Reception theory: blog task

 RECEPTION THEORY.

1) What are the preferred, negotiated and oppositional readings for the RBK 50 Cent advert?

The dominant reading for this advert would be to showcase a sort of identity of oneself and how by wearing their product that is capable since you're being who you are which all refers to the sub-text 'i am what i am'.

The negotiated reading could refer to them selling their product by also implying  their true identity which could allow the audience to understand the meaning behind ' i am what i am'. People should see you for who you are and not for their background/upbringing.

The oppositional reading would be that they are coming off as racist since they are associating a black person which i this case is 50 cent to criminal activity which is inferred from the fingerprints shown in the background, almost as if they are trying to exploit black culture.

2) What are the preferred, negotiated and oppositional readings for the advert of your own choice that you analysed for last week's work?

The dominant reading for this advert would be to showcase a sort of competition with the audience meaning who will rule whilst wearing their product. Intends to focus on the individual as a whole.

The oppositional reading would be how an item of clothing/product can change the person and how they are almost exaggerating the idea of a product changing one selves life.

The negotiated reading is that we understand they are trying to sell their product and what we perceive of the product itself.

3) How useful is Reception theory when analysing media products? 

I believe the reception theory is very useful when analysing media products. I think this because when reading an imagine if you look it as a whole you can really see the different aspects of the image. For example, when reading an advert you first notice its purpose and then what they are trying to portray as who which by doing so will give you its clear meaning.

Reading an image - media codes

Media Codes

 1) Analyse this RBK 50 Cent advert using the media codes you learned in the lesson: Technical, Written or verbal, Symbolic or non-verbal, Narrative. Write a paragraph for each one exploring the way meanings are created using those media codes.

The o and O in the typographic lettering is blank which refers tot he message conveying that nothing is promised. The text as a whole is white where as the background is mainly monochrome, highlighting 50 cents face and posture. The lighting on his face depicts the sense of hope and resilience linking back to his message on how 'tomorrow is not promised'. The angle of the camera is positioned to level up to 50 cents eye contact ( aka the close up shot) , also the composure of 50 cents himself is turned towards the camera inferring to the title which says ' I am what I am', meaning his intimidating posture suggests that he can't change who he is, and that you should accept him the way he is. The enigma is why the quote is used - identification and how it causes some form of speculation to what they would suggest. The use of the serif font for the title may come across as him claiming his identity by foreshadowing his authority.The scar depicts his fierceness and his willingness into overcoming any obstacle hurdling his way. The low key lighting is a huge power move since it gives the whole advert a great outlook on the message as a whole.The target audience for this advert would particularly be for young adults.

2) Next, analyse a print advert of your choice using the same media codes: Technical, Written or verbal, Symbolic or non-verbal, Narrative.

The meanings created for the audience is that in order for a good night sleep, IKEA has the best type of 'pill' aka pillows to ensure that you have a great night sleep just like the effectiveness of sleeping pills.I presume the target audience for this product will mainly be for adults since adults need a well rested sleep in order to go about their day. The lighting is specifically directed towards the pillows since that's their selling point.Since their main target is to sell the product any sort of dialogue shown is minimised except for the prize which you can see clearly in the advert. The only use of language used is the word 'sleep' which is highlighted in bold conveying what their main product concept is.The font used for the word is a simple georgia font which gives it a simple polished look by also being alert at the same time.The enigma code may classify to be a little bit more information about the product itself such as its comfort-ability.

My media consumption

 My media consumption

Newspapers

I do not read any daily newspapers but occasionally when i do they are mainly Punjabi related newspapers because my gran dad gets them from the local corner shop for himself and i read it as a time pass, i do not recall the name of the newspaper but it is quite a common newspaper in the Sikh community.

I mainly read through the subtitles and which ever one stands out more to me or is more fascinating then the other subtitles i tend to start reading through that. Stories that include some sort of disagreement in politics or one that include any tragic accident usually catches my attention. 

