Black Hollywood essay

4b) A dominant representation is one which is repeated across the media over time and so are the values that it carries. Discuss.

"Within the logic of its narrative patterns, blacks tend to be depicted either as the source of social problems - threatening to disrupt moral equilibrium - or as the passive bearers of social problems - victimised into angst-ridden submission or dependency" (Kobena Mercer). How true is this statement made by Mercer? Are all representations of black people negative in the media? Has there been any positive changes in Black Hollywood over the decades? The United States has a history of ruthless black slavery which has taken effect in how black people have been represented in Hollywood since their independence and emancipation. Black slavery ended in America in 1865 however it still did not stop the discrimination towards them. Media texts such as movies and dramas directed throughout the history of Black Hollywood till date communicate a range of representations and reinforce certain specific stereotypes time and time again.

Travelling quite far back in time in the era of Black Hollywood at it's most degrading point, racial prejudice and subordination between the whites and blacks was evident throughout society and this was conveyed overtly in media products which 'seemed' to include black actors. The reality of these black actors was that they weren't actually black. In the year of 1915, Birth of a Nation directed by D.W Griffith was released, it starred white actors with painted black faces. This was, shockingly so now, normal then. The main roles were played by white actors painted black however the extras were real black people. This showed the immense differentiation between the whites and blacks, it also illustrated the class system of whites being at a higher position than the blacks. This ties in with the theory of Karl Marx. Referring to the historical context the bourgeoisie being only the white people at that period of time and the proletariat who were the black people. Black people were generally exploited through hard labour work that they carried out which then reflected in the movies. Gone With the Wind was released in 1939 and directed by Victor Fleming. Hattie Mcdaniel, a black woman, played the role of a maid in the house of a white family, in other words she played the role of a 'slave.' This reflected the society at that time (Monaco)

Skins: Questions

1. Tony's representation is of a typical teenager who 'leads' the whole group of friends consisting of different stereotypes and a minority of counter types. The stereotypes range from a promiscuous girl to a Muslim guy in a thobe with an accent (usually Northern accent). Nevertheless the focus remains on Tony, the main character. In the beginning there is a close up shot of Tony in his bed, with a expressionless face. He is covered with a blanket which has a naked man and woman printed on it. This straightaway conveys the mentality of Tony which is evidently of a teenager who likes to be involved in sexual activities. The opening sequence has shots of all different sizes which illustrates the morning routine of Tony. This is to

Codes and Conventions of radio adverts

Codes and conventions for a radio advert

- Average length approx 30 seconds

- What channel

- Qualities of the product

- Narration on a form of a voiceover. To show what its about (outline only)

- Posed questions that will be answered in the show

- Music is included at the back / different sound effects

- Voiceover inter cut throughout

- Advertisement should intrigue audience

- Make them want to find out more so state some special original qualities of the product

- Scheduling info at the end always goes title. day. time, channel

- Slogan of the product

- Sometimes humour in scripts

- Usually the tone of voice goes louder towards the middle of the advert then fades out towards the end

- Majority of the times it is women who do the voice over

- Poses questions to the audience - 'Are you searching for a make-up product which suits your exact needs and requirements?'

Battle: Los Angeles - Questions and answers

1 Compare and contrast the two texts with reference to the representation of conflict? (8 marks)

The trailer transmits an eerie feeling of the view of the world which is portrayed in the movie. In reality the trailer is an exaggerated reflection of the current issues and affairs in the world today as already there are many occurrences around the globe in different countries which are resulting in dangerous conditions for the people to live in for example natural or manmade disasters. The trailer clearly illustrates high levels of destruction, chaos and disintegration of cities, countries and maybe even the whole world; almost like the world is coming to an end. The damage which is caused by the aircrafts which are supposedly controlled by unknown species, most likely aliens create a sense of strong conflict against the humans. This implies the conflict between different countries today, for example the war in Afghanistan and once was in Iraq. Consumers with weapons hold a lot of power, as shown in the trailer, the unknown species seemingly outrun the humans because they are just not strong enough to fight back on the same level. This again reflects how various countries for example America use power in order to benefit their people and the government. The trailer also dates back to 1965 conveying that conflict has been around for ages, it is just now, or later, it has continues to develop over time. It has also utilised the displaying of news channels for example CNN where viewers gain and take in the most amount of information and news of the world. The trailer has used that method in their advantage for pinpointing and emphasising the amount of destruction that is taking place not just in the trailer but externally, in the real world.

The website

2 Explore the view that the entertainment media feeds upon moral panic in the west as a result of terrorism post 9/11.

You may refer to other media products to support your answer. (12 marks)


3. What are the advantages and disadvantages for the military as an institution using the internet as a marketing tool?

You should refer to other media products to support your answer. (12 marks)

Battle: Los Angeles

1. How do the two media products represent men and women?

2. Analyse and compare how effective the marketing strategy is of both of these media products (Advantages and disadvantages)

3. Why is the internet effective in reaching to a wider audience?

Social Networking

15 Major trends...

1. SNS goes mobile. SNS ( Social Networking Sites) is shifting from the traditional desktop market to the mobile market.

2. Not only is SNS a venue for individual exchanges, it is a marketing platform for companies.

3. SNS will become an ideal advertising medium for companies to target their potential clients.

4. SNS is a threat to the traditional e-mail services.

5. SNS allows advertisers to communicate with their potential customers.

6. The SNS market will be further segmented and new websites will be created to target sub-groups and niche demographics.

