Collective identity and representing ourselves blog task

Task 1: Media Magazine article

1) Read the article and summarise each section in one sentence, starting with the section 'Who are you?'

The article suggests that all the personal choices that we make contribute to constructing an image about our identity such as our hairstyles, make up and fashion.In the past our identities would be based on the aspects that surround our lives that were constructed such as class,religion and gender. This meant that our identities were easily defined for instance men were perceived as the head of the household and women were subject to patriarchal power.

The idea that identity could be constructed in terms of an externalised image came in the post-industrial  consumer boom of the early 20th century. Consumer good started  convincing customers to buy what they wanted 

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

Apple- promotes creativity
New look-modern fashion

3) Do you agree with the view that modern media is all about 'style over substance'? What does this expression mean?

I agree with this view as nowadays the modern media has the tendency to give out fake news or whatever will draw more attention to the brand like fashion (style). There has also been multiple cases where the media has not fact checked it facts and sources suggesting that the media is not as reliable as it used to be. This also suggests that the media does not care about internal traits like intelligence (substance).

4) Explain Baudrillard's theory of 'media saturation' in one paragraph. You may need to research it online to find out more.

Baudrillard's theory of media saturation links to 'style over substance' as the media places high cultural value on external factors like physical beauty and fashion rather than internal traits like compassion and intelligence.

5) Is your presence on social media an accurate reflection of who you are? Have you ever added or removed a picture from a social media site purely because of what it says about the type of person you are?

I don't think that social media is an accurate reflection of who i am in terms of what i post as my media consumption may be high but i don't really post much on apps like Instagram or snapchat. However, the pages i follow and the posts i like may give some more insight into who i am in terms my humour and what i find interesting or who i might look up to.
6) What is your opinion on 'data mining'? Are you happy for companies to sell you products based on your social media presence and online search terms? Is this an invasion of privacy?

I think that 'data mining' is a very clever way for companies to target and cater to the needs of their audiences by observing what they interested in and recommending or creating products that are designed to meet the needs of the audience. However, i do think that it is an invasion of privacy just as it would be to look through someone's house and see what they like or what they may be missing. I think it is a form of manipulation and compulsion as it makes the consumer believe that they need or should buy that product.

Task 2: Media Magazine cartoon

Write five simple bullet points summarising what you have learned from the cartoon.

• Mass media offers a more diverse range of representations allowing audiences to 'pick and mix'
• Identity is more 'fluid and transformable than ever before'
• Gauntlet disagrees that masculinity is in crisis
• We use narratives to frame our experiences and bring order to the stream of stuff that goes on in our lives
• we look at media not as channels for communicating but as triggers for experiences

Task 3: Representation & Identity: Factsheet blog task

1) What is collective identity? Write your own definition in as close to 50 words as possible.

Identity that is based around the values,ideas, and traditions of a group of individuals.This could include people that participate in the same social activities,or a group of people who have the same beliefs.

2) Complete the task on the factsheet (page 1) - write a list of as many things as you can think of that represent Britain. What do they have in common? Have you represented the whole of Britain or just one aspect/viewpoint?

The Beatles,The Big Ben, The Royal Family,Buckingham Palace,Cup of tea, fish and chips,  Pubs, Pound Sterling, the BBC, accents.

What all these things have in common is that they are all the most stereotypical things about Britain and what Britain is most known for.This does not represent all of Britain rather it is only what is expected or most known about Britain.

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

The toys are targeted at older audiences as as they grew up with these type of toys so it will be nostalgic for them as they think back to when they were younger and life was simpler.

4) How has new technology changed collective identity

New technology has created platforms where people who have the same ideas,beliefs and values can connect easily all around the world which has made collective identity world wide and easier to establish.

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

Gauntlett says that 'identity is complicated;because everyone thinks they have got one'

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

The facebook group allows the audiences to have a collective identity and interact with one another and they can use social media to present their thoughts and feelings.