Presented in the Media- Politicians

In my opinion, if there is one topic that demonstrates how the media can be split into two completely different sides in regards to its depictions, it is in regards to politicians. Incontrovertibly, this split is most evident during elections. On one hand, politicians and candidates are shown under a highly positive light, as dedicated role models and leaders of the community and the nation as a whole. The image below demonstrates the first form of depiction. Here, Prime Minster Tony Abbot is portrayed as the savior to Australia The bold, succinct, and yellow words bluntly yet most clearly shows the viewers that he is the light, and he brings about all things positive to the nation. I also see his professional attire as an icon of his authority, professionalism and dedication for the state. Yet, the lack of a jacket also adds a touch of casualness to him –not only is he a statesman, he is also a champion of the public, an advocate for the lower class.

Yet, on the other, they are illustrated under a daunting light, as power hungry, twisted, befitting Satanist creations. Here, the two candidates for the 2014 election have almost un-human, goblin-like features added to them, hereby transforming them into shady, unintelligent beings. Likewise, devilish horns, eyes and fangs have been added to the Muslim persons in the picture. This exaggerative depiction again accentuates the ignorance and racist nature of the two prime minster candidates. Seeing these two bipolar perceptions of politicians, I am confused and no longer know how to make my judgment.

- Dee

Media Stereotypes

Media stereotypes are in my opinion, inevitable especially in today’s entertainment and news industries. Stereotypes feed the audience misguided conceptions of a person or a group of people usually relating to their ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender and occupation.

I believe that the media today has stereotyped almost all of the groups present in society today. Stereotyping is not only insensitive, it is also wrong. Even if the stereotype is correct in some cases, I feel as though constantly putting someone down based on your fixed perceptions will not encourage them to be successful. Stereotyping can lead to bullying from a young age. Movies have taught us that the high school jocks and preps pick on the nerds and the geeks and skaters pick on the goths. Stereotyping is encouraging discrimination that children will most likely carry into adulthood and eventually pass it down from generation to generation. There has been several cases where stereotyping has lead people to live their lives in constant fear, waiting for the next attack.

The topic of gender stereotyping for me personally is the most engaging as it symbolizes the significant amount of change that is occurring in the world today. Men and women are crossing paths whether it is in their social role or occupation; both genders are able to achieve the same accomplishments. Some of the best examples off the top of my head are the infamous examples – ‘men are strong and do all the work’, ‘men are the back bone’, women aren’t as smart as a man’, ‘girls are not good at sports’, ‘men are messy and unclean’, ‘nursing is for women’, ‘construction is for men only’. I believe these stereotypes are slowly being forgotten and disowned as I feel society is slowly becoming for accepting of both genders being able to accomplish anything.

- Huda

Presented in the Media – Pregnancy

There has also been great controversy in the media’s representation of pregnancy. Traditionally, pregnancy has been portrayed as a subject of fascination, and often linked to religion. In fact, I found  an abundance of direct references to childbirth and pregnancy in the bible. Pregnancy represents holiness and rebirth, and with it comes many other positive religious connotations. The image below is a good demonstration of this Orthodox representation. Here, the pregnant lady has been edited to be covered in white, including her skin and her dyed hair. In my opinion, this is the most direct symbol of pureness and holiness. This is coupled with the white, yet enigmatic and intriguing background. The lack of a horizon and the complete empty whiteness reflects the heaven. The lady has effectively been transformed into an angel above the clouds, overseeing her baby and also those on remaining on Earth underneath her.

Conversely, when it comes to teen pregnancy or unprepared pregnancy, the media is more than ready to illustrate it with a highly negative bias. Here, the dim, grey nature of the photo conveys that teen pregnancy is not condemned in any way by society. I interpret the young woman to be likewise ostracized by society. Moreover, the harsh fonts of bold, yet straightforward fonts on the wall resembles outcries and outbursts from not society, nor the lady, but from the unborn baby himself. The baby is caged and tortured, is living in shame and will continue to live in shame under the custody of his/her teen parents.

- Dee