With reference to any one group of people that you have studied, discuss how their identity has been mediated?
Mediated—Media create representation
5 theorists relevant to youth and one on stereotypes
Stanley Hall – 1904
Dick Hebdige – 1988
Bill Osgerby – 1998
Cohen - 1972
Andy Medhurst – 1998
Gauntlet – 2002
Stanley Hall-
“ Adolescence is inherently a time of storm & stress when all young people go through some degree of emotional and behavioural upheaval, before establishing a more stable equilibrium at adulthood." Hall also argued that:
1. The common mood of teenagers is a state of depression.
2. Criminal activity increases between the ages of 12 & 24.
3. Young people are extreme and need excitement; “Youth must have excitement and if this is not at hand in the form of moral intellectual enthusiasms it is more prone to be sought in; sex, drink or drugs.”
Bill Osgerby-
Osgerby goes onto argue that; “The portrayal of youth is not entirely pessimistic,” he argues that “Mixed metaphors” appear when analysing the representation of youth. He claims; “Dual stereotyping of youth,” creates these mixed metaphors that Dick Hebdige (1988) termed; “Youth as fun,” and “Youth as trouble maker.”
Cohen-
Media pick on something negative and blow it out of proportion and make it people dislike others.
Medhurst-
Awful because they are not like us
Theorist ANDY MEDHURST (1998) claims that sexuality disrupt representation claims, like those made by Dyer (“How we are seen determines in part how we are treated; how we treat others on how we see them; such seeing comes from representation” Dyer, 1993), because in the REAL world you cannot ‘see’ sexuality. Unless someone tells you they are homosexual you have no way of knowing.
Gaunlet-
Due to advances in technology the boundaries between producers and consumers have changed, as now anyone can be the producer of a media text.
Awful because they are not like us
Theorist ANDY MEDHURST (1998) claims that sexuality disrupt representation claims, like those made by Dyer (“How we are seen determines in part how we are treated; how we treat others on how we see them; such seeing comes from representation” Dyer, 1993), because in the REAL world you cannot ‘see’ sexuality. Unless someone tells you they are homosexual you have no way of knowing.
Gaunlet-
Due to advances in technology the boundaries between producers and consumers have changed, as now anyone can be the producer of a media text.
Introduction
The war years √
No Sub Groups√
1950s
Teenager Invented√
1960s
The rocker X
The Mod X
The Hippie X
1970s
Hippie X
Disco X
Punks X
1980s
Skin Head X
Raver X
Contemporary media
The war years √
No Sub Groups√
1950s
Teenager Invented√
1960s
The rocker X
The Mod X
The Hippie X
1970s
Hippie X
Disco X
Punks X
1980s
Skin Head X
Raver X
Contemporary media
Over the past 100 years the way the media has portrayed ‘Youth’ in different ways has changed and has therefore taken a downturn. The rise of negativity around the way that youth act comes from a few key factors that have happened and therefore I will be discussing this within my extract. To further explain this I will run through the Decades and speak about the relating theorist.
The War Years Youth was presented as positive by the British Media mainly to help them enrol. Quotes from the Sunday Pictorial say, “Our men do not slacken in their efforts” and a quote from the Daily Mail saying “British troops were taking a well earned rest from a gruelling mornings training”. All of these quotes support my theory and show that Young men are the working heroes.
Hebdige and Halls negative theory’s about youth being trouble and they have to seek fun by drugs etc. is opposing the stereotype in the war years. This is because the young teens do not seek fun through bad ways but instead they do something that is Heroic. In addition these theories have been linking to youth for the last 100 years.
In both; The Witch We Serve and The Way Ahead, I can see a Direct relation to the News paper article and how they portrayed Youth. Within the films they show that the young teens are working and trying to get through the vigorous war period, In addition they are the leading work force for the artillery.
Personally I believe that a lot of the War characters are seen as heroic as soon as they pass the training whereas I see that the soldiers are very brave and have demanding roles yet I believe not all are necessarily heroes.
The 1950's:
Quotes -
"Flick knives, Dance Music and Edwardian suits," ( Daily Mirror, 1953)
" War on Teddy Boys - Menace in the streets of Britain's Cities, " ( Sunday Dispatch, 1955)
" Teddy Boy Razor Gang Hunt Spreading," ( Harold Hill News and Advertiser, 1954)
The 1950's was very much about the Teddy Boys and the Teenagers. The Teddy Boys were Working Class Individuals that wore long jackets and Velvets Collars. Following this they wore Drainpipe trousers and Suede Shoes, This style is categorised as Edwardian Fashion. In general the Stereotype for the 50s changed from the Heroic stereotype of the War years to a more Criminally minded set of Individuals.
These individuals were Categorised as Teenagers in the early 50's, However the term Teenager was Mediated in the way of "Trouble and Fun" ( Bill Osgerby ) Which therefore links in with the "flick Knives, Dance Music and Edwardian Suits, " Daily Mirror 1953). Flick Knives were very much Linking with Stanley Halls Theory as it Connotes Trouble and Violence.
