Monday 14 December 2009
.. MEST 4 Xmas Task #4 ..
ADDITIONAL WEB RESEARCH ..
Media Guardian ...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/oct/05/london-black-children-awards
"When it comes to imagery surrounding black youngsters, I'm used to the relentlessly negative – knife crime, underachievement, family breakdown, we've all seen it."
This quote can be very useful within the essay, as it shows a glimpse of audience theory when watxchin the news, for example the hypodermic needle can be shown hrough this quote as it shows people watch the news and automatically agree or intake this information and believe what is being shown.
Media Litreacy ...
http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/resources/articles/diversity/media_minorities.cfm
"constant negative messages may be to marginalize minorities as irrelevant or as a threat to society."
"Minorities are likely to suffer when depicted as a "social problem" or as "having problems" typical of "others" or "foreigners." They come across as violent and emotionally unstable "
These quotes back up the idea of what ethinc minorites face when their steretotypes are put into perspective within UK News. Also this would link to Stuart Halls theory as he acknowledges the black man as the enemy or the violent type.
Film Education ...
http://www.filmeducation.org/resources/film_library/getfilm.php?film=1604
"Kidulthood takes you deep into London's unseen and delivers a gritty, hard-hitting reflection of what life is really like for 21st century teenagers."
As this film will be one of the main film texts i will be focussing on, this quote allows me to show that the film goes into dpeht foccusing on the investgation i will be looking at - black teenagers. Kidulthood shows how stereotypical teengaers live thei life, this involves gun and knife crime as well as sex, drugs and alchohol. This film can also be linked to the idea that the film may add detail to the moral panic that black teenagers are disobedient.
Screen Online ...
http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/480497/index.html
"The film focuses on one black teenager, and his attempt to find his way in a white-dominated society. Black awareness meeting is violently raided by the police, and Anthony sees these 'organised forces of repression' at work, his political awakening begins."
The reason why the film "Pressure" (1975) will connect with this investigation would be due to the reason that i can compare this film with Kidulthood, as they both have a similar storyline, hwever it will allow me to explore whether there have been changes within the time period, also how audience theory could have been different with both storylines. Also as Pressure was the first Black British film to be made, the film can be explored as this may have been the first stereotypical view that was portrayed towards the British public.
Media Guardian ...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/oct/05/london-black-children-awards
"When it comes to imagery surrounding black youngsters, I'm used to the relentlessly negative – knife crime, underachievement, family breakdown, we've all seen it."
This quote can be very useful within the essay, as it shows a glimpse of audience theory when watxchin the news, for example the hypodermic needle can be shown hrough this quote as it shows people watch the news and automatically agree or intake this information and believe what is being shown.
Media Litreacy ...
http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/resources/articles/diversity/media_minorities.cfm
"constant negative messages may be to marginalize minorities as irrelevant or as a threat to society."
"Minorities are likely to suffer when depicted as a "social problem" or as "having problems" typical of "others" or "foreigners." They come across as violent and emotionally unstable "
These quotes back up the idea of what ethinc minorites face when their steretotypes are put into perspective within UK News. Also this would link to Stuart Halls theory as he acknowledges the black man as the enemy or the violent type.
Film Education ...
http://www.filmeducation.org/resources/film_library/getfilm.php?film=1604
"Kidulthood takes you deep into London's unseen and delivers a gritty, hard-hitting reflection of what life is really like for 21st century teenagers."
As this film will be one of the main film texts i will be focussing on, this quote allows me to show that the film goes into dpeht foccusing on the investgation i will be looking at - black teenagers. Kidulthood shows how stereotypical teengaers live thei life, this involves gun and knife crime as well as sex, drugs and alchohol. This film can also be linked to the idea that the film may add detail to the moral panic that black teenagers are disobedient.
Screen Online ...
http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/480497/index.html
"The film focuses on one black teenager, and his attempt to find his way in a white-dominated society. Black awareness meeting is violently raided by the police, and Anthony sees these 'organised forces of repression' at work, his political awakening begins."
The reason why the film "Pressure" (1975) will connect with this investigation would be due to the reason that i can compare this film with Kidulthood, as they both have a similar storyline, hwever it will allow me to explore whether there have been changes within the time period, also how audience theory could have been different with both storylines. Also as Pressure was the first Black British film to be made, the film can be explored as this may have been the first stereotypical view that was portrayed towards the British public.
