* OPTION 3 – Media
Outline two ways in which minority ethnic groups are represented in the media. Illustrate your answer with examples.
OCR
A Level
2024
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Outline
This essay will explore two contrasting ways in which minority ethnic groups are represented in the media. Firstly, it will examine the traditional view of negative stereotypical representations and underrepresentation, drawing on key thinkers such as Van Dijk, Malik, Barker, Moore, and Jhally. Secondly, it will analyze the emergence of new representations that challenge these traditional stereotypes and reflect a more diverse and inclusive society, referencing the work of Barker, Hall, and discussions on hybrid identities.
Traditional Representations: Stereotypes and Underrepresentation
Stereotypes and Negative Portrayals
Van Dijk argues that the media perpetuates five key stereotypes about black people, including criminality, danger, aggression, and inferiority. These stereotypes contribute to a negative and prejudiced view of minority ethnic groups. Malik further criticizes the media for failing to accurately portray the ethnic reality of the contemporary UK, suggesting that underrepresentation and stereotypical portrayals perpetuate a distorted image of minority communities.
Examples in Popular Media
Barker's analysis of Eastenders highlights how black and Asian characters are often portrayed in stereotypical roles, reinforcing negative perceptions. For instance, black characters may be associated with violence or criminality, while Asian characters may be depicted as submissive or exotic. This reinforces the idea that minority ethnic groups are "other" and different from the dominant white group. Moore reinforces this by highlighting the impact of stereotyping, which can lead to discrimination and prejudice. Jhally adds that the use of comedic and tokenistic representations further reinforces stereotypes, trivializing the experiences of minority ethnic groups.
New Representations: Challenging Stereotypes and Reflecting Diversity
Increased Representation and Diversity
Barker observes a gradual shift in how black and Asian characters are portrayed in Eastenders, suggesting a move towards greater representation and diversity. This shift reflects the increasing multiculturalism of British society and the growing demand for more authentic and nuanced representations of minority ethnic groups.
From Overt to Inferential Racism
Hall suggests that the media has moved away from overt racism (explicitly stating negative views about minorities) to a more subtle form of inferential racism. This type of racism is often embedded in the narrative and subtext of media content, presenting a more complex and nuanced, yet still problematic representation of minority ethnic groups.
Hybrid Identities and Complex Representations
The emergence of hybrid identities, where individuals identify with multiple cultural backgrounds, has contributed to more complex and dynamic representations in the media. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of minority ethnic groups, moving beyond simplistic stereotypes.
Conclusion
The media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions and understanding of minority ethnic groups. While traditional representations often perpetuate negative stereotypes and underrepresentation, there has been a notable shift towards more nuanced and inclusive representations. However, it remains crucial to critically analyze media content and challenge harmful stereotypes that continue to perpetuate prejudice and discrimination against minorities.
Representations of Minority Ethnic Groups in the Media
The representation of minority ethnic groups in the media has been a subject of significant debate. This essay will examine two contrasting ways in which these groups are portrayed, highlighting both traditional, often negative, stereotypes and more recent shifts towards greater diversity and complexity.
Traditional Negative Stereotypes
Historically, media representations of minority ethnic groups have often relied on harmful stereotypes. Van Dijk identifies five recurring stereotypes used to portray Black people: as criminals, threats, unimportant, dependent, and abnormal. This aligns with Malik's observation that the media frequently fails to reflect the true ethnic diversity of contemporary societies. Examples of this can be seen in the overrepresentation of Black characters as criminals in news and crime dramas, perpetuating a sense of fear and othering.
Barker's analysis of the popular soap opera Eastenders in the 1980s exemplifies this trend, where Black and Asian characters were often relegated to stereotypical roles and storylines. Similarly, Moore argues that such stereotyping contributes to a distorted and limited understanding of different cultures. Jhally furthers this by highlighting the problematic trend of "comedic" or tokenistic representations, which, while seemingly positive, still reinforce underlying prejudices by reducing individuals to caricatures.
Emergence of New Representations
However, it is crucial to acknowledge the evolving landscape of media representation. More recently, there has been a noticeable shift towards greater diversity and nuanced portrayals of minority ethnic groups. Barker, in his later work, observes an increase in the number of Black and Asian characters in Eastenders, reflecting a move towards representing a more multicultural society.
This aligns with Hall's argument that media racism has become more subtle, shifting from overt to inferential forms. While blatant prejudice may be less prevalent, there is a greater focus on representations that, while seemingly neutral, still perpetuate existing power dynamics and inequalities. Alongside this, the rise of hybrid identities, particularly amongst younger generations, has contributed to more complex and multifaceted media portrayals. Characters are no longer simply defined by their ethnicity but are shown to navigate multiple cultural influences and identities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while traditional negative stereotypes of minority ethnic groups persist in the media, there is evidence of progress towards more nuanced and diverse representations. Recognizing both the historical context and contemporary shifts is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of how these groups are portrayed and the ongoing impact on perceptions and social attitudes.
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AO1: Knowledge and Understanding
The following list is indicative of possible factors/evidence that candidates may refer to but is not prescriptive or exhaustive:
Traditional View (Continuity of Negative Stereotypical Representations in the Media / Underrepresentation)
- Van Dijk - five stereotypes that are used to portray black people in the media
- Malik - contemporary media does not reflect the ethnic reality of the contemporary UK.
- Barker - stereotypes of black and Asian characters in Eastenders.
- Moore – stereotyping
- Jhally – comedic/tokenism
New Representations of Minority Ethnic Groups (Change)
- Barker - increased number of black and Asian characters in Eastenders (reflecting more of a multi-cultural society).
- Hall - a move from overt to inferential racism in the media.
- Development of hybrid identities has contributed to changing media representations - more complex picture
AO2: Application
The selected knowledge should be directly related to the specific question.