’t think they will make it any where because of the stereotype they have given them selves, they think their type of people will not make it far in life.
Genre
(G)what type of text is it?
hybrid genre..Drama and Crime,Drama due to the way each students stories have so much mayhem in them. Someones mother is a drug addict whilst some one is dealing drugs. Another persons father is shot in front of her very eyes whilst another student is shooting another student from another ethnic background. This also enhances the crime dram because of the use of violence.
Based on reality so a non-fiction story line, which enhances on the authenticity and realism which is created in the scene and movie overall.
Representation (R)
who or what is being represented in the text? how?
White boy - Ben - seen in a negative/ afraid type of way who is over shadowed and over powered by every member of the class room.
Eva - Latino - shown as strong and independent, stands up and speaks her mind yet against the blacks and Cambodians strictly and will protect ‘her own kind’ no matter what. Stereotypes are negative at the beginning of the narrative and by the time the story line progresses we see these stereotypes change over time and the characters do not met them any more. They are reinforced and challenged.Audience (A)who consumes the text?primary audience of students who come from these backgrounds. Secondary is generally students any way as well as teachers and adults. The tect is their to relate to similar issues going on and to show how you should never give up.
Ideology & Values (I)
what are the belief systems/messages/values underpinning the text?dominant ideology. Eva is attacked by a group of boys when she is running and is attacked as she may testify against her own type ‘of people’
The text is here to educate and inform the audience.
Narrative (N)
how is the narrative in the text organized and structured?
non-linear narrative: flashback. We see Eva telling her story in the beginning narrating it almost at once about her childhood. Even between scenes there are past moments mentioned and even in the line game scene we see Erin talk about the past which shows a non linear narrative. This gives the audience a wide range of info to deal with an knowledge and understanding of past situations the students were faced with.
Thursday
Historical - Holocaust - Diary Of Anne Frank
In teh movie, the students start to turn their life around when Erin teaches them about the Holocaust. They are surprised and inspired whe they are given homework to finish off the diary of Anne Frank. They are shocked and their eyes open. This is when they turn the tables arund and is a changing part in the movie. these are a few extracts of Anne Frank's actual diary on the following link..
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://people.smu.edu/fnichols/diarypage.jpg&imgrefurl=http://people.smu.edu/fnichols/diary.html&h=322&w=576&sz=60&tbnid=kEUbp2eb73AJ::&tbnh=75&tbnw=134&prev=/images%3Fq%3Danne%2Bfrank%2Bdiary&hl=en&usg=__UfrrrzI5sCdf1ztxdKRPvUAOSjU=&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=1&ct=image&cd=1
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://people.smu.edu/fnichols/diarypage.jpg&imgrefurl=http://people.smu.edu/fnichols/diary.html&h=322&w=576&sz=60&tbnid=kEUbp2eb73AJ::&tbnh=75&tbnw=134&prev=/images%3Fq%3Danne%2Bfrank%2Bdiary&hl=en&usg=__UfrrrzI5sCdf1ztxdKRPvUAOSjU=&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=1&ct=image&cd=1
Tuesday
Bibliography
1. http://www.chasingthefrog.com/reelfaces/freedomwriters.php * True story freedom writers *
2. http://racerelations.about.com/od/stereotypesmentalmodels/g/stereotypes.htm *Stereotypes*
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Femme_fatale *femme fatale*
4. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_headline=minister--hoodies-just-keeping-warm&method=full&objectid=18364466&siteid=94762-name_page.html *Young Male adults*
5. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2007/11/08/the-youtube-killer-89520-20078885/ *Teenage Males*
6. http://www.mediaed.org.uk/posted_documents/repsyouth.html *Representations of Youths*
7. Media Studies AS + A2 by Jacquie Bennett, Published in 2005Stereotypes - Pg 94
8. Theorists to Consider - Pg 92/93 Propp
9. http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2007/mar/02/drama1 *Review - Guardian*
10. http://guldasta.wordpress.com/2007/11/23/freedom-writers-movie-review/ *Review*
11. http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2007/mar/02/drama1 * Review*
12. http://delicious.com/search?freedom+writers&u=macguffin&chk=&context=userposts&tag=med5&fr=del_icio_us&lc=0
13. http://www1.medialiteracy.com/representation.jsp *Gender, Race, Representation*
14. http://www.kidulthoodlife.blogspot.com/ *X-student Blog Kidulthood*
15. http://www.ramneet-getrich.blogspot.com/ *x-student Blog - Stereotype*
16. http://bilansblog.blogspot.com/ *Representation Bullet Boy*
17. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_Hall_(cultural_theorist) *Staurt Hall Research*
18. http://video.google.nl/videosearch?q=martin%20luther%20king&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enNL265NL265&um=1&sa=N&tab=wv *Martin Luther King Speech*
19. http://delicious.com/search?freedom+writers&u=macguffin&chk=&context=userposts&tag=med5&fr=del_icio_us&lc=0 *Real story created authenticity*
