Media and Collective Identity

We received a handout about media and collective identity. Here is my summary of this booklet:

The booklet starts out by discussing collective identity and introduces the ideas of two 'influential' media theorists, Buckingham and Gauntlett. Gauntlett seems to go into more detail when discussing identity, he theroises the extremes of identity, such as considering that 'we are all incrediably similar, but are programmed to value miniscule differences.' After presenting the ideas of these theorist the booklet goes on to explain how some of society take identity for granted, as we share our identity and our information on sites such as Facebook so freely. Goffman and one of his theories is also included as a form of explanation of collective identity, as he combination of the clothes we wear and the media we consume creates 'the presentation of self.'

The booklet goes on to explain how British films may serve to 'construct, reinforce or challenge notions of British identity.' To make this task simpler British cinema is broken down into three sections. The British Film Industry, the Burden of Representation and, British social realism. The section labeled the British Film Industry welcomes us to the conventions of the British film industry, introducing the category system and arguing the case for and against the link with Hollywood. An interesting point is made regarding the British Film Industry making movies to show our collective identity or just to make money, some argue that there is a split in British movies, some are made to rival Blockbusters and others are set with low budgets and are happy to turn a small profit and for the movie to be viewed by small numbers. They say this split is what is stopping 'serious' British movies that can change our collective identity to a more up to date and challenging one than previously conceived. Due to this link with Hollywood British filmakers are left with a dilema, they can pair up with an international company for funding and produce a film clearly aiming for an international audience; they could go for a niche market and hope British and European arthouse fans will be attracted or finally; they can make a low budget movie aimed at the mainstream British audience that will attract America through it's pecuilar topic and quirkiness.

The booklet goes on to describe how the representation in British film can construct a collective identity. It seems that representation in British film constructs a collective identity for those represented, as those represented can relate to the characters and a collective identity is formed for the group represented. As the audience view and accept the group being represented the identity of the group is strengthened, as knowledge of the group intensifies. The booklet quotes Bend It like Beckham as a case study, this is a good example as the representation of Sikhs is very realistic. The fact the misenscene is so true to the religion adds to the collective identity as it portrays the Sikh culture to a wider audience, and gives the audience a true portrayal of their lives. Unlike other representations there isn't a negative spin or any stereotyping involved, so the audience don't get the wrong idea about that culture.

British social realist texts add to collective identity as they deal with real social issues. This means the settings and the characters are meant to be realistic and believable. This realism of character traits will add a true and fair representation of a social group, thus giving them a collective identity.