Collective identity

A2 media studies Critical Perspectives Exam Prep Collective Identity in the Media, magazines and start British Cinema HOW DO THEY ALL LINK?

Collective Identity • What is it?

Collective Identity • What is it?

• Describe yourself in three words.

• How do you show this?

• Why do we have them?

Gauntlett “Identity is complicated. Everyone thinks they have one. Magazines and talk show hosts urge us to explore our identity. Religious and national identities are at the heart of major international conflicts. Artists play with the idea in modern society. Blockbuster movie superheroes have emotional conflict about their true identity. And the average teenager can create three on line identities before breakfast... Thinking about self identity and

individuality can cause some anxiety- at least in cultures where individuals are encouraged to value their personal uniqueness. Each of us would like to think- to some extent- that we have special, personal qualities, which make us distinctive and valuable to the other people in our lives (or potential future friends).�

But does this mean anything? Is individuality just an illusion? Maybe we are all incredibly similar, but are programmed to value miniscule bits of differentiation.

(Gauntlett 2007a 1.14)

Gauntlett Thinking about self identity and individuality can cause some anxiety- at least in cultures where individuals are encouraged to value their personal uniqueness.

Each of us would like to think- to some extent- that we have special, personal qualities, which make us distinctive and valuable to the other people in our lives (or potential future friends).�

The term "narcissism" can refer to a wide variety of behaviours or attitudes, though in most cases, it refers to a person who is self-centred, egotistic, or unable to form honest and meaningful relationships.

Collective Identity • The individuals sense of belonging to a group; the idea that through participating in social activities (reading magazines watching films) individuals can gain a sense of belonging and in essence an ‘identity’ that transcends the individual.

• This basically sums up the notion of ‘COLLECTIVE IDENTITY’

Collective Identity • What groups do you belong too?

• Create a diagram / mind map about yourself.

• How does this sum up collective identity?

Are the

Collective Identities based on reality

or

construction?

Are the

Collective Identities based on reality or

or

construction?

Collective Identity • The individuals sense of belonging to a group; the idea that through participating in social activities (reading magazines watching films) individuals can gain a sense of belonging and in essence an ‘identity’ that transcends the individual.

• This basically sums up the notion of ‘COLLECTIVE IDENTITY’

“A focus on identity requires us to pay close attention to the diverse ways in which media and technologies are used in everyday life, and their consequences both for individuals and for social groups”

(Buckingham 2008)

In British cinema too?

Collective Identity

Presentation of self: the clothes we wear, the media we consume, the people we like.

The combination of these practices amounts to an idea we have of how others see us, described by (Goffman 1990) as the ‘presentation of self’.

“These days, the insinuation that all gents are satisfied by 29 cans of Stella and a slightly stained copy of Razzle is as quaintly outmoded as the suggestion that the lady loves milk tray. Nevertheless, ZOO and its brethren seem to act like some elaborate cultural muck-spreader, coating everything in an impermeable layer of tits and ass and porn and fighting. And the intimation is that any bird who cant handle that can feck off and take her scented candles with her”

(Barton 2004)

The dating game can be a daunting prospect. One simple schoolboy error and it's all over. You know the basics but leave nothing to chance. Learn what not to say and do, how to read her body language and, more importantly, how to decode the vital signs that show she's interested in you.

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“Her phone sees more action in the bedroom than I do.

How can I get in on her screen time?�

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MEN’s HEALTH FOUR ideas are represented in every issue, in which case we can say that these are the DOMINANT DISCOURSES operating in the magazine.

•Quick fix problem solving •Male Narcissism •New male sensitivity •Male superiority / manipulation.

MEN’s HEALTH FOUR ideas are represented in every issue, in which case we can say that these are the DOMINANT DISCOURSES operating in the magazine.

•Quick fix problem solving •Male Narcissism •New male sensitivity •Male superiority / manipulation.

MEN’s HEALTH FOUR ideas are represented in every issue, in which case we can say that these are the DOMINANT DISCOURSES operating in the magazine.

•Quick fix problem solving •Male Narcissism •New male sensitivity •Male superiority / manipulation.

MEN’s HEALTH FOUR ideas are represented in every issue, in which case we can say that these are the DOMINANT DISCOURSES operating in the magazine.

•Quick fix problem solving •Male Narcissism •New male sensitivity •Male superiority / manipulation.

Analytical Prezi - MensHealth.

How does it construct various identities: • Layout?

• Ads? Make links to the • Imagery? theorists / theories Goffman /Barton/ • Articles?

Buckingham/Gauntlett •Quick fix problem solving •Male Narcissism •New male sensitivity •Male superiority / manipulation.

1. Try not to just describe what you see!

2. Use the analysis grid to help structure your argument.

3. Include pictures and examples from the magazines.

Are the

Collective Identities based on reality or

or

construction?

Collective Identity A 1970s-set comedy-drama from Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, creators of TV's The Office and Extras. Focusses on three young working-class men from Reading, England, who spend their time joking, drinking, fighting and chasing girls. Freddie (Christian Cooke), however, feels there may be more to life than being stuck in a small town.

“A focus on identity requires us to pay close attention to the diverse ways in which media and technologies are used in everyday life, and their consequences both for individuals and for social groups”

(Buckingham 2008)

In British cinema too?

Collective Identity

Presentation of self: the clothes we wear, the media we consume, the people we like.