2. http://racerelations.about.com/od/stereotypesmentalmodels/g/stereotypes.htm *Stereotypes*
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Femme_fatale *femme fatale*
4. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_headline=minister--hoodies-just-keeping-warm&method=full&objectid=18364466&siteid=94762-name_page.html *Young Male adults*
5. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2007/11/08/the-youtube-killer-89520-20078885/ *Teenage Males*
6. http://www.mediaed.org.uk/posted_documents/repsyouth.html *Representations of Youths*
7. Media Studies AS + A2 by Jacquie Bennett, Published in 2005Stereotypes - Pg 94
8. Theorists to Consider - Pg 92/93 Propp
9. http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2007/mar/02/drama1 *Review - Guardian*
10. http://guldasta.wordpress.com/2007/11/23/freedom-writers-movie-review/ *Review*
11. http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2007/mar/02/drama1 * Review*
12. http://delicious.com/search?freedom+writers&u=macguffin&chk=&context=userposts&tag=med5&fr=del_icio_us&lc=0
13. http://www1.medialiteracy.com/representation.jsp *Gender, Race, Representation*
14. http://www.kidulthoodlife.blogspot.com/ *X-student Blog Kidulthood*
15. http://www.ramneet-getrich.blogspot.com/ *x-student Blog - Stereotype*
16. http://bilansblog.blogspot.com/ *Representation Bullet Boy*
17. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_Hall_(cultural_theorist) *Staurt Hall Research*
18. http://video.google.nl/videosearch?q=martin%20luther%20king&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enNL265NL265&um=1&sa=N&tab=wv *Martin Luther King Speech*
19. http://delicious.com/search?freedom+writers&u=macguffin&chk=&context=userposts&tag=med5&fr=del_icio_us&lc=0 *Real story created authenticity*
Stuart Hall
*His works are widely accepted as influential, such as studies showing the link between racial prejudice and media, and are important as foundational texts for contemporary cultural studies.
*Stuart Hall is one of the main proponents of reception theory. This approach to textual analysis focuses on the scope for negotiation and opposition on part of the audience. This means that a text — be it a book or a movie — is not simply passiviely accepted by the audience, but there is an element of activity involved. The person negotiates the meaning of the text. The meaning depends on the cultural background of the person. The background can explain how some readers accept a reading of a text while others reject it.
*These ideas are further developed in Hall's model of encoding and decoding of media discourses. The meaning of a text is located somewhere between the producer and the reader. Even though the producer encodes the text in a particular way, the reader will decode it in a slightly different manner. What Hall calls the margin of understanding. This line of thought is linked to social constructionism.
*Stuart Hall is one of the main proponents of reception theory. This approach to textual analysis focuses on the scope for negotiation and opposition on part of the audience. This means that a text — be it a book or a movie — is not simply passiviely accepted by the audience, but there is an element of activity involved. The person negotiates the meaning of the text. The meaning depends on the cultural background of the person. The background can explain how some readers accept a reading of a text while others reject it.
*These ideas are further developed in Hall's model of encoding and decoding of media discourses. The meaning of a text is located somewhere between the producer and the reader. Even though the producer encodes the text in a particular way, the reader will decode it in a slightly different manner. What Hall calls the margin of understanding. This line of thought is linked to social constructionism.
Monday
Delicious Tags
http://www1.medialiteracy.com/representation.jsp - A site about Gender, Race & Representation. This applies to my text as i am focussing on the Race and representation area.
http://www.kidulthoodlife.blogspot.com/ - A ex students blog giving information about the way youths behave in contempary society today. Thsi will relate to my text as it is to do with youths and how Kidulthood is one of my comparison texts which could be focussed on.
http://www.ramneet-getrich.blogspot.com/ - An ex students blog, information about characters (black males) the ay they act and how they are stereotyped. Thiscan be included into my research as i iwll focus on the wya the caharacters dress in freedom writers.
http://bilansblog.blogspot.com/ - An ex students goes onto talk about the representation of black males in the mvie Bullet Boy, which is also one of my comparison texts, so thi blog will help me out again on the represenation of youths and black males.
http://delicious.com/search?freedom+writers&u=macguffin&chk=&context=userposts&tag=med5&fr=del_icio_us&lc=0 - his wbsite gives basic movie information, however it has al the details about actors, cast and crew etc. It states facts and figures about the movie which could be included in my essay.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_Hall_(cultural_theorist) - This link gives some background information about Stuart Hall, who is a key theorist i should f
ocus on in my text.
