Representation In The Media - Stereotypes

Constructing a Stereotype

A Teenage Black Male - North London. Typical stereotype = Criminal/Thug.

1.Camera Angles, Shots and Composition:
Long shots, or mid shots will be used a lot to show the miseenscene, for example if there was a shot of the character walking down a high street, a long shot would be used to show their clothing the surrounding area and anybody around them particularly if part of a gang, this type of shot would also show any passer by reaction to the group. Close ups could reveal certain features, guns, weapons etc. Tracking shots could also be used to show pace and tempo during certain scenes such as a chase scene.

2.Editing:
Short sharp camera shot changes and scene changes.

3.Sound:
Non Diagetic - Typical music that could accompany these types of characters throughout a text could be grime (originated in London) or hip hop records; these types of music contain certain elements, electronic elements, synth, dark guttural base lines, fierce, offensive lyrics and sound. Will be SYNCHRONOUS and fit the mood of the scene.

Diagetic: These characters may be associated with drugs, violence and crime, so sound effects such as gun shots and other effects that pair with violence (think fight scenes, the sound of a punch, baseball bat etc.). Also cars, bikes, mopeds used to get around local area or council estates. Typical sounds - cars passing by, shop door bell, phones etc.

4.Misenscene:
Dark gritty dim areas, council estates, parks, run down high streets etc, cheap fast food restaurants (think Maryland). CLothing could include tracksuits, hoodies, caps, bandanas, trainers etc. Other people may be associated with the characters in the scene, for example if they where part of a gang. Props could include weapons, drugs, money (Camera and editing will pick up on these.) Diagetic lighting street lighting (lamp posts) car lights. Graffiti, Litter.

Through stereotypes the director is trying to convince you what is real, and get across a norm to an audience for that text. However this will not be what is typically normal in everyday life, but what may be normal to that character in a text.