.. MEST 4 Xmas Task #3 ...
HISTORICAL TEXT ANALYSIS & RESEARCH ...
The main text I have decided to focus on and carry out a close historical textual analysis of are tabloid newspapers. The reason for this is because it allows me to investigate the racist differences between a tabloid and broadsheet paper, and also how tabloid newspapers stereotype against black teenagers from the past compared to today's modern day.
The main example i have chosen to analyse is a 1993 Article on the murder charges of the Stephen Lawrence case.
The main text I have decided to focus on and carry out a close historical textual analysis of are tabloid newspapers. The reason for this is because it allows me to investigate the racist differences between a tabloid and broadsheet paper, and also how tabloid newspapers stereotype against black teenagers from the past compared to today's modern day.
The main example i have chosen to analyse is a 1993 Article on the murder charges of the Stephen Lawrence case.
'Race murder' charges dropped!
Alan Travis, Home Affairs Editor The Guardian,Friday 30 July 1993 14.58.
Fears of renewed racial violence in south-east London were raised yesterday after charges against two teenagers accused of murdering a black schoolboy, Stephen Lawrence , were dropped.
The Crown Prosecution Service said there was 'insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of a conviction' in a case which has sparked anti-racist demonstrations across London.
The two boys, aged 16 and 17, both from Lewisham, had been accused of stabbing to death Stephen Lawrence , aged 18, at a bus stop in Eltham, south-east London, in April in what police described as an 'outrageous and senseless' racially motivated attack. They were due to be committed for trial next week.
Stephen Lawrence 's family , who were visited by the African National Congress leader, Nelson Mandela, when he was last in London, said they were devastated by the decision. 'We were constantly told by the police to trust them and that they were doing all they could. It obviously wasn't good enough. As Nelson Mandela told us, 'Black lives are cheap',' said Cheryl Sloley, Stephen's aunt.
His parents were to travel back from Jamaica, where they took their son's body for burial, for next week's hearing. At his funeral in Woolwich last month, Stephen's father, Neville, called for the closure of the British National Party headquarters in nearby Welling.
Stephen, who was an A level student and hoped to become an architect, was with a friend waiting to catch a bus home when they were set upon by a group of four to six white youths.
Scotland Yard, whose detectives have interviewed 2,500 people, refused to comment on the CPS decision but said the murder inquiry would continue. Two teenagers arrested on May 7 remain on police bail.
The family's solicitor, Imran Khan, said he feared the decision could spark local racial unrest. 'It is quite unbelievable that the police have been unable to secure the evidence required to commit these youths for trial after three months.'
Peter Bottomley, Conservative MP for Eltham, said he was surprised by the decision but appealed to the local community not to take the law into its own hands, warning that only injustice would follow. He urged the Attorney-General to ask the CPS for a full explanation of their decision. 'We have to trust the CPS.'
But the Anti-Racist Alliance last night claimed the decision proved that 'there is something rotten at the heart of the Crown Prosecution Service when it deals with racist murders' and demanded that racial violence be made a specific criminal offence.
The article puts into perspective the position of black people within society, as it proved that young black teenagers may feel they have no justice over police officers, therefore causing moral panics in society that the UK police force is racist. Therefore putting the question "How society has changed over the years and how these changes are reflected in different media texts", can be quite easily proven. The main change within this particular text would be the idea of justice not being given to black youth when involved with crime or the police. Media texts such as films like Kidulthood and Adulthood empathise the view that black teenagers don't get justice when involved in crime. For example in Kidulthood, when a young black teenager dies, the murder only suffers 4 years in jail rather than life. Also media texts such as Contemporary UK News that is broadcasted on TV, may differ as certain story lines are broadcasted in order to show people what they need to know, " its constructed versions of events usually serve dominant interests" Branston, Gill (2003) : The Media Students Book. New York: Routledge. This quote therefore shows what kind of impact this will have on a n audience as they are only shown relevant information rather than fair and realistic views that commence society today.
When comparing this article to my contemporary article, it shows that most articles today written abut black teenagers focus more on the idea that not enough positive imagery or representation of black teenagers are portrayed enough in the UK News. This therefore shows a change in society as some articles may show that not all black teenagers are related to crime, and also some articles show that justice is taken when dealing with other crime related cases.