Within the film 'The Blue Lamp', We see the lead Protagonist George(Young Teen) shooting a Policeman with a Gun.This supports Stanley Halls 1904 Theory " Storm And Stress Model", There by I can Conclude that the 1950's was Mediated well and was not portrayed In a opposing way.
Youth was Predominately seen as "Awful because there not like us" (Andy Medhurst 1988) for the past 100 years as they can be seen under a Negative Light. Apart from the Heroic title in the War years that wore of at the end of the way. Society is seen as being affected by the youth Era.
1960s:
The Beatles: "A Hard Days Night" (Comedy Film)
A Journalist asked Ringo Starr "Are you a Mod or a Rocker?"
Ringo Starr replied " Neither, I’m a Mocker"
The 1960's was the age of the Youth. The post war teen's were categorised into three groups, the Mods, Rockers and Hippies. When Ringo Starr replied to the journalist saying " I'm a Mocker", it goes against the Media stereotypes of youth. This reference was seen within ‘ A Hard Days Night’ in which the Beatles where featured. By Ringo Starr replying in this manner it goes against the typical stereotype of what Mods and Rockers are and ultimately goes against them as it shows a rebellious attitude as it diverts from the Media.
(Daily Mirror 1964)
“Wild ones beat up Margate.”
(Daily Mirror 1965)
“Wild ones invade seaside-97 arrests.”
Within the three groups the Mods and the Rockers where the one who predominately clashed in opinion and therefore physical violence. This was a common occurrence in the 60’s therefore meaning that the Media at something to head line and stereotype. By releasing headlines aimed at the groups it put a negative stereotype on them and it had even more relevance to Ringo Stars ‘Mocker’ Quote.
Although the majority of the 60’s seemed a mess the headline positivity came from the Beatles. They where a group of singers who didn't promote any violence, and who gained financial success.
This was noticed in the media as they subverted from the norm and still made it further than most, with both their music and the appearance in the film ‘A Hard Days Night’. Critic Leslie Halliwell described the film as a “Comic Fantasia with music; an enormous commercial success with the director trying every cinematic gag in the book”
1970’s
“The filth and fury” - Daily Mirror
“Drugs kill punk star Sid Vicious” - Daily Mail
“Tv fury at rock cult filth” - Daily Mirror
The youth in the 70’s was again portrayed in a negative way. The three quotes were pulled from two popular newspapers in the 70’s and they show a commonality of aggressive words such as ‘Filth’.
This negativity was aimed at the three groups of this time, the; Discos, Hippies and Punks. Out of the three the Punks were known as the most disruptive, although most popular amongst the youth, and these quotes would have been directed at this Youth group.
The quotes show that drugs were a major factor in the 70’s and led to a majority of illnesses and Riots within the groups. Further more it killed the famous Sid Vicious. Another key trend was the appearance which to the punks didn't matter. Gothic makeup and Crazy hair showed them as a rebellion bunch of criminals just from their appearance.
Another cause for the negativity was the newly released Contraception Pill. For young Women, the pill mainly effected their lifestyle. However, women who took the pill for 10+ years where less likely to get cancer in the womb or the ovaries. The criticism of the pill was that people who only use it as contraception would be at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease such as STI’s. Women were not reliant on condoms which meant this diseases were getting highly common in the 1970’s.
A Clockwork Orange (1972)
A Crime film directed by Stanley Kubrick which is based upon Anthony Burgess 1962 novel ‘ A Clockwork Orange’.
This was a highly renowned film and was a must watch in the 70’s as it related to the ever so popular Punks. However, this film was very disturbing as it consisted of a lot of raping and murder. Due to this very disturbing and inappropriate nature the film was ultimately banned in the UK for 25 years in cinemas due to the fact the ‘Copycat Crime’ was being recreated in real life.
To say that this was being recreated was a big reminder that Punks had a big effect on the youth at them time and that they believed the punks were correct in their actions.
1980's:
“The filth and fury” - Daily Mirror
“Drugs kill punk star Sid Vicious” - Daily Mail
“Tv fury at rock cult filth” - Daily Mirror
The youth in the 70’s was again portrayed in a negative way. The three quotes were pulled from two popular newspapers in the 70’s and they show a commonality of aggressive words such as ‘Filth’.
This negativity was aimed at the three groups of this time, the; Discos, Hippies and Punks. Out of the three the Punks were known as the most disruptive, although most popular amongst the youth, and these quotes would have been directed at this Youth group.
The quotes show that drugs were a major factor in the 70’s and led to a majority of illnesses and Riots within the groups. Further more it killed the famous Sid Vicious. Another key trend was the appearance which to the punks didn't matter. Gothic makeup and Crazy hair showed them as a rebellion bunch of criminals just from their appearance.
Another cause for the negativity was the newly released Contraception Pill. For young Women, the pill mainly effected their lifestyle. However, women who took the pill for 10+ years where less likely to get cancer in the womb or the ovaries. The criticism of the pill was that people who only use it as contraception would be at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease such as STI’s. Women were not reliant on condoms which meant this diseases were getting highly common in the 1970’s.
