Representation

In class on thursday, we learnt about representation. 
I learnt that representation is usually shown in stereotypes, with a character being an archetype, which is an ultimate stereotype (model for a stereotype). Sterio-types are often shown in negative ways, and sometime it is questionable whether we are laughing at them or with them. 
I realised that that representation occurs everywhere. On Facebook, your profile, represents the way you want other people to see you, you statuses, photos, comments, pretty much everything, shows away you want to be seen, usually on Facebook, we can be seen as a stereo-type as well. Also on this blog, it is a representation of my in media studies. It is a way of me to speak more posh than usual, and try and show my knowledge and understanding of the subject, it is not what i am truly like in person, yes parts are personal, but if you met me in person, you would never be able to match my blog to my true personality. It is a way which i think represents myself as best as possible. 
I also learnt that there are four stages of minority representations: 


1. Non-recognition: A given minority group is not acknowledged by the dominant media to even exist. 
2. Ridicule: certain minority characters are portrayed as stupid, silly, lazy, irrational or simply laughable. 
3. Regulation: certain minority characters are presented as enforcers or administrators of the dominant group's norms. 
4. Respect: the minority group in question is portrayed no differently than any other group. Interracial relationships would also not appear extraordinary. 


This undersanding of representation will help me in my final exam for media studies.