http://video.google.nl/videosearch?q=martin%20luther%20king&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enNL265NL265&um=1&sa=N&tab=wv - This is a speech form Martin Luther Kings filmed video. I wanted to include thi sbecause this is an important soundtrack in the 'freedom writers' movie, as the soundtarck has the qoutes ' i have adream' based from this speech whcih has been taken out of M.L.K's speech
http://delicious.com/search?freedom+writers&u=macguffin&chk=&context=userposts&tag=med5&fr=del_icio_us&lc=0
- I decided to include this link as it will give the real story. It will be important to have reference to the real story and how it has created authenticity when writing my essay.
http://www.kidulthoodlife.blogspot.com/ - A ex students blog giving information about the way youths behave in contempary society today. Thsi will relate to my text as it is to do with youths and how Kidulthood is one of my comparison texts which could be focussed on.
http://www.ramneet-getrich.blogspot.com/ - An ex students blog, information about characters (black males) the ay they act and how they are stereotyped. Thiscan be included into my research as i iwll focus on the wya the caharacters dress in freedom writers.
http://bilansblog.blogspot.com/ - An ex students goes onto talk about the representation of black males in the mvie Bullet Boy, which is also one of my comparison texts, so thi blog will help me out again on the represenation of youths and black males.
http://delicious.com/search?freedom+writers&u=macguffin&chk=&context=userposts&tag=med5&fr=del_icio_us&lc=0 - his wbsite gives basic movie information, however it has al the details about actors, cast and crew etc. It states facts and figures about the movie which could be included in my essay.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_Hall_(cultural_theorist) - This link gives some background information about Stuart Hall, who is a key theorist i should f
ocus on in my text.http://video.google.nl/videosearch?q=martin%20luther%20king&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enNL265NL265&um=1&sa=N&tab=wv - This is a speech form Martin Luther Kings filmed video. I wanted to include thi sbecause this is an important soundtrack in the 'freedom writers' movie, as the soundtarck has the qoutes ' i have adream' based from this speech whcih has been taken out of M.L.K's speech
http://delicious.com/search?freedom+writers&u=macguffin&chk=&context=userposts&tag=med5&fr=del_icio_us&lc=0
- I decided to include this link as it will give the real story. It will be important to have reference to the real story and how it has created authenticity when writing my essay.
Key Words
High concept film:A film with a big budget and state of the art special effects, Usually associated with US productions. The insitutions MTV films and Paramount are huge instituions.
Narrative:The story line and structure of a media text.
Freedom writes follows a Tororovian narrative structure,
Predjudice:The pre- judging of an issue or social group, usually in a negative or stereotypical way.Youths are presented in the text may be pre- judged ina negative way due to stereotypes attatched to them.
Realism: A film and television style that attempts to represents the real life situation. In freedom writers, it is clear to see how the issues are all based on a real life story, so this makes it look authentic as possible.
Propp:Looked at familiar character roles which appear in texts.The characters of a hero and villian are present in this text.
Representation:The process whereby the media constructs versions of people, places and events in images, words or sound for transmission through media texts to an audience.
Sound effects:Enhanced sound added to a film or television programme during post production.The music used in this film is very significant as it represents the culture shown in this film.
Split screen:An editing technique which involves the cinema screen being split into two or more parts to allow the showing of events that are taking place at the same time.Split screen has been used in this text several times in order to show different things which are taking place at the same time, this is used to build up tension.
Trailer:A short teaser produced to advertise a new film.A trailer was produced in order to advertise 'freedom writers.'
Narrative:The story line and structure of a media text.
Freedom writes follows a Tororovian narrative structure,
Predjudice:The pre- judging of an issue or social group, usually in a negative or stereotypical way.Youths are presented in the text may be pre- judged ina negative way due to stereotypes attatched to them.
Realism: A film and television style that attempts to represents the real life situation. In freedom writers, it is clear to see how the issues are all based on a real life story, so this makes it look authentic as possible.
Propp:Looked at familiar character roles which appear in texts.The characters of a hero and villian are present in this text.
Representation:The process whereby the media constructs versions of people, places and events in images, words or sound for transmission through media texts to an audience.
Sound effects:Enhanced sound added to a film or television programme during post production.The music used in this film is very significant as it represents the culture shown in this film.
Split screen:An editing technique which involves the cinema screen being split into two or more parts to allow the showing of events that are taking place at the same time.Split screen has been used in this text several times in order to show different things which are taking place at the same time, this is used to build up tension.
Trailer:A short teaser produced to advertise a new film.A trailer was produced in order to advertise 'freedom writers.'