The combination of these practices amounts to an idea we have of how others see us, described by (Goffman 1990) as the ‘presentation of self’.

“These days, the insinuation that all gents are satisfied by 29 cans of Stella and a slightly stained copy of Razzle is as quaintly outmoded as the suggestion that the lady loves milk tray. Nevertheless, ZOO and its brethren seem to act like some elaborate cultural muck-spreader, coating everything in an impermeable layer of tits and ass and porn and fighting. And the intimation is that any bird who cant handle that can feck off and take her scented candles with her”

(Barton 2004)

Analysis – Cemetery Junction.

How does it ………. various identities:

Can you spot these within the clip?

•Quick fix problem solving •Male Narcissism •New male sensitivity •Male superiority / manipulation.

1. Try not to just describe what you see!

2. Use the analysis grid to help structure your argument.

Analysis – Cemetery Junction.

How does it ……….. various identities: • Sound?

• MES? Can you spot these • Editing? within the clip?

• Camera work?

•Quick fix problem solving •Male Narcissism •New male sensitivity •Male superiority / manipulation.

1. Try not to just describe what you see!

2. Use the analysis grid to help structure your argument.

3. Include pictures and examples about the film.

Are the

Collective Identities based on reality

or

construction?

Gauntlett “Identity is complicated. Thinking about self identity and individuality can cause some anxiety- at least in cultures where individuals are encouraged to value their personal uniqueness. Each of us would like to think- to some extent- that we have special, personal qualities, which make us distinctive and valuable to the other people in our lives (or potential future friends).�

But does this mean anything? Is individuality just an illusion? Maybe we are all incredibly similar, but are programmed to value miniscule bits of differentiation.

Winship notion of complicity is about being prepared for the reward of gratification to recognise the ideal version of ourselves despite the anxiety it may cause.

Analysis – Cemetery Junction.

How does it ………. various identities: • Sound?

Make links to the • MES? theorists / theories • Editing?

Goffman /Barton/ Buckingham/Gauntlett/Winship • Camera work?

•Quick fix problem solving •Male Narcissism •New male sensitivity •Male superiority / manipulation.

1. Try not to just describe what you see!

2. Use the analysis grid to help structure your argument.

The Identity Theorists

Elaborate cultural muck spreader Marxist

Feminist

Barton, Althusser and Winship offer variations on a theme that gender magazines do some damage, and that there is a correlation between the representation of gender in their pages, the readers acceptance of them and problems in society.

A different view comes from David Gauntlett, who puts forward the idea that we pick and mix our media and select in more or less regular ways how we form our identities in relation to them. This theoretical intervention, it is REALLY important to add, is the outcome of sustained and detailed audience research.

“A focus on identity requires us to pay close attention to the diverse ways in which media and technologies are used in everyday life, and their consequences both for individuals and for social groups” (Buckingham 2008) Feminist: Winship’s notion of complicity is about being prepared for the reward of gratification to recognise the ideal version of ourselves despite the anxiety it will cause.

In British cinema too?

In British cinema too?

Identity in Magazines

Presentation of self: the clothes we wear, the media we consume, the people we like.

The combination of these practices amounts to an idea we have of how others see us, described by (Goffman 1990) as the ‘presentation of self’.

“These days, the insinuation that all gents are satisfied by 29 cans of Stella and a slightly stained copy of Razzle is as quaintly outmoded as the suggestion that the lady loves milk tray. Nevertheless, ZOO and its brethren seem to act like some elaborate cultural muck-spreader, coating everything in an impermeable layer of tits and ass and porn and fighting. And the intimation is that any bird who cant handle that can feck off and take her scented candles with her” (Barton 2004)

Higher stakes of how the Media represents identity. • The stakes get higher for identity when people feel marginalized, victimised or in anyway prejudiced against because of their identity. • Minority ethnic groups, gay people, disabled people, the elderly, the police, people from Birmingham, teenagers (and countless others- this is just a selection) may all, at times, have cause for complaint about how others make assumptions about them because of their identity. • Effects on society.

MEN’s HEALTH FOUR ideas are represented in every issue, in which case we can say that these are the DOMINANT DISCOURSES operating in the magazine.

•Quick fix problem solving •Male Narcissism •New male sensitivity •Male superiority / manipulation.

Comparison • A comparison of NUTS with MEN’s HEALTH helps us to review two very different examples within the broader category of the male magazines.

• Whereas NUTS is explicit in its sexism and reduction of the male gender to it’s stereotype (whether knowing and playful or not), Men’s health lays claim to a more sensitive, aspiring version of the gender.

• However, we might argue that most of it’s quick fix approaches to everything- from ‘impressing the boss’ to ‘getting a six pack’ and ‘making her beg for more’ – are based on a traditional hunter gatherer discourse about male behaviour.

• There is little complexity or subtlety in its pages, so whereas the mode of address is very different to NUTS, perhaps the discourse, or IDEOLOGY, in both magazines is closer than it appears at first glance.

Gauntlett 2002: 180 In post-traditional cultures, where identities are not ‘given’ but need to be constructed and negotiated, and where an individual has to establish their personal ethics and mode of living, the magazines offer some reassurance to men who are wondering ‘is this right?’ and ‘Am I doing this ok?’, enabling a more confident management of the narrative of self.

In British cinema too?