The sections I do not read are mainly the advertising section because they don't really compel me to read them meaning i don't find them as interesting as the sections i do like. In my opinion, I feel like i advertising is everywhere and i fell like there should be some forms of media then don't have them as much as the others as it tends to annoy the reader since they keep seeing the same advert each time they open the any sort of media.

The kind of stories I usually read include a various of serious allegations made against a person, for example there have been many cases of human trafficking across Asian countries.

No i have never looked up online version of any newspapers, I normally look onto apple news if i am unable to get hold of any local newspaper.I find this less hectic and more practical since its just one click away instead of 10 mins away.

Magazines

Honestly, I have never personally bought any sort of magazine because i have never had to since i was not born when magazines were trending which was about 20 years ago.I feel like Twitter is a sublet of magazine since the hot new gossip is quickly advertised across the whole internet and it is much more practical than magazines in the sense of actually spending money on it rather than downloading an app used by millions.

 Since I do not read any magazines I do not know what section i read or not read however if by any chance in the future there does come a situation where it enquires me to read one i would simply read a section which catches my attention immediately.

Television

I spend about 2-3 hours max when watching television.

I normally watch television on my TV or my laptop however i watch it on my laptop very rarely.

Usually I watch television once i arrive home and get all comfortable which is around 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm

I like watching Netflix because of their long term series which in a way i like because i like relating myself to the characters and the way they perceive certain issues.

90% of the time i will be watching alone but the other 10% i would be watching with my younger sister which is fun at times since we both have the same interests when watching be it shows or movies together.When it comes to sport related television i watch it live, for example the Asian Cricket Cup. I use mostly my phone to watch Netflix but during weekends i watch movies on my laptop.

Radio

No I do not listen to the radio.

Yes, I do listen to podcasts mainly on Spotify because i find them very practical and motivating whilst i am doing work or especially getting ready. 

Recently, I have been listening to the podcast ' Anything Goes' by Emma Chamberlain on my phone.

In a day I listen to at least 30 mins of the podcast in the morning so in a week that would be 150 hours.

Nobody else in my household listens to podcasts other than me.

Film

The last movie that I have watched in the cinema was probably Minions:The Rise Of Gru.

I have seen mostly horror movies since I am huge fan of classic horror movies.

No one other than me in my household loves horror  films so most of the time I just watched them by myself which I don't mind at all.

Normally, I would use my TV but when I do not feel like watching it on a big screen I use my phone .

Online

I have access to the internet all the time  At home, at school, commuting etc. I access the internet at home and at school. The main sites i access are Google and Safari that is because i do not have google on my phone so that is why i use safari as well.I also use Netflix, TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram.The main reasons why I access these sites are to communicate with friends and for entertainment and most importantly for any research regarding schoolwork. I mainly listen to music since it helps me concentrate which is unusual since it might come across as distracting to others.

Reflection

I develop the amount and variety of media i consume by using them when it seems necessary for example i would use social media when one my friends has contacted me only or use twitter to catch up on any fresh news that is trending at the moment. I would probably limit myself into using my phone by adding a set amount of time for screen time.. British newspapers, online newspapers and any TV programmes I come across in the future which i have not considered yet.

English by Tarun Thind analysis

 Answer the two questions below:

1) What meanings are the audience encouraged to take about the two main characters from the opening of the film?

Despite for the main character (English) being deaf he still used forms of sign language to speak out his emotions; even though he didn't say anything at all his actions spoke louder hence the incident of the pencil and banana in the shop. English's companion however was vocal through the whole of the film, his laugh indicating a sense of amusement towards the whole situation. At the opening of the film, we see the vigorous facial expression of English assuming he meant harm but really he didn't, which shows the impact of the emotion portrayed.

2) How does the end of the film emphasise de Saussure’s belief that signs are polysemic – open to interpretation or more than one meaning?