Action Plan
Book research, prefrebally with qoutes and how i will use them - Sunday 26th October 2008
In order for me to use this in my final essay, i will have to have many quotes to support my ideas and back up my information. These will be used as evidence and points i could use to argue whether they relate to my text and how they are important.
Watch my movie again - Sunday 26th October 2008
In order for me to know my text well, i should watch the movie atleast once over the holidays. During this time it would be good to take down notes as they will help me later on as well.
Research Theorist Stuart Hall. - Monday 27th October 2008
This is a cultural theorist who will be very relevant to my text. This is due to the fact that i am going to be talking about people frpm different minorities so this theorist will be of good research to add to my text.
Start my bibliography. - Friday 24th October 2008
So that i can use these links when it come to my final peice. It is also good to know hwere all the information comes from incase i want to go back and there could be more relevant information on the site. It will only just make it easier for my final essay.
Research more about representation - Monday 27th October 2008
As we are studying this as an exam topic, it is good because my whole essay is based on representation on. By having different thoughts and research on this, it means that i will have more knowledge and it will help me in my exam as well as independant study.
Focus on Key Concepts - Thursday 26th October 2008
As i these will help my essay paragraphs flow, so it makes more sense. This will help me in my as retake exam as well as my final a2 exams so it is an area where i have to have good experiance in writing about the key concepts and concept flow paragraphs.
Research into Theorists and apply to my text - Monday 27th October
I need to include more theorist, at th moment i have additional theorists like Richard Dyer and Stuart Hall but i must come up with more.
Research Into SHEP - Monday 3rd November
I need to apply these wider contexts to y independant study, so the quicker i research it, means thta i can start applying it to my independant study straight away. As well as to my blog and extra research.
Complete all Blog Tasks - Tuesday 2nd November
Make sure that all blog Tasks are complete so that i am up to date with everything on my blog.
In order for me to use this in my final essay, i will have to have many quotes to support my ideas and back up my information. These will be used as evidence and points i could use to argue whether they relate to my text and how they are important.
Watch my movie again - Sunday 26th October 2008
In order for me to know my text well, i should watch the movie atleast once over the holidays. During this time it would be good to take down notes as they will help me later on as well.
Research Theorist Stuart Hall. - Monday 27th October 2008
This is a cultural theorist who will be very relevant to my text. This is due to the fact that i am going to be talking about people frpm different minorities so this theorist will be of good research to add to my text.
Start my bibliography. - Friday 24th October 2008
So that i can use these links when it come to my final peice. It is also good to know hwere all the information comes from incase i want to go back and there could be more relevant information on the site. It will only just make it easier for my final essay.
Research more about representation - Monday 27th October 2008
As we are studying this as an exam topic, it is good because my whole essay is based on representation on. By having different thoughts and research on this, it means that i will have more knowledge and it will help me in my exam as well as independant study.
Focus on Key Concepts - Thursday 26th October 2008
As i these will help my essay paragraphs flow, so it makes more sense. This will help me in my as retake exam as well as my final a2 exams so it is an area where i have to have good experiance in writing about the key concepts and concept flow paragraphs.
Research into Theorists and apply to my text - Monday 27th October
I need to include more theorist, at th moment i have additional theorists like Richard Dyer and Stuart Hall but i must come up with more.
Research Into SHEP - Monday 3rd November
I need to apply these wider contexts to y independant study, so the quicker i research it, means thta i can start applying it to my independant study straight away. As well as to my blog and extra research.
Complete all Blog Tasks - Tuesday 2nd November
Make sure that all blog Tasks are complete so that i am up to date with everything on my blog.
Self Evaluation
Attainment = 3
I think that i need to push up this grade as i should aim high. I don't think that i have achieved anything so far, but we haven't done much this term. I feel my presentation was good and it aimed to meet the stabdards of a good presenattion!!
I feeli put a lot of effort into the work i do.And do try my best to complete all of my work on time as efficiently as possible.
Punctuality = 3
I am punctual and on time a lot of the times. My Work is usually at a good standard and i do try mey best that i
Submission and quality of homework = 4
I complete all my tasks well and all of my blog work. Although sometimes i do not complete it staright away but it does always get finished usualy before deadlines. It is presented neatly with all of my work proof read!! (sometimes)
Ability to work independently = 4
I feel i am working independantly on my blog but sometimes i think the work needs to be elaborated more and in detail so that i understand what it is that has to be done.
Quality of writing = 4
I feel i have the ability to write well but need 2 include media terminology so that i can get used to writing in this style.
Organisation of Media folder = 4
My media folder is organised well. All of my notes are kept in order so that they will help me revise in time for the exams.
