Media Series - TV
Constructing gender
Representation - Page 7
Van Zoonen argues that gender is constructed and that its meaning varies dependent on cultural and historical context.
She suggests that masculinity as well as femininity is constructed – and that the codes used to construct men ‘as a spectacle’ are different.
Is this applicable to “Humans”? Think particularly about Leo.
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“Leo, a mysterious freedom fighter on the hunt for a missing synth....Leo is the main source of action in the drama and, Morgan says, “He doesn’t have a lot of fun. I don’t know if you ever see him smile and he spends a lot of time out in cold, dingy places. He’s got a complicated past, he’s on a very personal and public mission but, if he succeeds, it could change the world.”
| Males constructed through movement (active) |
Leo is the active protagonist
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| Silence and impassivity |
He rarely smiles and does not show emotion. Leaves Niska at the brothel without compunction
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| Strength, muscularity and aggression |
Leo is often running and is prepared to fight
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| Competition – males as gladiators or combatants – ‘the spectacle’ |
Leo is costumed as a combatant/ survivor figure
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| Constructed more through the intradiegetic gaze – the way they are looked at by other characters (e.g. with respect/fear) |
Clearly the “leader” of the synths. Max and the others rely on him.
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| Narcissistic identification without erotic gaze |
His age and costume make him an identifiable character for the younger target audience
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