2. Representation
Representation is how various groups are displayed. For
example, a group may be represented by a character who fits
their stereotypes. Examples of this are TV shows like The Only
Way is Essex which attempts to represent the Essex community
as shallow and clumsy. However, it does not always have to be
stereotypical, nor does it have to be negative. In some TV
shows, different groups are represented quite positively.
3. Stereotypes
A stereotype is widely accepted generalisation of a particular
group. It does not necessarily have to be true, rather it simply
has to be accepted. Various differences in groups that are
commonly subjected to stereotypes are:
• Gender
• Age
• Ethnicity
• Sexuality
• Class and Status
• Physically and Mentally Disability
• Regional Location
4. Verisimilitude
Verisimilitude is how similar to real life a TV show is. It doesn’t
always have to deviate from stereotypes, but it can be quite
similar to them. Usually, TV shows with a high verisimilitude are
subject to one or two stereotypes, though never all since it
would become satirical. Verisimilitude does not have to be a
consistent factor, as some TV shows that are realistic about one
aspect can be quite lenient about the reality of another.
5. Gender
Gender is shown in various ways in the Media. It is usually
characterises a character by their masculinity or femininity. It
defines the way in which a certain character acts or behaves
around others. Gender carries with it lots of stereotypes and
representations, some true and some false.
6. Age
Age is a very prevalent subject within media, and is probably
one of the more similarly represented aspects of the media. The
verisimilitude of each of the different representations do not
usually vary by much across different productions, and different
ages are represented in the same way.
7. Ethnicity
Ethnicity is probably one of the more sensitive subjects in the
media. Some productions represent different ethnicities in
different ways. This is not always as simple as white people
versus black people, or any other stereotypes. It exists for all
ethinic groups and is not always as biased as in other series.
8. Sexuality
Your sexuality is defined by your sexual orientation. This could
be describe through your bisexuality, homosexuality or
heterosexuality. It generally shows up in different shows with
various stigmas attached to it. However, it does not necessarily
mean that gay men act like women or lesbians act like men all of
the time.
9. Class & Status
Status defines the power an individual has over a certain group
of people. Class refers to an individual’s background and
lifestyle, as is generally a combination of the two, as well as their
wealth. One can have status within their own class of people,
and more class within their own status.
