Representations of Australia

The media gives off sensationalism, keeps their audience hooked. However, every culture is different and the media has the power to create representations. Australia is viewed differently by the representations the media gives from the eyes of other countries which differs from the eyes of Australians.

An example of the different representations is shown in the image I found above from the Cronulla Riots. Australians will be more familiar with what's happening because it's national news and nationalism is what makes them part of one community. The international public would see this image as a negative representation of Australia through the violence and alcohol consumption depicted.

Internationally, Australia has been represented by the Media through the use of national icons, history and culture and national wildlife species. The image I chose above is from the "There's nothing like Australia" campaign advertisement. In my opinion, representations from the media include Australians only being caucasians which isn't true since Australia has grown to be multicultural, its beaches, its wildlife animals and Australians having a sense of pride and community. This is a positive representation allowing interest for people in other countries to visit.

News and advertisements reveal representations that differ from reality. Representations itself is something that all media students or even anyone who is interested, such as myself, or involved in the media industry must be aware of and understand including semiotics, the theory of signs and symbols and the variety of thoughts towards them.

- Jessica