Collective identity and representing ourselves

Task 1: Media Magazine article

1) Summarise each section in one sentence, starting with the section 'Who are you?'

Who are you - The culture/society that affects us is a major influence on our conceptions about our identities.

I think, therefore i am - How we viewed ourselves and how we portrayed ourselves was dependent on the social systems that established the interpersonal interactions within the communities in which we find ourselves. 

From citizen to consumer - Identity could be developed in terms of an externalised persona as a result of the post-industrial consumer boom of the early 20th century.

The rise of individual -Dependent on social circumstances and experiences, our identities are evolving. Products were already offered as something that could convey the chosen identity to others.

 

Branding and lifestyle - Advertisers sell the personality rather than the product, so that people will choose products that match their own self- image

Who will we be - People have greater influence of our public image than ever before. Construction of a personal home page can be seen as shaping not just the products, but also one's identity.

2) List three brands you are happy to be associated with and explain how they reflect your sense of identity.

Apple - My phone is an iPhone  and it has my music, photos and that shapes me and my identity.

Disney - Disney films are part of my childhood and I am happy to be associated with it.

Google - Google is really helpful and when in doubt, one can just search anything on google.

3) Do you agree with the view that modern media is all about 'style over substance'? 

Yes, I agree. The primary factor behind upholding this view is that style is what draws more audiences, and the central aim of the media is to reach as many buyers as possible.

4) Explain Baudrillard's theory of 'media saturation'.

A fragmented media culture perceives the world across the range of social media channels. The notion of power and control is inherent to the media. Targeted ads are one of a kind that is based on people's input.

5) Is your presence on social media an accurate reflection of who you are?

I do no think my presence on social media is an accurate representation of me in real life. I do not put on a fake persona but I believe that you cannot truly know someone through what they put on social media. 

6) What is your opinion on 'data mining'? Is this an invasion of privacy?

It can be seen as an invasion of privacy but it also helps companies understand what their audience likes. 

Task 2: Media Magazine cartoon

Write five simple bullet points summarising Gauntlett's theories of identity:

. Mulvey's 'male gaze' definition 'remains on a hegemonic view of male and female roles.'

. Alternative images and ideas have created some space for a greater diversity of identities

. Audiences constantly process messages in the media about lifestyle and self-identity.

. Gauntlett provides an overview of key theories influencing representations of identity in the mass media.

. He claims that viewers consciously process messages in the media about lifestyle and self-identity.

Task 3: Representation & Identity: Factsheet blog task

1) What is collective identity? 

Individuals feel like they belong to a group; the theory is that by engaging in social activities, individuals acquire a sense of belonging and, in essence, a 'identity' that transcends the individual.

2) Write a list of as many things as you can think of that represent Britain. What do they have in common?

. Tea

. Crumpets

. Fish and Chips

. Royal Family

. English Breakfast 

. Bipolar Weather

3) How does James May's Top Toys offer a nostalgic representation of Britain?

It is directed at more than 30 males, where the toys that were shown became a symbol for the sense of Britishness. It reflects on and discusses facets of British culture: the history of the race track, the history of Scalextric and broader British topics such as the decline of manufacturing employment in northern Britain.

4) How has new technology changed collective identity?

Technological innovation has meant that people are becoming more involved and more dedicated to making their own content. Technology has made it possible for people to constantly participate in the material of the society around them and then continue to use it as a platform for their own cultural outputs.

5) What phrase does David Gauntlett (2008) use to describe this new focus on identity? 

‘Make and Connect Agenda’

6) How does the Shaun of the Dead Facebook group provide an example of Henry Jenkins' theory of interpretive communities online?

The fan genres formed out of the openings or excesses within the text that were built on and spread out. A fan set up a group on Facebook in support of 'learning' a new term from Shaun of the Dead.