Representation

-Representation refers to the idea that everything we see or hear in media has been constructed.
-Representations can take many forms eg radio segments, newspaper articles, photos, films.
-Everything in the media is a representation of something.
-Media representations may seem realistic but remember they're just constructions.
-At best, the media can only represent reality.
-We are always seeing someone else's interpretation of reality.
-Representations are created through a process of selection, omission and construction.
-Eg a photo, before it's taken you will:
       1. Select what is in the image.
       2. Make decisions on what to omit.
       3. Construct the representation by making decisions about codes and conventions like camera angle and mise-en-scence.
-Code is a system of signs that create meaning eg traffic lights.
-Denotation of a sign is its literal meaning.
-Connotations are the cultural or individual associations a sign has for the audience.
-Example of a code is colour eg black represents death and depression.
-When thinking about media think about how the media represents ideas, events and people.
-Deconstructing media representations eg films is a great way to understand how the media works.