This document discusses representation of different groups in media. It addresses representation of religions, with Christianity portrayed more positively than other religions like Islam. It notes Islam is often negatively depicted in controversial ways. Representation of women is discussed, noting they are still often judged on looks and magazines portray unrealistic standards. Men are also discussed, focusing on physique, strength, and relationships. Disability representation is changing but still uses disability for comedy at times or portrays stereotypes. Representation of age, ethnicity, and race are also issues discussed.
2. Religion
• Religion remains a major aspect of modern life and
faces much media scrutiny as a result. Different
religions are represented differently and often there is
a deep contrast between them, especially in western
media.
•
• In the Majority of the western world Christianity is the
main religion and as a result the media portrays it in a
more respectful manner than they might a lesser
practiced religion, although it is also a common subject
in many popular comedy shows.
3. Religion Continued
• Different religions have varying representations within the
media, for example Islam is a much talked about topic, often
adversely to it’s image. In western media Islam is a subject of
much controversy and some media outlets use this to get
people to click their news stories, In some cases companies
would make up things about Islam in order to invoke a
reaction from the viewer and make them more likely to click
headlines that involve Islam in the future. An example of this
is with a recent series of controversial news segments by
news giant Fox who falsely made claims that certain cities in
Europe, such as Birmingham and Paris, had no go zones if you
were not Muslim and you would be attacked for going to
those places.
• This type of Journalism is not uncommon for Fox as they are
synonymous with fabrication.
4. Religion Continued
• Religions other than Christianity and Islam are less often portrayed
in western media, in some countries they might have television
channels dedicated to this religion and it’s cultural aspects but in
broader media it is not often shown.
• The portrayal of Religion in films is also a controversial topic as
filmmakers are often accused of having a bias and contributing to
feelings of ‘Islamophobia’. The film ‘American Sniper’ has faced
much of this, as people are claiming that the message of the film is
to promote and anti-Muslim message.
• Religion within the media often conflicts with freedom of
expression as some followers of certain religions have problems
with people depicting their deities, prophets, etc. This is a current
issue in western media following the recent Charlie attacks on
satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. This causes great backlash to
peaceful followers of the religion, as it leads to the wider hate on
the peaceful majority.
5. Representation of Women
The representation of women in the
media has developed and adapted
to reflect cultural and sociology.
However, there are still some
sterotypical representation of
women in the media. Women still
tend to be judge on their looks and
appearance. The way how women is
constructed in texts like glamour
magazines is unrealistic and and
unattainable aspiration in the
audience.
6. Representation of Men
Men in the media are represented
differently from women but their
representation, like that of women has
changed in order to address society.
Representation of men in the media
tend to still focus on;
• Body image and physique
• Physical strength
• sexual attractiveness and
relationships with women
• Power and independence
7. Disability
• Disability is more often than not, accepted in
society in todays age, but the media still
portray a negative stereotype. Producers
sometimes use disability in a light hearted
manor, or for comical value, such as the
characters of Andy and Lou in Little Britain .
8. Disability Continued
• Disability is also used in a less comical value, in the
T.V. series Breaking Bad. The character Walt Jr, has
Cerebral Palsy, and he is not portrayed negatively, as
he is accepted in the daily life of all of the other
characters, and his disability isn’t seen as a burden.
This shows that producers are also starting to accept
disability in shows and films.
9. Disability continued
• There were some stereotypes that were
identified that are associated with disability. They
are :
1. The disabled person as pitiable or pathetic
2. An object of curiosity or violence
3. Sinister or evil
4. The ‘super cripple’
5. A burden to peoples daily lives
6. Not being able to take part in day to day activities