On the idea of whether or not this text is similar or different to a more contemporary text, it shows that there has been a change in the way articles are written, however stereotypes and representations are still portrayed in a slight same way as black teenagers a re still associated with gun and knife crime or being members of gangs.
MEST 4 Xmas Task #2 ...
Additional Reading ...
O'Sullivan, Tim, Jewkes Yvonne(2004):Media Studies Reader.London Great Britain:Arnold Publishers
" Black people have largely portrayed as part of the mainstream middle class, which does not accuratley reflect the lives of many blacks who find themselves excluded from such a life in advanced capitalist societies", Page: 155
Williams, Kevin (2003) : Understanding Media Theory. London: Arnold.
"The two concepts most commonly used to discuss representation are 'bias' and the 'stereotype'." - Page 123
" The potential to marginalise such groups and give rise to social prejudices" - Page 124
The reason why this book links to my critical investigation is because it explains and analyses how stereotypes are represented through the media including racial stereotypes, therefore as a result of my investigation, this will help me to focus on black stereotypical representations that are shown through the media and how people react to these representations.
Laughey, Dan (2009) : Media Studies. Theories and Approaches. Harpenden: Kamera Books.
"Hall Claims that Ethnic minorities are continually misrepresented by racial (and racist) stereotypes" - Page 78
Hall, Stuart et al (eds), (1972-79) Culture, Media Language: Working Papers in Cultural Studies. London: Hutchinson.
Firstly the Number 2 Book, is very specific to my investigation as it covers main theories and theorists that focus on stereotypes and representations within the media, however mainly focusing on racial stereotypes, again this is beneficial to my studies as it allows me to go more into depth about different theorists that have studied a similar investigation. Book number 3 also allows me to focus on a famous theorist "Stuart Hall". Hall studies how black ethnic males are represented through society and how an audience sees them.
Burton, Graeme (2002): More Than Meets The Eye. London: Arnold.
" we may ask where our views, our images, come from" - Page 139
"representations emphasize diffrence between a given group and the views and values of those in mainstream culture" - Page 38
The reason why i have chosen to research this book us because, the book focuses on different representations are shown through the media, comparing British and American types of representations. This therefore allows me to study more in depth about how British cultural racial stereotypes are different compared to American racial representations within the media.
Eldridge, J ( 1993) : Greeting the Message : News, Truth and Power, London: Routledge.
This book is very beneficial to my investigation, although the book is not dated in a more experienced time limit, the focus of representations within the news is very specific to my investigation. The book focuses on the objectification of the news being bias and how the audience intake news stories. This therefore allows me to focus on how ethnic minorities are represented through the news and how the audience react when watching the news.
Branston, Gill (2003) : The Media Students Book. New York: Routledge.
"Its constructed versions of events usually serve dominant interests" - Page 134
" content analysis tries to assess the frequency with qhich a certain carefully chosen category appears in media texts."- Page 95
This book focuses on UK news and how dominant ideologies, stereotypes and vies are represented through the news. This book will therefore will allow me to research how UK news has to be broadcast ed and to what extent of negative stereotypes are shown through the news and whether or not this will have an impact on the audience watching.
Black, Geoff (2008) : Revision Express Media Studies. England : Pearson.
" every news story is influenced by the attitudes and background of its interviewers, writers, photographers and editors" - Page 103
" as you know, most news depends on binary oppositions to establish a story (good/bad) so any story which represents a group or individual as dangerous will end up classifying them as 'bad' and therefore what we call 'deviant'" - Page 147
The reason why this quote and book is beneficial to my investigation is from the idea that news reports have an institution behind them, this therefore will have my investigation more in depth as i can focus on who produces the news reports and who broadcast what is shown on TV, i can also go more into depth by finding out if there are any specific types of organisations formed where people may complain about news reports if they believe something is done wrong by.
Nicholas, Joe (1998) : Advanced Studies in Media. London: Nelson.
" the media can also offer help by broadcasting or printing appeals to the public. Sometimes this involves deception, for example there may be a public declaration that robbers have stolen £1million when in fact they have stolen much less, in the hope that this might make the thieves fall out. "
This quote from the book refers to the idea that the UK news could be sensationalised, and this therefore has an impact on the audience as they may intake this information and believe what is right and wrong within society, and what type of people are dangers within society.