7. Companies must discover the "leaders," a handful of influential members on SNS websites who can influence others' purchase decisions.

8. "Crowd-sourcing" means mobilizing the masses. It refers to recruiting an unspecific number of people at low wages or for free to develop products and services.

9. SNS creates more SNS entrepreneurs, and provides more business opportunities.

10. Social networks are connecting to each other, and more sites will begin to integrate their services with one another.

11. SNS may take a cue from computer manufacturer Apple, which introduced a feature in its iTunes software that recommends songs based on music library history. SNS websites may provide similar services for online retailers.

12. Twitter will be sold to Google.

13. Online, money can buy you friendship. Australia's SNS and marketing firm, uSocial, launched a commercial service targeting Twitter users early this month. Twitter users can increase 1,000 followers by spending 87 USD.

14. Don't forget the spectators. There are many spectators who will stay away from social networks or simply watch from the sidelines. Businesses must know and cater for these users even if they are not actively part of any social networks. Yet sometimes they may participate in SNS websites via Google searches.

15. Defend corporate reputation. As companies' presence online grows, they need to protect their online images.

How does the audience use social networking technology?

The audience uses social networking technology for various purposes. Some use it to find 'love'. 18 million people in the United Kingdom use social networking websites to find their partner. This conveys that people have started having a lot of trust in these social networking websites because choosing a partner is something which requires a lot of time and effort. Another reason as to why people social networking sites is for entertainment. It is important to understand WHY people use these websites, as there is a broad demographic on these sites. Some people use them for business purposes, to network and find new deals. Then there are others who use social networking sites for purely personal reasons and are totally oblivious to the fact that there is a business presence in the social networking environment at all.

http://www.blogussion.com/social-media/uses-social-networking/

1) There are five main reasons as to why people might use social networking sites. These five reasons include, purely personal reasons for example interacting with family and friends. Some may use it to be updated with photos of their friends, to update their own photo album and status and to comment on other statuses or leave comments on their wall. sSome also use it to connect with people they have newly met, potential girlfriend or boyfriend or just people that share the same interests, hobbies and likes and dislikes as them. One of the great advantages of using social networking sites such as Facebook is to keep in touch with significant others who live in different countries for free. it lets you leave remarks on photos or statuses and also allows you to have small conversations with people which avoids phone calls if their not needed.

2) Business - connecting with customers

Because of the rise of Internet marketing social media is developing into an internet marketing tool as well. This is one of the ways that businesses can connect directly with their consumers and target audience. Companies are beginning to feel that the best way to manage their business is getting to know the needs and requirements and comments about their company through social networking sites. Twitter is good for finding out the reviews of companies from their consumers. When organisations are linked with a social networking site, consumers find it easier to convey their views and opinions because they are more comfortable.

3) Business - Networking

Businesses can also network and expand their business. Social networking sites does for businesses what it does for students, teenagers and people, it connects people. It could find a business a new business deal or even a new job!

4) Marketing

Businesses can market their company on these social networking sites. All the members of the SNS for instance Twitter, Facebook recognise different business because of their marketing. Sometimes it's difficult to figure out if Twitter or Facebook or any other social networking site is right for such marketing. How effectively are these companies reaching out to their audience?

5) Entertainment

Some people purely go on for entertainment purposes. Myspace is a prime example of this, there are many upcoming or established artists who promote their music or talent through Myspace. For example there are an ample amount of games on Facebook, one game in particular called Farmville has managed to acquire 72.9 million users per month!

How do institutions exploit social networks?

AQA Checklist

http://store.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/pdf/AQA-2570-W-TRB-U04CHECK.PDF

MEST4 Checklist

Research Essay:
- Does it allow candidates to explore the 5 Key Concepts? (Represenation, audience, narrative, media language/ideology-technical codes, Institution)

- Does it negotiate an issue and/or debate? Is it contemporary? Is there a list of text(s)? (Bibliography)
- Does it go beyond MEST3 topic areas? (Reps and new media) Is it synoptic?

- Does it answer the question ‘why’ rather than ‘how’?

- Does it encourage independent research and critical autonomy? Is it truly individual?

- Does it avoid the cliché – (women in the media etc) Would it end up just being a list of facts?

-Critical debates, theories etc

Practical Production:
- What are the links between the essay and the practical?

- Will the practical exemplify issues raised in the essay?

- Does it go beyond the MEST2 artefacts? Is it independent of the MEST2 artefact?
- Have we even been given info about the practical?

- Is it substantial enough for an A2 exercise?

- Does it seem to be more than just an ‘add-on’?

CI title - An investigation into how and why humour is used in three contrasting viral advertisements which are, Mac vs Pc, Old spice *your man can smell like me" and Volkswagon "small but tough"

What needs to be done -

SHEP needs to be added in more detail

Critical debates and theories...

The key concepts have been relatively done however more detail is required.