Oral contributions in class = 3
I could work more in class by getting involved in the discussions we tend to have. But overall my work in the lessons is good and always gets completed.
Standard of Module 5 blog = 4
very good more could be added in terms of research and analysis.
Standard of Module 6 blog = 2
need to add more, and catch up on the work i have missed
(www)
*My ability to work independantly on my independant study is good
*Module 5 is an area i feel i am confident at
*Key concept area is strong and have a better understandinf of SHEP
(ebi)
*Med 6 Blog
*Module 6 is an area of weakness and needs improvement.
*More usage of theories and theorists and media terminology
I think that i need to push up this grade as i should aim high. I don't think that i have achieved anything so far, but we haven't done much this term. I feel my presentation was good and it aimed to meet the stabdards of a good presenattion!!
I feeli put a lot of effort into the work i do.And do try my best to complete all of my work on time as efficiently as possible.
Punctuality = 3
I am punctual and on time a lot of the times. My Work is usually at a good standard and i do try mey best that i
Submission and quality of homework = 4
I complete all my tasks well and all of my blog work. Although sometimes i do not complete it staright away but it does always get finished usualy before deadlines. It is presented neatly with all of my work proof read!! (sometimes)
Ability to work independently = 4
I feel i am working independantly on my blog but sometimes i think the work needs to be elaborated more and in detail so that i understand what it is that has to be done.
Quality of writing = 4
I feel i have the ability to write well but need 2 include media terminology so that i can get used to writing in this style.
Organisation of Media folder = 4
My media folder is organised well. All of my notes are kept in order so that they will help me revise in time for the exams.
Oral contributions in class = 3
I could work more in class by getting involved in the discussions we tend to have. But overall my work in the lessons is good and always gets completed.
Standard of Module 5 blog = 4
very good more could be added in terms of research and analysis.
Standard of Module 6 blog = 2
need to add more, and catch up on the work i have missed
(www)
*My ability to work independantly on my independant study is good
*Module 5 is an area i feel i am confident at
*Key concept area is strong and have a better understandinf of SHEP
(ebi)
*Med 6 Blog
*Module 6 is an area of weakness and needs improvement.
*More usage of theories and theorists and media terminology
Tuesday
Self Assesment..Presentation & Blog
WWW:
Brief Text
Comparison Text
Involved Audience
EBI:
SHEP
Research more into theorists (Stuart Haul)
iMproveMents:
Research Other Blogs (related issues)
Statistics/Social Econimacal facts bout America/L.A
Brief Text
Comparison Text
Involved Audience
EBI:
SHEP
Research more into theorists (Stuart Haul)
iMproveMents:
Research Other Blogs (related issues)
Statistics/Social Econimacal facts bout America/L.A
Monday
Self Assesment Of Blog Work
AO1 - demonstrate knowledge and application of the Key Concepts employed within Media Studies and the evaluation of texts and ideas using the Key Concepts:
I feel this is an objective which helped me during yr 12 and i can use the technique fairly well. I feel it is a weakness in some areas when it comes to applying concept flow paragraph because i find i find it hard to sometimes link back from one thing to another. I have applied this technique to my independent study when analysing clips from the movie and trailer. The main key concepts my text focuses on is Representation. The representation of youths so it falls into ideologies and values as well as narrative to describe the movies background information. I feel i can explain use representation and narrative as good flowing paragraphs yet struggle to use the ideology concept accurately in my text. This is an area i have to focus around, to get the concept flow accurate as it is widely based around the exam.
AO2 - demonstrate knowledge and application of the wider contexts (historical, social, political, economic) relevant to Media Studies:
I have not applied SHEP to y text yet although considering how my independent study is based on a true story, there will be a lot of background information i can get on all areas of SHEP. i will speak more about how the freedom writers at the time were i can focus on Historical (Rodney king a.k.a the Los Angeles riot - 1992) Social (effects on society).
Although i have not yet applied these to my texti will definitely do it some time son because it will help me in the exam as it is an important area to know. I can also relate back to how times have changed also, Old movies compared to new movies etc.
AO5 - demonstrate the ability to use appropriate investigative and research techniques in carrying out an independent study of a media text, topic or issue:
I feel very confident in this area as i feel i have carried out a lot of research that will be useful for my independent study and will relate back to my text. Not only this, but i can apply this in my final essay. I have various different types of research from book research to Internet resources and movie reviews etc.
I feel i have a good question and I will be able to justify it when writing my final draft. As i m talking about representations and stereotypes as well as ethnic minorities, when all combined as one it will all flow together.