Masterman, L (1985): Teaching the Media. Routledge.
"Students cannot claim to be media literate if they are incapable of reading a newspaper with an informed and critical eye"
O'Sullivan, Tim, Jewkes Yvonne(2004):Media Studies Reader.London Great Britain:Arnold Publishers
" Black people have largely portrayed as part of the mainstream middle class, which does not accuratley reflect the lives of many blacks who find themselves excluded from such a life in advanced capitalist societies", Page: 155
Williams, Kevin (2003) : Understanding Media Theory. London: Arnold.
"The two concepts most commonly used to discuss representation are 'bias' and the 'stereotype'." - Page 123
" The potential to marginalise such groups and give rise to social prejudices" - Page 124
The reason why this book links to my critical investigation is because it explains and analyses how stereotypes are represented through the media including racial stereotypes, therefore as a result of my investigation, this will help me to focus on black stereotypical representations that are shown through the media and how people react to these representations.
Laughey, Dan (2009) : Media Studies. Theories and Approaches. Harpenden: Kamera Books.
"Hall Claims that Ethnic minorities are continually misrepresented by racial (and racist) stereotypes" - Page 78
Hall, Stuart et al (eds), (1972-79) Culture, Media Language: Working Papers in Cultural Studies. London: Hutchinson.
Firstly the Number 2 Book, is very specific to my investigation as it covers main theories and theorists that focus on stereotypes and representations within the media, however mainly focusing on racial stereotypes, again this is beneficial to my studies as it allows me to go more into depth about different theorists that have studied a similar investigation. Book number 3 also allows me to focus on a famous theorist "Stuart Hall". Hall studies how black ethnic males are represented through society and how an audience sees them.
Burton, Graeme (2002): More Than Meets The Eye. London: Arnold.
" we may ask where our views, our images, come from" - Page 139
"representations emphasize diffrence between a given group and the views and values of those in mainstream culture" - Page 38
The reason why i have chosen to research this book us because, the book focuses on different representations are shown through the media, comparing British and American types of representations. This therefore allows me to study more in depth about how British cultural racial stereotypes are different compared to American racial representations within the media.
Eldridge, J ( 1993) : Greeting the Message : News, Truth and Power, London: Routledge.
This book is very beneficial to my investigation, although the book is not dated in a more experienced time limit, the focus of representations within the news is very specific to my investigation. The book focuses on the objectification of the news being bias and how the audience intake news stories. This therefore allows me to focus on how ethnic minorities are represented through the news and how the audience react when watching the news.
Branston, Gill (2003) : The Media Students Book. New York: Routledge.
"Its constructed versions of events usually serve dominant interests" - Page 134
" content analysis tries to assess the frequency with qhich a certain carefully chosen category appears in media texts."- Page 95
This book focuses on UK news and how dominant ideologies, stereotypes and vies are represented through the news. This book will therefore will allow me to research how UK news has to be broadcast ed and to what extent of negative stereotypes are shown through the news and whether or not this will have an impact on the audience watching.
Black, Geoff (2008) : Revision Express Media Studies. England : Pearson.
" every news story is influenced by the attitudes and background of its interviewers, writers, photographers and editors" - Page 103
" as you know, most news depends on binary oppositions to establish a story (good/bad) so any story which represents a group or individual as dangerous will end up classifying them as 'bad' and therefore what we call 'deviant'" - Page 147
The reason why this quote and book is beneficial to my investigation is from the idea that news reports have an institution behind them, this therefore will have my investigation more in depth as i can focus on who produces the news reports and who broadcast what is shown on TV, i can also go more into depth by finding out if there are any specific types of organisations formed where people may complain about news reports if they believe something is done wrong by.
Nicholas, Joe (1998) : Advanced Studies in Media. London: Nelson.
" the media can also offer help by broadcasting or printing appeals to the public. Sometimes this involves deception, for example there may be a public declaration that robbers have stolen £1million when in fact they have stolen much less, in the hope that this might make the thieves fall out. "
This quote from the book refers to the idea that the UK news could be sensationalised, and this therefore has an impact on the audience as they may intake this information and believe what is right and wrong within society, and what type of people are dangers within society.
Masterman, L (1985): Teaching the Media. Routledge.
