Typical Representation of; Age, Class, Gender and Place
- 1. T Y P I C A L R E P R E S E N T A T I O N S O F ; A G E , C L A S S , G E N D E R A N D P L A C E
- 2. AGE Younger characters, usually teenagers, are viewed in quite a negative light. They are associated with gangs, crime and violence, and this particular stereotype has stuck with those between the ages 15-21. The movie Kidulthood is a good example which shows how the teenage characters want to grow up so fast, dealing with issues you’d expect adults to have, such as; drugs, alcohol, violence and pregnancy. Within my trailer I am going to stick with this stereotype, as my characters are teenagers. They are also going to be experiencing; drugs, alcohol, violence and smoking. Also within my trailer I have a slightly older character, (but not by that much). This character is a teacher, so he will be wise and mature compared to the teenagers, he stereotypically should know the difference between right and wrong. He does not support the troublesome behaviour that the teens are known to have, and becomes concerned when one of his well-behaved students (my main character) has a drastic change to her attitude.
- 3. CLASS Another thing most troublesome teenagers who are found in gangs have in common, is the fact they are considered low down in the class system, people say they have “no motivation to get educated” and instead find themselves dealing with illegal issues from such a young age. Lower class (occasionally described as working class) are those employed in low- paying wage jobs with very little economic security. The term "lower class" also refers to people with low income. The working class is sometimes separated into those who are employed but lacking financial security, and those who are long-term unemployed and/or homeless. Race and other large-scale groupings can also influence class standing. The association of particular ethnic groups with class statuses is common in many societies. As a result of conquest or internal ethnic differentiation, a ruling class is often ethnically homogenous and particular races or ethnic groups in some societies are legally or customarily restricted to occupying particular class positions. Which ethnicities are considered as belonging to high or low classes varies from society to society.
- 4. GENDER Boys are shown to be tough, strong and not afraid to encounter any form of danger, especially the ones in gangs, as keeping their image and their stereotype is important to them. And girls are stereotyped as, hopeless, relying on people to protect them or look out for them, as they are emotionally unstable most of the time. And are considered weak and not able to fend for themselves. Within my trailer, I decided to do a countertype, where the girls are the ones in a gang and the ones who cause trouble, are violent and experience tough issues. This role reversal between genders is what I have considered from the beginning to make my trailer different from the typical Social Realism movies out there including boys. Although females and males are still not equal, the differences between gender are not so vast anymore. However, many social institutions, still use gender stereotypes, basing on the theory, that they are well known to everyone and help the receivers to understand the content of the message.
- 5. PLACE The place, (or location) is important as it sets the tone for specific characters. It gives the viewers a better idea of what the character is like, for instance; regularly showing someone at a library tells the viewers that this character may be well educated, and interested in Literature or learning in general. Within my trailer my main character will be shown always at school within the beginning, which will show that she is a well behaved child who cares about her education. Eventually she will mix with the wrong crowd and will always be shown anywhere but in class, this will tell the readers these characters do not care abut their education and would much rather be hanging out whilst doing illegal activities.