SYNOPTIC ABILTY- draw together understanding of Key Concepts, from different parts of the specification in order to make effective textual readings-draw upon knowledge and application of a wide range of possible relevant contexts, in order to account for the characteristics of media texts:
I have liked my study to med 2 last year as i will obviously talk about narrative and audience theories in the final concept flow essay. As well as this i have applied the usage of different theorists which would apply to my text. Values and Ideologies is an area of which i am very weak at and as well as this i have looked at different media guardian stories. There was a story which spoke about gun crime and a young boy which would help me apply this to my independent study showing how times have changed over the different periods.
CRITICAL AUTONOMY - apply critical ideas and principles to new situations – and demonstrate media literacy in responses to media texts:
As this text is based on a true story i am very keen and interested to find out as many information as possible. I have looked at different information from factual to actually analysing specific scenes in detail so that i can get used to the concept flow technique and i do not find it as difficult. I am working well on my independant study and because it is a text that i have chosen my self means that i am obviously doing my work on something that i enjoy and am interested in so it will make it a lot easier for the final piece.
QUALITY OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION-select and use forms and styles of writing appropriate to purpose and complex subject matter- organise relevant information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate-ensure text is legible, and spelling, grammar and punctuation are accurate, so that meaning is clear:
I feel that my work all meets the media terms. I could perhaps add the usage of ore media terminology and explain and justify why i have chosen to do what (e.g - why including some types of research) i feel my work is presented well, but i should go over my spelling as i usually never consider writing Formally when on my blog!!
I feel this is an objective which helped me during yr 12 and i can use the technique fairly well. I feel it is a weakness in some areas when it comes to applying concept flow paragraph because i find i find it hard to sometimes link back from one thing to another. I have applied this technique to my independent study when analysing clips from the movie and trailer. The main key concepts my text focuses on is Representation. The representation of youths so it falls into ideologies and values as well as narrative to describe the movies background information. I feel i can explain use representation and narrative as good flowing paragraphs yet struggle to use the ideology concept accurately in my text. This is an area i have to focus around, to get the concept flow accurate as it is widely based around the exam.
AO2 - demonstrate knowledge and application of the wider contexts (historical, social, political, economic) relevant to Media Studies:
I have not applied SHEP to y text yet although considering how my independent study is based on a true story, there will be a lot of background information i can get on all areas of SHEP. i will speak more about how the freedom writers at the time were i can focus on Historical (Rodney king a.k.a the Los Angeles riot - 1992) Social (effects on society).
Although i have not yet applied these to my texti will definitely do it some time son because it will help me in the exam as it is an important area to know. I can also relate back to how times have changed also, Old movies compared to new movies etc.
AO5 - demonstrate the ability to use appropriate investigative and research techniques in carrying out an independent study of a media text, topic or issue:
I feel very confident in this area as i feel i have carried out a lot of research that will be useful for my independent study and will relate back to my text. Not only this, but i can apply this in my final essay. I have various different types of research from book research to Internet resources and movie reviews etc.
I feel i have a good question and I will be able to justify it when writing my final draft. As i m talking about representations and stereotypes as well as ethnic minorities, when all combined as one it will all flow together.
SYNOPTIC ABILTY- draw together understanding of Key Concepts, from different parts of the specification in order to make effective textual readings-draw upon knowledge and application of a wide range of possible relevant contexts, in order to account for the characteristics of media texts:
I have liked my study to med 2 last year as i will obviously talk about narrative and audience theories in the final concept flow essay. As well as this i have applied the usage of different theorists which would apply to my text. Values and Ideologies is an area of which i am very weak at and as well as this i have looked at different media guardian stories. There was a story which spoke about gun crime and a young boy which would help me apply this to my independent study showing how times have changed over the different periods.
CRITICAL AUTONOMY - apply critical ideas and principles to new situations – and demonstrate media literacy in responses to media texts:
As this text is based on a true story i am very keen and interested to find out as many information as possible. I have looked at different information from factual to actually analysing specific scenes in detail so that i can get used to the concept flow technique and i do not find it as difficult. I am working well on my independant study and because it is a text that i have chosen my self means that i am obviously doing my work on something that i enjoy and am interested in so it will make it a lot easier for the final piece.
QUALITY OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION-select and use forms and styles of writing appropriate to purpose and complex subject matter- organise relevant information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate-ensure text is legible, and spelling, grammar and punctuation are accurate, so that meaning is clear:
I feel that my work all meets the media terms. I could perhaps add the usage of ore media terminology and explain and justify why i have chosen to do what (e.g - why including some types of research) i feel my work is presented well, but i should go over my spelling as i usually never consider writing Formally when on my blog!!
Saturday
AO1= KEY CONCEPTST
I will consider improving my Migrain analysis because i feel i am weak in the key concept area. By continously analysing moving image texts, will mean that i will be able to become confident in this area.