"Students cannot claim to be media literate if they are incapable of reading a newspaper with an informed and critical eye"
.. Target of 5 More Useful Internet Sites ...
Marxist Media Theory.
http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/marxism/marxism11.html
Without role models, black youth is prey to underworld culture.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2007/aug/12/race.ukcrime
Black Youth and Mass Media: Current Research
and Emerging Questions.
http://www.rcgd.isr.umich.edu/prba/perspectives/winter2000/cwatkins.pdf
The phenomena of Black youth crime and how Black youths are portrayed in the media in the
United Kingdom.
http://www.internetjournalofcriminology.com/Ndubuisi%20-%20Phenomena%20of%20Black%20Youth%20Crime%20and%20Media%20Reporting.pdf
OFF BALANCE: Youth, Race & Crime in the News
http://www.buildingblocksforyouth.org/media/factsheet.html
http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/marxism/marxism11.html
Without role models, black youth is prey to underworld culture.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2007/aug/12/race.ukcrime
Black Youth and Mass Media: Current Research
and Emerging Questions.
http://www.rcgd.isr.umich.edu/prba/perspectives/winter2000/cwatkins.pdf
The phenomena of Black youth crime and how Black youths are portrayed in the media in the
United Kingdom.
http://www.internetjournalofcriminology.com/Ndubuisi%20-%20Phenomena%20of%20Black%20Youth%20Crime%20and%20Media%20Reporting.pdf
OFF BALANCE: Youth, Race & Crime in the News
http://www.buildingblocksforyouth.org/media/factsheet.html
Friday 11 December 2009
.. Links Useful to my Critical Investigation ..
Teenagers Investigate Gun and Knife Crime.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2008/01/07/headlines_youthcrime_feature.shtml
Black Youths Being 'Left to die'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk7580207.stm
How tough battle for Black representations was won.
http://www.the-lastest.com/how-tough-battle%C2%A0-black-representation-was-won
Black Youth Empowerment
http://byempowerment.blogspot.com/2007/03/black-and-asian-youth-representation_22.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2008/01/07/headlines_youthcrime_feature.shtml
Black Youths Being 'Left to die'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk7580207.stm
How tough battle for Black representations was won.
http://www.the-lastest.com/how-tough-battle%C2%A0-black-representation-was-won
Black Youth Empowerment
http://byempowerment.blogspot.com/2007/03/black-and-asian-youth-representation_22.html
.. Bibliography ..
10 Books Related to Critical Investigation
1) Williams, Kevin (2003) : Understanding Media Theory. London: Arnold.
"The two concepts most commonly used to discuss representation are 'bias' and the 'stereotype'." - Page 123
" The potential to marginalise such groups and give rise to social prejudices" - Page 124
The reason why this book links to my critical investigation is because it explains and analyses how stereotypes are represented through the media including racial stereotypes, therefore as a result of my investigation, this will help me to focus on black stereotypical representations that are shown through the media and how people react to these representations.
2) Laughey, Dan (2009) : Media Studies. Theories and Approaches. Harpenden: Kamera Books.
"Hall Claims that Ethnic minorities are continually misrepresented by racial (and racist) stereotypes" - Page 78
3) Hall, Stuart et al (eds), (1972-79) Culture, Media Language: Working Papers in Cultural Studies. London: Hutchinson.
Firstly the Number 2 Book, is very specific to my investigation as it covers main theories and theorists that focus on stereotypes and representations within the media, however mainly focusing on racial stereotypes, again this is beneficial to my studies as it allows me to go more into depth about different theorists that have studied a similar investigation. Book number 3 also allows me to focus on a famous theorist "Stuart Hall". Hall studies how black ethnic males are represented through society and how an audience sees them.
4) Burton, Graeme (2002): More Than Meets The Eye. London: Arnold.
" we may ask where our views, our images, come from" - Page 139
"representations emphasize diffrence between a given group and the views and values of those in mainstream culture" - Page 38
The reason why i have chosen to research this book us because, the book focuses on different representations are shown through the media, comparing British and American types of representations. This therefore allows me to study more in depth about how British cultural racial stereotypes are different compared to American racial representations within the media.
5) Eldridge, J ( 1993) : Greeting the Message : News, Truth and Power, London: Routledge.
