Binary opposition analysis

Binary oppositions and ideology

   1) Watch this clip from BBC Question Time with Russell Brand and Nigel Farage. The BBC deliberately placed the two against each other and the episode resulted in far more people watching and tweeting than usual.

What examples of binary opposition can you suggest from watching this clip?

We see there is a common theme of rich and privileged vs poor and unfortunate in this episode, the binary opposition here shows the viewer that the two people are at the top with money despite coming from different backgrounds and are spreading their values to the poor in different ways, this links to the media theory suggested by Richard Dyer. We also see the opposition of upper class/elite and working class, this binary opposition highlights to the viewer that there is a clear difference in the ideologies of these people within the general public, they seem to be assuming stereotypes are true and that all of these stereotypes are applicable to all, the use of this links in to Medhurst's value judgement theory. Another use of binary opposition is within Russel Brand and Nigel Farage themselves, this contrast shows the audience that there is a clear difference in morals despite both having a lot of money and being part of the elite percentage of the country, this links into Perkins' theory around stereotypes. We see that they are both from this class but Brand seems to be against it and believes that we could all be sharing a similar lifestyle without the others selfishness. They both accentuate the idea that they can help to change peoples lives for the better.

What ideologies are on display in this clip?

The ideology of the rich is quite clearly portrayed in this clip, with Farage, the ideology is dominant as we see that he is effectively the embodiment of what the public sees the elite 1% of the UK as; full of themselves and pretentious. He seems to believe that he is superior to everyone and everything he says is right. This is challenged by Brand and his alternative representation as he does have money like farage but doesn't seem to flaunt his position in society compared to Farage. We see that he is from a poor background and has worked his way up and is now trying to help the people with his image that he has gained. He is the epitome of success through hard work and it shows that despite your wealth, you can still help the people that you came from. Which is a very effective alternative representation of the rich and wealthy 

Ideology and your own choice of clip

2) What examples of binary opposition can you suggest from watching your clip?

In the trailer we see a dominant binary opposition of males and females. All representations of them are dominant, allowing for the binary opposition to be more obvious and easier to consume by the audience. This is due to the fact that binary opposition allows for stereotypes to be created and certain ideologies and beliefs to be promoted the use of this links to Perkins' theory about stereotypes in the media. In the trailer, we see that the woman are trying to change the men that they are dating by playing them at there own game this opposition links perfectly with Mulvey's male gaze that woman are made for men to look, but in a sense the film also subverts this theory. As well as this another theory that this opposition links to is Bergers' 'way of seeing' as it suggests that men look at women and women watch themselves being watch themselves being watched. This is highlighted in the trailer with the use of the book which all the women follow to ensure that there other half pays attention.

What ideologies are on display in your clip?

The ideology of men and women in the film is clearly shown that one is the dominant sex. This ideology is dominant in todays society and in the film as we see the characters conform to this in the trailer. However, the ideology is subverted to an alternative idea that two can be dominant in a relationship by the end of the film. But in the trailer we only see the idea that woman can be dominant as well but the man are swayed by this. 

Representation Theory: 500 word analysis

Kingsman Representation Theories

The representation in the ‘kingsman’ trailer is very subtle however there are several examples of representation in the trailer and many of them fit into media representation theories perfectly.  As do many media texts in today’s day and age.

The first theory that is most noticeably utilised in the trailer is Perkins stereotype theory. Perkins theory suggests that many stereotypes are positive and partly true. In the trailer, the ‘chav’ or ‘hooligan’ stereotype is fulfilled. We see this in the scene where the ‘kingsman’ confronts them about their manners towards the protagonist and their immediate reaction is violence.  This suggests to the audience that these are typical loud council estate hooligans.  Perkins puts into the category of stereotypes not always being false.  Another ideal of Perkins theory that is fulfilled in the trailer is that the powerful are also stereotyped. As we see that the stereotype of the more privileged being snobby and stuck up is in constant effect throughout the trailer with the constant mockery of the protagonist who is in a lower class. We also see the constant a constant prejudice of social classes in general.

Medhurst’s shorthand value judgement theory is put into action in this trailer. The theory suggests that many media texts stereotype in order for the audience to know what is going on in a short space of time. In the ‘kingsman’ trailer we see that the group of ‘hooligans’ are suggested to be loud and violent due to the short fight scene we see. This is a dominant representation of their stereotype.  It also has negative connotations which Medhurst suggests in his theory is usually the effect.  

Dominant representations are present in the trailer mainly as stereotypes which Levi-Strauss suggests may be the ideals of the producers of the media text. This means that many of the stereotypes are those believed by the creators of ‘kingsmen’. For example the use of conceit amongst the upper class may be a stereotype that the writer holds.  However, because it is such a common stereotype the audience overlook this and believe as well.  The use of the alternative representation in the protagonist leaves more to the audience’s beliefs to find the true representation.

Representation Dominant and Alternative: Analysis Blog task

Find a YouTube clip from film or TV and complete the same activity we have just done in class:

1) List the different people/groups represented in the trailer (men/women/Americans etc.)

• English men/ aristocrats
• Chavs
• Youths
• Americans
• Celebrities
• Black American
• White supremacists

2) For each group, decide whether the representation is a dominant or alternative portrayal.

• English men/ aristocrats

The stereotype of the aristocrat in this film is reinforced and subverted.  Therefore, there are both dominant and alternative portrayals of this group in the film. An example of dominant representation in the film is when all the ‘kingsmen’ are gathered around the table and everyone has suggested specific candidates that are typical to their set of people. E.g. white and from a privileged background and attending a specific set of schools. However, this coincides with the alternative representation as one of the ‘kingsmen’ has suggested a less typical candidate which goes against the organisations usual ideals. This is because this specific ‘kingsman’ believes in giving everyone a chance and that anyone can be a part of them. Making this representation alternative

• Chavs

The representation of chavs is dominant in this film. This is because the stereotype of them being loud, ignorant and violent is reinforced a couple times during the film. Especially, in the bar scene where the contrast between the chav and the upper class can be seen clearly by audience.

• Youths

The representation of youths in the film is quite alternative. This is seen at the training camp where there is an array of talented and successful youths looking to join the organisations. This subverts the stereotype that youths are lazy and useless.

• Americans

Americans are represented as close minded and narrow in the film, which may seem like a dominant representation. But it also may be trying to subvert the stereotype as the only person that is a visionary in the film is an American. This may suggest the idea that Americans are more further ahead than others maybe.

• Celebrities

The stereotype of celebrities is that they only care about themselves and the people like them and don’t appreciate their audience. In the film this dominant representation is enforced as all the celebrities take the opportunity to be saved without thinking of their fans and the people that support them etc.

3) What stereotypes can you identify in the trailer?

There are several stereotypes such as the portrayal of the people that live on the estate with the protagonist. This is effectively presented in the trailer in the bar scene. Where the main 'kingsman' confronts the group about their manners and their attitude towards the protagonist. Their reaction is what the audience would expect from a group of people such as them - violent and loud. Another stereotype that is visible in the trailer is the representation of upper class people. This is seen in the training period when the protagonist is amongst an elite group of candidates from very privileged backgrounds. Their behavior towards the protagonist is seen as stuck-up as they all put him down due to his less privileged background, This fulfills the stereotypical view of upper class people being conceited and looking down on others less fortunate than them.