Collective identity and representing ourselves: blog tasks

 Collective identity and representing ourselves: blog tasks

Task 1: Media Magazine article

1) Read the article and summarise each section in one sentence, starting with the section 'Who are you?'

Everybody is active in creating an image that conveys who they are.

2) List three brands you are happy to be associated with and explain how they reflect your sense of identity.

3) Do you agree with the view that modern media is all about 'style over substance'? What does this expression mean?

I do agree as I think many people get influenced on how to be themselves when they don't realise they are getting influenced to change themselves, Even if someone presents themselves in the best possible way, there is nothing real or meaningful behind the surface. 

4) Explain Baudrillard's theory of 'media saturation' in one paragraph. You may need to research it online to find out more.

According to Baudrillard, our society is so fooled with media that it has become more impossible to tell the difference between reality and media images because they rule and influence how we perceive the world.

For example Baudrillard thought it might be difficult to tell what images in computer games are genuine and which are from newsreels.

5) Is your presence on social media an accurate reflection of who you are? Have you ever added or removed a picture from a social media site purely because of what it says about the type of person you are?

I think that whoever people follow or whatever they post on social media doesn't define who you are as many people post and follow certain thing just as other people influence them to, if they see someone take a picture of their meal and post it the might think its `normal 'to also do they same thing. Me personally I have never added or removed a picture from a social media site because of what people might say to it because its not their account its mine so if they follow me its because they chose to, I think whatever you post or don't its up to you as other people opinions shouldn't be our influence.

6) What is your opinion on 'data mining'? Are you happy for companies to sell you products based on your social media presence and online search terms? Is this an invasion of privacy?

`Data mining` is some platforms may offer people programmes and items before they even realise they want them thanks to data mining. I think it could be good sometimes as it could be something you really like, for example when Netflix personalise and recommend shows you may like, which means you are open to new shows and programs you may not have ever seen if it weren't for Netflix

Task 2: Media Magazine cartoon

Now read the cartoon in MM62 (p36) that summarises David Gauntlett’s theories of identity. Write five simple bullet points summarising what you have learned from the cartoon about Gauntlett's theories of identity.

Task 3: Representation & Identity: Factsheet blog task

 Media Factsheet #72 on Collective Identity. The Factsheet archive is available online here - 

1) What is collective identity? Write your own definition in as close to 50 words as possible.

An identity that is largely focused around a group of people who have common characteristics is referred to as "collective." Principles, and a comparable perspective on their surroundings.

2) Complete the task on the factsheet (page 1) - write a list of as many things as you can think of that represent Britain. What do they have in common? Have you represented the whole of Britain or just one aspect/viewpoint?

3) How does James May's Top Toys offer a nostalgic representation of Britain?


4) How has new technology changed collective identity?

New collective identity a "interpretive community" and refers to people as "cultural producers" who, having taken inspiration from the book, are now actively taking advantage the form in creating new identities. 

5) What phrase does David Gauntlett (2008) use to describe this new focus on identity? 

The 'Make and Connect Agenda' 

6) How does the Shaun of the Dead Facebook group provide an example of Henry Jenkins' theory of interpretive communities online?

The individuals in the Shaun of the Dead Facebook group all had similar experiences after seeing the movie.

The example of Henry Jenkins's theory is  a group of people who have all interpreted the same thing, making them feel as though they can relate to each other, is an example of an interpreting group.