Stuart Hall: Representation Theory

What is representation?

Representation is when something is shown/represented in media and is given meaning. Something only ahs meaning once it is represented in the media. Representation in media does not reflect meaning, it creates it.

What is a stereotype?

stereotypes are generalised ideas fixated on certain groups that everyone would recognise when shown in media. 

    - e.g women being housewives and lesser than a man, whilst men would be portrayed as dominant powerful figures.

Why are stereotypes used?

Becuase it makes it easier for the audience to interpret the meaning quickly. It allows for the audience to be able to recognise stereotypes and have prior knowledge to how they act.

What social groups are represented in the media?

• Religion
• gender
• age
• race/ethnicity
• social class
• LGBT
• Disability

Think of two social groups that are stereotyped in Indonesian media, write about them in your blog (one positive, one negative)

The group: mother in laws (or just parent in laws in general) portrayed as cruel and mean.

How are they represented?

They would often wear traditional clothing/clothing that are commonly worn by their culture. Sometimes portrayed as passive aggresive and always making judgemental remarks (towards their children's partners/friends). They are portrayed as overly protective of their family.

What is the reason for this?

Indonesian parents are often strict and rough on their kids, hence the stereotype of mother in laws being mean and cruel towards potential partners and friends of their child. Often even having arranged marriages setup for their children with a suitor of the mother's choice.

How does the audience recieve this message?

Indonesian audiences would find it as a normal occurrence as they would also have strict parents of their own. Foreigners or international audiences would find it odd or surprising that a parent/parent in law could be so cruel. The representation of a strict over-protective mother in law depends on the audiences' view as everyone would have many and different experiences with their own set of parents.

Examples of media texts

A few examples of Indonesian celebrities who acted as evil mother in laws:

https://www.orami.co.id/magazine/artis-yang-selalu-jadi-ibu-mertua-jahat-di-sinetron