AO2 = WIDER CONTEXT
This is an area of weakness. i will look at a range of different media related texts so that i can improve this area as i will need to know this in the exam.
AO3.1 ISSUES/DEBATES AND THEORIES.
I will consider researching theorists that will be relevant to this specific module. This will help me later in the unit as well as making me more confident.
AO3.2 COMPARE AND ACCOUNT FOR SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES
This is a strong area and i am good atthis. I have sed various different amounts of research methods which i have applied to my independant study.
AO5 RESEARCH TECHNIQUES.
A strong area, i feel i can reearch well without just copy and pasting. I can justify my research and link back to how it relates to my text etc.
I will consider improving my Migrain analysis because i feel i am weak in the key concept area. By continously analysing moving image texts, will mean that i will be able to become confident in this area.
AO2 = WIDER CONTEXT
This is an area of weakness. i will look at a range of different media related texts so that i can improve this area as i will need to know this in the exam.
AO3.1 ISSUES/DEBATES AND THEORIES.
I will consider researching theorists that will be relevant to this specific module. This will help me later in the unit as well as making me more confident.
AO3.2 COMPARE AND ACCOUNT FOR SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES
This is a strong area and i am good atthis. I have sed various different amounts of research methods which i have applied to my independant study.
AO5 RESEARCH TECHNIQUES.
A strong area, i feel i can reearch well without just copy and pasting. I can justify my research and link back to how it relates to my text etc.
Friday
Chracter Representations
Following Dyer's theory of how it is important to have stars in movies, Freedom Writers has he usage of his theor by the actor Mario Berrett playing 'Andre' in the movie.
Andre is represented in a negative light and is shown as a more of a 'hot temered' teen who is angry at everything and everyone. His character is portrayed as really aggressive and lost in his own world type. With pressure from on the streets and at home. The only thing he would have to look forward to was his education. The depression from his mother being a drug addict and his brother being sent of to jail was a reason for him to rely on a bright future so much.
Monday
Cover Work
Trailer
Migrain Analysis
M: Lighting, high key/ low key lighting.Low angle shots have been used to make the suspects and the ones being targeted look low an helpless. It shows they do not have power whereas in other scenes we see high angle shots making superior people look as if they have power and are in total control of the situation and what is happening.Close up shot shave been used to enhance the audiences views on the facial expressions we see. These help the audience relate to what and how the characters feel making them engage with them emotionally.Long shots and medium shots help us as an audience to see what is actually going on in the mise-en-scene. We have a brief over view of what to expect.We see Students who are constantly shown related to violence one way or another, trying to fight for their 'racial' rights.Sound: Non digetic, yet parallel to scenes. Tense music with fast remix is used to pace up the trailer when we hear about more clues. This makes enigma codes.
I: Paramount pictures ( a large American instituion) this shows that the movie was a high budget film.
G: Crime genre, this is shown through all of the innocence killings of others and the way the issues are handled in society. There are scenes in the trailer which make us think that it does follow crime conventions. The dark and dimly set scences show us signs a drama movie would contain. The genre also follows an action genre. This is shown through the action we see in the trailer, We see students using guns, we hear gun shots. These props are conventions of the movie following the action genre. As well as physically, there is a lot of verbal abuse being shown, which once again highlights the action genre.
R: There are students from different ethnical minorities who are being stereotyped and have been represented in a negative way. There are many different negative stereotypes, these inlude the way youths are represented. Many of them are from middle class working backgrounds. Some lof them live in estate type houses.
A: The importance of a trailer is un-describable. This is the one source that will visually attract the movies target market to actually watch the film. On a whole, appeal to everyone, this means that it will appeal to a wide audience from different ethnical backgrounds. The trailer itself has a wide variety of actors, we see many different actors from differnt backgrounds including white and black people. Therefore the movie will also be targeted at these people. The mixture of different actors will also bring in more audience for the movie.
I:There are issues such like racial profiling which is covered by the movie. The movie gives the audience an overview of what we se through the protagonists eyes. The difficulties she has to face. The vilonce and youth crime involved shows us about how time has changed since racism has been around. The movie has such a huge point to look at, because of the fact that it is based ona true story. We constantly hear about racism and with negative stereotypes it makes it harder to believe what is real. The movies authenticity makes it a success because it follows such real life issues and situations.
N:The opening of the trailer starts with Eva walking out of her house andthen running after someone has attempted to shoot her. It all comes down to the colour of your skin is a quote from the trailer and this will help me in my independant study vastly.
Review 1
"based on a remarkable true story and backed up by a hip-hop score."
This review gave an insight about how successful Freedom Writers was and how it was based on a story. It expalins the authenticity of the actual movie and jhow the represenatations of studenst was increadibly remarkable. This review will help me in my independant study as the critic talked about the way the characters had put themselves on screen to be successful.
