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Useful Theories and their application to media texts
Representation – Page 11-15
The humorous
In the context of certain texts, for example situation comedies and film, the audience is encouraged to laugh at the ethnic stereotypes contained within the text. These stereotypes have often been built up over time and, as with all stereotypes, they exaggerate recognisable features and attributes. In the early days of sitcoms racist humour was seen as an acceptable way of making people laugh. This is no longer the case but texts like Citizen Khan have attracted a range of views about the programme which was written by British Muslim Adil Ray. It was one of the most complained-about programmes to Ofcom with accusations that it stereotyped the Pakistani community in Britain.
Look at the image and consider the question.
How does this image from the programme both subvert and reinforce ethnic representations?
Alia Khan, the younger daughter both reinforces and subverts the stereotypical representation of the young Asian woman. She wears a hijab but in a very modern and 'over the top' way, she wears a lot of makeup and the rest of her clothing is very Western. She could be said to offer a rebellious representation of an Asian woman. This is further reinforced by the fact that, like most teenagers, she is more interested in her mobile phone
Her elder sister Shazia is represented as more conventional in some ways' in that she is getting married and here she is pictured looking at an Asian Bride style magazine with her mother. Mrs Khan's visual codes represent her as a more traditional member of the family.
The domestic setting is conventional of a situation comedy where most of the narrative takes place in one 'situation'.
Mr Khan's mode of address is direct, suggesting his role as the head of the family. His code of clothing is formal but links to the stereotypical attire of an older Asian man. His hat is a more obvious cultural code. There is also a narrative clue to the fact that the some of the humour comes from the fact that the rest of his family do not give him the respect he thinks he deserves
It is clear that the narrative in the programme will evolve from the conflicts between the characters. Shazia's boyfriend Amjad does not look as thrilled as his bride-to-be about the wedding!
Consider how far the context of this programme affects the representations within it.