This book is very beneficial to my investigation, although the book is not dated in a more experienced time limit, the focus of representations within the news is very specific to my investigation. The book focuses on the objectification of the news being bias and how the audience intake news stories. This therefore allows me to focus on how ethnic minorities are represented through the news and how the audience react when watching the news.
6) Branston, Gill (2003) : The Media Students Book. New York: Routledge.
"Its constructed versions of events usually serve dominant interests" - Page 134
This book focuses on UK news and how dominant ideologies, stereotypes and vies are represented through the news. This book will therefore will allow me to research how UK news has to be broadcast ed and to what extent of negative stereotypes are shown through the news and whether or not this will have an impact on the audience watching.
7) Black, Geoff (2008) : Revision Express Media Studies. England : Pearson.
" every news story is influenced by the attitudes and background of its interviewers, writers, photographers and editors" - Page 103
" as you know, most news depends on binary oppositions to establish a story (good/bad) so any story which represents a group or individual as dangerous will end up classifying them as 'bad' and therefore what we call 'deviant'" - Page 147
The reason why this quote and book is beneficial to my investigation is from the idea that news reports have an institution behind them, this therefore will have my investigation more in depth as i can focus on who produces the news reports and who broadcast what is shown on TV, i can also go more into depth by finding out if there are any specific types of organisations formed where people may complain about news reports if they believe something is done wrong by.
8) Nicholas, Joe (1998) : Advanced Studies in Media. London: Nelson.
" the media can also offer help by broadcasting or printing appeals to the public. Sometimes this involves deception, for example there may be a public declaration that robbers have stolen £1million when in fact they have stolen much less, in the hope that this might make the thieves fall out.
This quote from the book refers to the idea that the UK news could be sensationalised, and this therefore has an impact on the audience as they may intake this information and believe what is right and wrong within society, and what type of people are dangers within society.
9) Masterman, L (1985): Teaching the Media. Routledge.
"Students cannot claim to be media literate if they are incapable of reading a newspaper with an informed and critical eye"
1) Williams, Kevin (2003) : Understanding Media Theory. London: Arnold.
"The two concepts most commonly used to discuss representation are 'bias' and the 'stereotype'." - Page 123
" The potential to marginalise such groups and give rise to social prejudices" - Page 124
The reason why this book links to my critical investigation is because it explains and analyses how stereotypes are represented through the media including racial stereotypes, therefore as a result of my investigation, this will help me to focus on black stereotypical representations that are shown through the media and how people react to these representations.
2) Laughey, Dan (2009) : Media Studies. Theories and Approaches. Harpenden: Kamera Books.
"Hall Claims that Ethnic minorities are continually misrepresented by racial (and racist) stereotypes" - Page 78
3) Hall, Stuart et al (eds), (1972-79) Culture, Media Language: Working Papers in Cultural Studies. London: Hutchinson.
Firstly the Number 2 Book, is very specific to my investigation as it covers main theories and theorists that focus on stereotypes and representations within the media, however mainly focusing on racial stereotypes, again this is beneficial to my studies as it allows me to go more into depth about different theorists that have studied a similar investigation. Book number 3 also allows me to focus on a famous theorist "Stuart Hall". Hall studies how black ethnic males are represented through society and how an audience sees them.
4) Burton, Graeme (2002): More Than Meets The Eye. London: Arnold.
" we may ask where our views, our images, come from" - Page 139
"representations emphasize diffrence between a given group and the views and values of those in mainstream culture" - Page 38
The reason why i have chosen to research this book us because, the book focuses on different representations are shown through the media, comparing British and American types of representations. This therefore allows me to study more in depth about how British cultural racial stereotypes are different compared to American racial representations within the media.
5) Eldridge, J ( 1993) : Greeting the Message : News, Truth and Power, London: Routledge.
This book is very beneficial to my investigation, although the book is not dated in a more experienced time limit, the focus of representations within the news is very specific to my investigation. The book focuses on the objectification of the news being bias and how the audience intake news stories. This therefore allows me to focus on how ethnic minorities are represented through the news and how the audience react when watching the news.
6) Branston, Gill (2003) : The Media Students Book. New York: Routledge.
"Its constructed versions of events usually serve dominant interests" - Page 134
This book focuses on UK news and how dominant ideologies, stereotypes and vies are represented through the news. This book will therefore will allow me to research how UK news has to be broadcast ed and to what extent of negative stereotypes are shown through the news and whether or not this will have an impact on the audience watching.
