How are representations constructed in Reality T.V shows like 'Keeping up with the Kardashians'?
Representations:
what are the positive representations: (Audience)
The positive impact on the audience, as of the success the family's going through, such as the clothing lines they have: Jenner Collection, Kardashians Kollection. Furthermore, Kim's perfume "true reflection" and "Glam" this would make the audience look up to them as they've become successful through the hard work they've put in a whole, this is direct correlation with the audiences. This hard work is shown in the episodes. The episodes consist of all 3 sisters (Kim, Khole and Kourtney) are at the store, managing and dividing up the work load, dealing with their staff members, giving out them jobs to do. Moreover, Katz and Bumblers theory of Escapism, would link with this, as the audience would want to be away from their daily lifestyle. Audiences may be able to make contact or relate with the actors lifestyle.
what are the negative representations:
However, Keeping up with the Kardashians has a negative impact on the audience equally. One of the reasons for this is Kim Kardashians sex tape, which was the main cause of the family being rich, well-known and famous. However, people may argue and say that were already rich before that due to the immense management skills they all require, and they were recognised for their role as entrepreneurs. Another reason is Kris Jenners lavish lifestyle, as she holds control over her husband and tells him what to do. Keeping up with the Kardashians is a series that follows the lives of the Kardashian/Jenner family. The executive producer of the series, Ryan Seacrest, said that rooting from the background of the family, the series will show a family that"truly loves and supports one another" Basically, the dynamics of the family became their key to be Hollywood entertainers. Not scripted at all, but definitely not a real life representation. On April 2012, a new three-year deal was signed with the Kardashian family, for continuing the
series until 2015.
Analysis of the two clips - positive and negative
Kims sex tape
Representation and stereotyping: The media demonises, the youth and has left an imprint on today's society. The young adults look up to celebrities and are idolising them, and see them as "rich, glamorous, posh and chic" which is an stereotype of celebrities. The media reports stories to do with celebrities on a regular basis to keep the audiences informed of what is happening within their lives, the media reporters do this in many manners, through different platforms of broadcasting such as radio, e-media such as the internet and print such as newspapers and magazines. Events such as kim's sex tape was released through all the media platforms in order to raise awareness about the event.
Moral panic was caused when the media exaggerated the stories of Kim's sex tape and it was leaked publically, which led to the public being scared. Furthermore, this meant young adults or even adults stopped looking at Kim in an idolised manner, and they didn't look up to her, and it could have lead to them not wanting to view the show any longer.
Regulation and censorship: There are some restrictions of what young people can watch, as they'll be affected with what they see on T.V because it influences their behaviour and attitudes.
How Kim got about to do playboy?
What encouraged her to do this, what would the audience think of this? It would lead to her losing out on fans, as she is sexually showing of her body.
KEY POINT - Almy et al. (1984) argue that media representations of gender are important because they enter the collective social conscience and reinforce culturally dominant (hegemonic) ideas about gender which represent males as dominant and females as subordinate. Sociologists argue that media representations not only stereotype masculinity and femininity into fairly limited forms of behaviour, but also provide gender role models that males and females are encouraged to aspire to.
However, Gauntlett (2008) points out that sociological analysis of media representations needs to be cautious, because of the sheer diversity of media in Britain.
What are the feminism views on reality T.V?
•Feminist
Theory is an outgrowth of the general movement to empower women
worldwide.
•Feminism
can be defined as a recognition and critique of male supremacy combined with
efforts to change it.
The history about feminism
The contemporary feminism movement began in the 1960's, free love helped escape the
sexual double standard, divorce became commonplace, women were "happy housewives",
higher level of employment and fulfilment outside the home were becoming the norm.
Liberal feminism
•All
people are created equal and should not be denied equality of opportunity
because of
gender
•Liberal
Feminists focus their efforts on social change through the construction of
legislation and regulation of employment practices
Marxist feminism
•Division
of labor is related to gender role expectations.
•Females
give birth. Males left to support family
•Bourgeoisie=Men
•Proletariat=Women
what historical text links in with this: An american family
what is the genre: Reality T.V
Fly on the wall documentary
Documentary has a high status and regard of representing reality fairly
Include voice overs, music, mise en scene
Audience theory:
Hypodermic needle - links in with my case study, as of the content is in shot at, there are various angles which will attract the audience, and will be directly penetrating in the viewers mind.
Uses and gratifications theory- mostly identification (Audience)
Summary linking back to my question
Different representation of the family, which are reinforced by stereotypes as the hegemonic control
Summarise the essay, give two different views and then a final one, it could be argued that the T.V show is giving positive representations, I could include criticisms of reality TV, and how it is dumbing down the society, by including shows such as big brother.
"It’s often claimed that reality TV only appeals to stupid people, and we have to start by saying that that’s just simply not true! Firstly, it’s precisely the experimental nature of it, the fact that it is a mix of the things you like in other shows, a bit of soap opera, a bit of documentary, a bit of a talk show. We’re attracted to that hybrid nature of the genre."
