The representation question

You need to identify the stereotypes that are being explored in the clip. To gain full marks, you need to either discuss the stereotyping of one group in lots of sophisticated detail or discuss the representation of a range of social groups seen in the clip in less detail.

In Hancock, you would have gained marks for spotting any of the following stereotypes or anti-stereotypes (you can also call this a counter-stereotype):

• the stereotypical representation of violence as a male activity and representation of a male hero role
• the representation of Black and White Americans as heroes and a White American as the villain
• the differing representations of women – Mary appears to be defined by her looks, whereas the policewoman is actively putting her life in danger
• the positive anti-stereotypical representation of prisoners as caring and helpful
• the negative stereotypical representation of the bank robbers as uncaring and greedy
• the stereotypical equation of heroism with mature adulthood and lack of disability or disfigurement
• the stereotypical representation of the city as a place of danger
• the representation of the Police as brave mixed race and mixed gender workers

You also need to explore current ideologies that are prevalent in western culture or society. This means you need to show an understanding of how we see certain groups as a society and whether the clip confirms or challenges our understanding of how these groups fit in to society. State whether stereotypes are shown as negative or positive in the clip by considering where the director is positioning the audience (think carefully about who's side you as the viewer is on).

It is vital that you refer closely to the extract and use plenty of examples from the clip to support what you are discussing in your answer.

In your mock paper, the strongest answers showed an awareness of general media stereotyping. They analysed gender stereotyping in the male superhero and female 'damsel in distress'. They discussed the policewoman's ambiguous representation as both stereotypically vulnerable but at the same time an anti-stereotypical representation of female activity and power. They discussed the anti- stereotypical representation of an African-American hero, but also questioned the rarity of such a representation in the contemporary media. They discussed the easy equation of Americans and heroism. They noted the stereotypical representation of the big city as a place of danger.

Good answers clearly discussed media stereotyping but avoided discussion of social reality.