The fact that he was holding a banana in his pocket shows how a simple symbol has so much violence behind it since we have learnt to grow the repercussions of such acts. A fruit signifying a sort of weapon, a gun. The pencil is another example of how we are brought up in society to believe that if a black person has pencil like figure in their jacket pocket it automatically suggests that is a threat to oneself's life.Therefore, proving that de Saussure's belief that signs are polysemic since its meaning is just.

Media Magazine theory drop: Semiotics 

1) What did Ferdinand de Saussure suggest are the two parts that make up a sign?

The signifier: the thing that does the communication.

The signified: that which is communicated.

2) What does ‘polysemy’ mean?

Polysemy: multiple meanings.

3) What does Barthes mean when he suggests signs can become ‘naturalised’?

He means we need to explore deeper meanings and form opinions on how and why certain views and ideologies can take hold in society.Barthes than used semiotics (study of these meanings, or signs) in order to explain how meanings are created in society.

4) What are Barthes’ 5 narrative codes?

Those five narrative codes are;

 hermeneutic code, 

proairetic code, 

cultural code, 

connotative code, 

And symbolic code.

Icons, indexes and symbols

1) Find two examples for each: icon, index and symbol. Provide images or links.

Icon:



Index:  a list of employees names and phone numbers

Symbol: four-leaf clover–symbolises good luck or fortune.

•            wedding ring–symbolises commitment and matrimony.

2) Why are icons and indexes so important in media texts?

 Icons and indexes are very important in media texts as they emphasise the manner of the text depending on what genre it is and overall it gives it a more polished outlook of the text as a whole.Also because it gives us a sort of preview of the media we are about to watch. For example, when showcasing a horror movie most classic films have a drippy blood effect implying it is gory themed.

3) Why might global brands try and avoid symbols in their advertising and marketing?

Global brands try and avoid symbols in their advertising and marketing to ensure there is no form of plagiarism. Also because some happen to be  overused in terms of fonts and specific type of symbol.

4) Find an example of a media text (e.g. advert) where the producer has accidentally communicated the wrong meaning using icons, indexes or symbols. Why did the media product fail? 

"The ad has sparked accusations that Pepsi has appropriated a racial protest movement to sell a global fizzy drinks brand."

This media product failed because the message that was meant to be intended originally did not happen and instead the message was entirely misunderstood and it became a very controversial piece.

5) Find an example of a media text (e.g. advert) that successfully uses icons or indexes to create a message that can be easily understood across the world.

 This is a simple advert which conveys the message of the brand loud and clear as it checks of all the criteria needed such as the symbol, index and icon.

First Blog Task

First blog task

1) Why did you choose A Level Media Studies?

I chose A level Media Studies because i felt like it correlated to my other subjects in a way and because i have liked being behind the camera and learning about the media and how it works.

2) Did you take GCSE Media Studies (either here at Greenford or a different school)?

I did not take GCSE Media Studies.

3) If you answered yes to Q2, what grade did you achieve in GCSE Media? What coursework task did you complete? What would you say your strengths and weaknesses were in GCSE Media?

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4) What grade do you hope to achieve in A Level Media?

I would like to achieve A*/A in A Level Media.

5) What are your current thoughts about your next steps after A Levels - university, apprenticeship, work?

I would like to do a degree apprenticeship once I know for certain what I would like to pursue as a career.

6) What do you think the biggest MEDIA story of 2022 has been and why?

I believe the biggest media story of 2022 has been about the war between Ukraine and Russia because it is an international outbreak meaning a lot of countries were involved which increased media viewings.

7) What media sources do you use to find out about news and current affairs?

I mainly use Twitter or Apple News to find out about news and current affairs.

8) What was the last film you watched?

The last film i have watched was Love You To Death.

9) What is your favourite ever TV series?

My favourite ever tv series has to be between  How To Get Away With Murder or Brooklyn 99.

10) How many hours do you spend online in an average day? Is this too little, too much or about right? Why? (If you have an iPhone you can use Screen Time to get an accurate figure of how much you use your phone).

My daily average is 6h45m due to me using youtube a lot to listen to music.