A Clockwork Orange (1972)
A Crime film directed by Stanley Kubrick which is based upon Anthony Burgess 1962 novel ‘ A Clockwork Orange’.
This was a highly renowned film and was a must watch in the 70’s as it related to the ever so popular Punks. However, this film was very disturbing as it consisted of a lot of raping and murder. Due to this very disturbing and inappropriate nature the film was ultimately banned in the UK for 25 years in cinemas due to the fact the ‘Copycat Crime’ was being recreated in real life.
To say that this was being recreated was a big reminder that Punks had a big effect on the youth at them time and that they believed the punks were correct in their actions.
1980's:
Skin heads and ravers was the current look of youths in the 80's. A massive shock that happened in the early 80's was the assassination of John Lennon.Prime minister Margaret Thatcher made some big decisions in the 80s', which changed the country in many ways, but also upset a lot of people. These decisions lead to skin heads and others alike to riot. Young men sent to fight in the Falklands war were seen positively and named ‘lads’ according to a newspaper article published in May 1982.
1990's:
Media as per usual suggested the 1990's were dominated by rave culture, with ecstasy being a popular drug at the time. As for fashion it was very grunge and consisted of alot of baggy clothing. This era was very much about the technology starting of with the Internet being turned on and game devices such as the Gameboy where being created. However these were very expensive to buy so you would have had to have very wealthy parents.
Kurt Cobain the main singer and guitarist from Nirvana, shot and killed himself on April 5th, 1994 following a bout of depression. This relates to Stanley Halls's 1904 theory stating that youth are always depressed.Youths were looking up alot to Cobain as they were banned from TV from swearing. This also lead to them smashing up a studio at top of the pops.
A film called human traffic was all about raves and drugs,therefore proving Dick Hebdige's 1988 theory that youth is trouble and fun. "Spaced out, 11,000 youngsters go drug crazy at Britain's biggest-ever acid party."- The Sun June 1990. This newspaper headline clearly fits with Stanley Hall's 1904 theory of young people seeking excitement through drugs, alcohol and criminal behaviour. Trainspotting is a 1996 British dark comedy drama film directed by Danny Boyle, features youths taking huge amounts of heroin and the daily highs and lows of their day to day life. This therefore fits Stanley Hall's theory of young people seeking excitement through criminal behaviour drugs, drink and sex.
2000 - Now
Social media was a key part of the Naughties and produced some of the biggest and most popular sites to this day. For example Face book and you tube were released in 2004, closely followed by Bebo, 2005 and twitter 2006.
Gauntlet 2008 "Technological advances meant anyone could become a producer of a media text" From this quote, I can see that youths had a good chance to represent them selves in a positive way, however this was not really the case. Starting of was the massive problem of Online Bullying which lead to people commuting1 suicide due to the stress from the bullies.
In addition, people advertised on social media that there was going to be a house party which lead to house/gate crashing as the expected 10-30 people ended up being 100's.
The media had a very negative impact on some peoples lives. CHAV's (Council House And Violent) appeared in the 2000's they were a group of people who stereotypically dressed and matching tracksuits and trainers and lived in council estates. Emo's also emerged, these were a group that dressed in dark colours.From 2010 onwards Chavs were referred to as road men.
Coming on from the 1990's, legal highs with ecstasy were more popular than ever. More and more women are dying from taking ecstasy. It has been scientifically proven to kill more women than men. Although possible for men to die, it was more common for women as Ecstasy made people dehydrated and women carry more than me. This makes you drink lots of water, but the drug doesn't let the water leave your body, because women store more water, they effectively drown in their own body.
"Two women die after taking drugs as one is killed by ecstasy and another has fatal reaction to a legal high"- Daily mail 2013. This article shows the fatal effects of both popular types of drug at the time. This relates to Osgerby's theory of youths being mixed metaphors of trouble and fun- 1998.
Inbetweeners Movie 2011
Billy Elliot 2000
Movies from this time link directly with Stanley Hall's theory which says that "youth need sex and alcohol to have fun". "The Inbetweeners Movie" was a key example of this. This movie was predominately based upon sex, alcohol and partying. Which is showing of more of a negative stereotype to some people. However earlier on in the decade both Billy Elliot and the Harry Potter franchise (2001-2011) shows of a more positive look upon the youth culture, they did this by showing of the more intelligent and geeky side.
As for the portrayal of youth over the last 100 years, I believe it has been seen in a fairly negative light.
I believe this is because of the was that the media has depicted youths in a way that is not fair or sometime truthful. They have taken parts of the youth culture and applied it to all of the teens in that time. This can therefore link to Medhurst's 1998 theory about how the media blow things out of proportion.
This negative outlook was starting to wear of in the more recent year due to the media realising that negativity was not gaining any more money but in fact telling the truth was more beneficial for them as seen in the Harry potter series. This is mainly due to the fact that youths are not seen as bad and therefore are not part of the moral panic. Linking to Cohen's 1972 theory.
