Wednesday 12 September 2012

Representation-A Simple(ish) Explanation

Representation-A Simple(ish) Explanation

Task 1.

Construction- I believe that this word accounts well for the meaning of representation, because a representation is when broken down a re-construction of something seen in the real world opposed to something which is unreal or hasn’t been witnessed before. As these would be new and not a representation, as they have nothing to be previously represented from.

Reality- I feel that this explains representation well because what is being represented is reality. Unfortunately that is not always the case and reality is not reproduced. However when represented well reality can be portrayed clearly and realistically. Making the audience to that particular medium associate with the representation and feel emotion towards the representation, because of the realism it portrays.

Identities- Also I think that this word is a good explanation. A representation is trying to help the audience identity with the situation which is represented in the certain medium. For example a representation may be in a TV Drama, so it will be trying to achieve a situation where the audience can identify with the characters represented and/or the lifestyles/events that they encounter. To make the audience feel more involved and attached to the programme.

Speech- I think that this explains the concept well because speech is key to representations in television. How a character speaks instantly shows their regional identity, accent, social status and possibly even their age. Helping for the audience to understand who this character is and how they are trying to be represented.

Writing- In writing things can be represented by the writer and if done successfully can really engage the audience/reader.  They can identify with the writing and what is represented within it, to feel attached with the reality that the piece of writing is attempting to portray.

Moving pictures- This could include both Television and Film which are used to create a representation, 2 of the most important mediums. I feel they are a good representation because through the use of the mediums characters and scenarios can be created, which show a representation of the lives we live. Helping for the audience to enjoy the because of its realism and how they can relate to them. Making them feel part of the media produced.




Task 2:

Who is he? – This is Ryan Rayner, known to others as ‘Yellow Chimmney’. Because of his constant smoking causing his teeth to yellow.  He lives just on the edge of Times Square in New York but not in a house or a flat but on the street upon the steps of a  bank.

I chose his name as I felt it seemed quite stereotypical of the USA. Secondly I gave him his nickname because in the picture I can see him smoking, which I know gives people stained yellow teeth. Also the scene in the background looked busy and features large buildings both vital characteristics that are associated with Times Square. Finally I decided he would be a tramp because of his tatty clothing and messy/overgrown beard.

What does he do? – Ryan is a tramp who begs for anything he can particularly money in order to survive. By holding out an open cup from McDonalds asking passers-by for a donation. He makes little money begging but it’s the best he can do.

I chose that he would beg for money as it is something seen regularly on the streets of New York. In addition I decided he would be using a McDonald’s cup as this is something he could have found on the street or left over from a meal he had eaten because McDonalds is cheap. It may be the only thing he can afford.

What’s his story? – Ryan was born on the 17th of May 1960, so is now aged 52. He was born in Queens with his Mum Sally and Dad Brett, who left when Ryan was aged just 3. Ryan studied well at school before leaving school and home (aged 17) after many disputes with his mum’s boyfriend of 5 years Clarke. Although he hoped to find work this never really materialised. He had some jobs in fast food restaurants and cafes as well as helping some people doing construction work. However at the age of 30 when he was evicted from his apartment after 5 months of late rent payments. He started begging and has done ever since. He has also been involved in some crime, receiving several police cautions. Whilst being involved in drug crime on the streets.

I chose to age him at 52 because although he looks quite old I feel this would have been as a result of the tough life he has experienced on the streets. I decided to give him family issues for a reason why he left home, as for someone in a stable home to leave home, would be unusual. Also I gave him some jobs, as being young and reasonably clever he would be employable. However I stopped this run as he got over and he didn’t progress, leading to his life on the streets. Finally I decided he would get into crime and drugs because of the boredom he may experience. As well as drugs possibly offering him a source of comfort.
Who is he? - This is Andy Rodriguez aged 46. He is an accountant and works for a major financial firm.

I gave him his age because of his middle aged appearance and his job because of the paperwork within his hands and in front of him.

What does he do? – He works for a financial firm in Chicago called ‘MoneyMagic’. In their accounts department.

I have explained why I think he has this job previously.

What’s his story? – He is Andy Rodriguez a man now aged 46, born in 1966, on the 5th of February. To an American father Michael and his mother a Mexican women Monica. He attended school until the age of 18 and excelled superbly in his studies, before going to Boston University. Where he studied Accounting. He got a first class degree and now works for a major financial firm in Chicago. He has a wife Lily and two young girls, Missy (6) and Amy (3). However he is having an affair with an office secretary called Mary Francis.

I gave him Mexican origins because of his dark hair and Latin appearance. I gave him a well paid job and high intelligence because of his smart clothing and the paperwork within his hands. I decided he is having an affair because of the shifty and concerned look upon his face.



Who is she? – She is Amanda Jones aged 38, a model coming to the end of her shelf life after starting her career at the age of 16.

I chose her age because of what I suspected she was doing, feeling she could not be any older. Also because of the clothing she is wearing, which is very quirky and something that would feature in a fashion magazine, but not in someone’s wardrobe.

What does she do? – She works for the fashion magazine Vogue and has done for the past 20 years and is their most popular model with their readers.
I have already explained why she works for a fashion magazine, but added the bit about her being the most popular model, just to add some extra information and intrigue.

What’s her story? – She was born in 1974, now aged 38. Her two parents are called Daniel Jones and Sarah Jones and she had two brothers Jon and Peter. She studied at school until 16. Doing extremely well in both art and textiles, before at 16 being scouted for modelling by a clothing store. Then aged 18 she was spotted by Vogue and has worked for them ever since, winning model of the year on 12 separate occasions, as well as winning many other awards and accolades. Amanda is currently single after breaking up with her long term boyfriend, of 7 years, Mark Williams last year.

I chose for her to have a stable family background, so she had strong support throughout her modelling career which could have been quite challenging otherwise. Furthermore I decided she would do well in Art and Textiles as these subjects would coincide well with her successful career in modelling. Finally I thought she should not be married as she has been far to dedicated to her career. Which is also why her and Mark split because she put her career first.

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