GCSE Media - Representation
Hegemonic or counter hegemonic?
Research the following media texts and try to identify the ideology being promoted. Make notes on whether the values are hegemonic or counter hegemonic. Click on the hint button below each image for help.
A 2016 second world war film directed by Mel Gibson. It recounts the true story of Desmond Doss, a Christian pacifist, who refused to carry a weapon when he enlisted in the army. Doss goes on to save seventy-five members of his unit single-handedly.
The film celebrates core American values of bravery, sanctity of life and Christian beliefs which could be considered hegemonic. However, the film does explore the idea that killing is wrong, even in war which counters Western ideology.
Woman & Home is a lifestyle magazine first published in 1926. It targets GenerationYNot, British women in the 40 – 60 demographic. Over half their audience are parents. The brand supports hegemonic values of family and domesticity. It supports the gender stereotype of women being the homemakers. Additionally, it promotes the values and beliefs of consumerism.
Frozen is a 2013 animated musical. The film tells the story of two sisters, one with the power to turn anything into ice. Anna and Elsa live in an idealized culture that supports capitalist values. The message of the film is that family bonds of sisterhood eclipse fleeting attractions with handsome men. The female characters are somewhat empowered and they both learn lessons of self-control and sacrifice.
A 2016 thriller directed by Jodie Foster. The film centres on a TV personality who offers advice on commerce and banking. The film criticises capitalist values and beliefs and demonises the traders of Wall Street (business heart of US)
A free magazine founded in 1984. It covers topics related to arts, culture and current events. The magazine publishes controversial topics about criminality, terrorism, sex and politics. The target audience are young millennials, (someone who reached adulthood in the 21st century) from 18 to 40.
A British TV Period Drama broadcasted on BBC 1 starring Tom Hardy in the lead role. Adventurer James Delaney returns from Africa to inherit his late father’s estate. He soon becomes caught up in a conspiracy to dominate trade between the continents. The drama negatively portrays the ruling classes as corrupt and greedy.