7) Black, Geoff (2008) : Revision Express Media Studies. England : Pearson.
" every news story is influenced by the attitudes and background of its interviewers, writers, photographers and editors" - Page 103
" as you know, most news depends on binary oppositions to establish a story (good/bad) so any story which represents a group or individual as dangerous will end up classifying them as 'bad' and therefore what we call 'deviant'" - Page 147
The reason why this quote and book is beneficial to my investigation is from the idea that news reports have an institution behind them, this therefore will have my investigation more in depth as i can focus on who produces the news reports and who broadcast what is shown on TV, i can also go more into depth by finding out if there are any specific types of organisations formed where people may complain about news reports if they believe something is done wrong by.
8) Nicholas, Joe (1998) : Advanced Studies in Media. London: Nelson.
" the media can also offer help by broadcasting or printing appeals to the public. Sometimes this involves deception, for example there may be a public declaration that robbers have stolen £1million when in fact they have stolen much less, in the hope that this might make the thieves fall out.
This quote from the book refers to the idea that the UK news could be sensationalised, and this therefore has an impact on the audience as they may intake this information and believe what is right and wrong within society, and what type of people are dangers within society.
9) Masterman, L (1985): Teaching the Media. Routledge.
"Students cannot claim to be media literate if they are incapable of reading a newspaper with an informed and critical eye"
Thursday 3 December 2009
... Three Articles From The Guardian On Related Investigation ...
Article #1
The ordinary brilliance of black youths
When it comes to imagery surrounding black youngsters, I'm used to the relentlessly negative – knife crime, underachievement, family breakdown, we've all seen it.
I've just had an evening, though, which was the exact opposite – unremittingly positive. The occasion was the London Schools and the Black Child awards ceremony, organised by the MP Diane Abbott and held at the House of Commons.
It highlighted the academic achievements of black youngsters at GCSE, A-Level and degree level. This wasn't an evening celebrating mediocrity – the plague of the burgeoning awards industry – but a roll call of excellence and dedication. And it wasn't about just one or two exceptional cases (more often than not being subliminally interpreted as "the exception which proves the rule" by those who continue to see black people in entirely negative terms).
The power of the occasion was that we heard one story after another of young people defying the stereotypes, overcoming the odds – and, in many cases, giving back to their community too. Altogether, 24 tales of great achievement. And, even more significant, there were just as many boys represented as girls
Youngsters such as Keli Dusu, who gained 5 As at A-level but has still found time to work as a volunteer for the Salvation Army Youth Club, and also to coach a group of autistic children. Or Rochelle Balach, who, without parental support, had to work to fund herself through sixth-form college, yet still emerged with three A-grades. Or Hannah Kendall, who has just qualified with a first-class degree from the Royal College of Music, had her compositions performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall, and who volunteers at schools in Lambeth. And the story of Lawrence Price, diagnosed with learning difficulties and ADHD as a child, who rejected the extra help he was offered, and who has just graduated with a first in history from Oxford.
We also heard a touching and personal talk from Hollywood actor Naomie Harris about her own mother's drive to get a degree and eventually become a successful TV scriptwriter despite having Naomie when still a teenager.
The significance of all these stories was that, by hearing so many, it made the exceptional appear ordinary, and achievable. As I looked out over the Thames, though, I thought: how do we get these uplifting messages out there, beyond this House of Commons room – where they can challenge the relentless gangsta-rap videos, or negative news coverage? Where teenagers are given the message that blackness is about violence and aggression, and that to show any sign of academic interest is to be some kind of race sellout.
"You're in the media: will you be writing about this?" asked one person of me after the ceremony. And I thought: if a fight had broken out, or if one person had drawn a knife, the event would be front-page news. Such are the news values of my honourable profession.
Ultimately, this is a battle: between the multibillion music and media industries, and people like Abbott, who get on with schemes like this because it's the right thing to do. Waiting for these industries to change will take a very long time. In the meantime, though, it should surely be possible, for example, to circulate a DVD of this event in urban classrooms around the country, where it could have an immediate and positive impact. Can a sponsor can be found to fund such a thing?