Review 2
"I like movies with hope. I like movies with stillness. And with movement. Of the Heart."
The critic talks abotu how again the film follows real life story and how successful it was put together as an on screen production. It talks wbout how he emotionally engaged with the characters because of the moving dialouges and scenes that were shown. In goes to show the damsel in stress type scenario and how the actors all followed corrupted ways of living changed for the good.
Review 3
"Freedom writers is the latest in a long line of white suburban teacher goes to the ghetto and saves gangbangers movie"
This critic talks about the narrative of the movie along with the book and hiostory of the actual Erin Gruwell and how she moved the youths of Long Beach atthat time to be commited to her, and her class rather than the life of crime that they folllowed. The critic explains how Hillary Swank actually met all targets of Erin Gruwell and met a demading and leading role. These reviews will help me in my independat study as i gathered infornation that would help me answer my qquestion effectively.
Migrain Analysis
M: Lighting, high key/ low key lighting.Low angle shots have been used to make the suspects and the ones being targeted look low an helpless. It shows they do not have power whereas in other scenes we see high angle shots making superior people look as if they have power and are in total control of the situation and what is happening.Close up shot shave been used to enhance the audiences views on the facial expressions we see. These help the audience relate to what and how the characters feel making them engage with them emotionally.Long shots and medium shots help us as an audience to see what is actually going on in the mise-en-scene. We have a brief over view of what to expect.We see Students who are constantly shown related to violence one way or another, trying to fight for their 'racial' rights.Sound: Non digetic, yet parallel to scenes. Tense music with fast remix is used to pace up the trailer when we hear about more clues. This makes enigma codes.
I: Paramount pictures ( a large American instituion) this shows that the movie was a high budget film.
G: Crime genre, this is shown through all of the innocence killings of others and the way the issues are handled in society. There are scenes in the trailer which make us think that it does follow crime conventions. The dark and dimly set scences show us signs a drama movie would contain. The genre also follows an action genre. This is shown through the action we see in the trailer, We see students using guns, we hear gun shots. These props are conventions of the movie following the action genre. As well as physically, there is a lot of verbal abuse being shown, which once again highlights the action genre.
R: There are students from different ethnical minorities who are being stereotyped and have been represented in a negative way. There are many different negative stereotypes, these inlude the way youths are represented. Many of them are from middle class working backgrounds. Some lof them live in estate type houses.
A: The importance of a trailer is un-describable. This is the one source that will visually attract the movies target market to actually watch the film. On a whole, appeal to everyone, this means that it will appeal to a wide audience from different ethnical backgrounds. The trailer itself has a wide variety of actors, we see many different actors from differnt backgrounds including white and black people. Therefore the movie will also be targeted at these people. The mixture of different actors will also bring in more audience for the movie.
I:There are issues such like racial profiling which is covered by the movie. The movie gives the audience an overview of what we se through the protagonists eyes. The difficulties she has to face. The vilonce and youth crime involved shows us about how time has changed since racism has been around. The movie has such a huge point to look at, because of the fact that it is based ona true story. We constantly hear about racism and with negative stereotypes it makes it harder to believe what is real. The movies authenticity makes it a success because it follows such real life issues and situations.
N:The opening of the trailer starts with Eva walking out of her house andthen running after someone has attempted to shoot her. It all comes down to the colour of your skin is a quote from the trailer and this will help me in my independant study vastly.
Review 1
"based on a remarkable true story and backed up by a hip-hop score."
This review gave an insight about how successful Freedom Writers was and how it was based on a story. It expalins the authenticity of the actual movie and jhow the represenatations of studenst was increadibly remarkable. This review will help me in my independant study as the critic talked about the way the characters had put themselves on screen to be successful.
Review 2
"I like movies with hope. I like movies with stillness. And with movement. Of the Heart."
The critic talks abotu how again the film follows real life story and how successful it was put together as an on screen production. It talks wbout how he emotionally engaged with the characters because of the moving dialouges and scenes that were shown. In goes to show the damsel in stress type scenario and how the actors all followed corrupted ways of living changed for the good.
Review 3
"Freedom writers is the latest in a long line of white suburban teacher goes to the ghetto and saves gangbangers movie"
This critic talks about the narrative of the movie along with the book and hiostory of the actual Erin Gruwell and how she moved the youths of Long Beach atthat time to be commited to her, and her class rather than the life of crime that they folllowed. The critic explains how Hillary Swank actually met all targets of Erin Gruwell and met a demading and leading role. These reviews will help me in my independat study as i gathered infornation that would help me answer my qquestion effectively.
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