For the record: I was outraged when Abbott sent her child to private school; but I have to say that organising an event like this far outweighs her ideologically off-message moment. One day, I hope, Abbott's message will get through; but in the meantime as least she has the pleasure of working with some bright, keen and enthusiastic young hopefuls and giving them huge inspiration.
ASA raps 'racist' poster for kids' charity
The Advertising Standards Authority also found that another billboard ad for the Kids Company charity that stated "You are right – kids who can kill really are wrong in the head" beneath a picture of four black teenagers was likely to cause offence.
In addition, this ad made misleading claims about a supposed link between emotional development, brain size and violent behaviour, the ASA said.
Both ads were judged to be in breach of the ASA's code on decency, with the one featuring the claims about brain size also falling foul of clauses on truthfulness and substantiation.
The ASA conceded that Kids Company meant to raise awareness about the children it sought to help, but nevertheless ordered the charity not to re-use the ads, two out of five used in a poster campaign.
In its defence, the charity said the campaign as a whole had used a cross-section of local children from different backgrounds in and around Kilburn, north London.
According to Kids Company, the racial mix was representative of the children from the youth clubs in that area, with 80% of the children that came to it for help from Afro-Caribbean backgrounds, a proportion that was again reflected by the ads.
The Outdoor Advertising Association said it had cleared the ads as they contained both black and white children and were spread as evenly as possible across nine different stations.
Kids Company's ads were designed to "confront superficial judgments and prejudices" and challenged the viewer to reject stereotypes, the charity added.
The charity said the ad showing the black teenagers harassing the white man opposed the viewer's presumption – spelled out in the headline "How do you get inside the head of a 16-year-old knife-wielding thug?" – with the charity's point of view, written in italics: "First get inside the head of a 16-year-old bed-wetting boy."
However, the ASA found that this ad "focused on a negative image of black teenagers that was likely to reinforce negative stereotypes and was therefore racist".
The watchdog also said the ad linking violent teenagers to emotional underdevelopment "was likely to cause serious offence because it featured only black teenagers".
Kids Company said two images of the brain it used in this ad – one, larger brain was labelled "normal", while a smaller one was marked "extreme neglect" – had been taken from a US study on child trauma and brain development that demonstrated the effect of sensory deprivation on brain size.
However, the ASA said its interpretation of the study suggested it was referring to factors such as nutrition and children being raised in cages in dark rooms, not just to emotional development.
Moreover, the regulator rejected the idea that there was evidence that brain size had an impact on violent behaviour, as it found the ad had implied.
Article #3
The silenced majority
Since January, the term knife crime has been used more than 1,500 times by the national press - and it is a fair bet that most media images associated with these figures will be of young black men. Unsurprisingly, this is leading to a growing sense of frustration among black community leaders, academics and, not least, black youngsters themselves, over what they see as blatant misrepresentation.
Black youths who fit this media stereotype represent a tiny fraction of the young black population as a whole, they argue, and while negative stories about black teenagers are almost guaranteed headlines, the positive achievements of black youth go largely ignored.
This trend has consequences beyond creating an unbalanced picture. Numerous studies have shown a clear link between media furore and draconian policy-making, says Kjartan Sveinsson, the author of a Runnymede Trust report on the ways in which popular understandings of race and crime influence media reporting, and vice versa. "The tragedy is this can increase racial tension on the street and do little to stem the violence," he says.
Which in turn, of course, leads to further reports of violence, and the circle continues. In April 2007, for instance, after a number of high-profile shootings in south London, Tony Blair made a speech to the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce. Was he perhaps responding to media pressure when he asked: "When are we going to start saying this [gang crime] is a problem amongst a section of the black community and not, for reasons of political correctness, pretend it has nothing to do with it?"
There was no ambiguity when David Cameron spoke after the death of 11-year-old Rhys Jones in Liverpool, singling out the media by saying: "Deaths by fists, knives and guns are becoming a regular feature of British news ... these murders must draw a line in the sand."
In Manchester, one group of black teenagers, who believe they should have made headlines for the right reasons, are angry at their treatment by the media. So much so they have published an open letter on the subject
The Reclaim project began as a pilot in the autumn of 2007 at Urbis, an exhibition centre in Manchester, to work with 12-14-year-old boys from Moss Side and other perceived trouble spots in the city. The idea was spawned as a reaction to rising youth violence and the negative portrayal of young people, especially from the African-Caribbean community.
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