Representation Matters in Media

The maxim 'representation matters' integrates positive and negative binaries into a new grid of characterizations, leading to a dual and dueling set of expectations for people of color.

The two instances are: 1) every image deemed valuable must be accessible for identificatory suture, and 2) each image must be counted as a signifier of progress that affirms black importance and success.

The risk is that it can lead to erroneous interpretations.

<p>The example is the viral Internet memes attributing the success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens to the casting of a black man and a white woman as leads, when in fact the actual star of the film was the Star Wars franchise itself.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It suggests that the actual star of the film was the Star Wars franchise itself, and its status as Disney's intellectual property, rather than the leads.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It implies that critical evaluation is necessary to avoid simplistic or erroneous interpretations, and to recognize the complexity and nuances of representation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>An expectation of massive return on investment, given the profitable track record of the Star Wars brand.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It obliterates context and sidelines any consideration of depth, making images hollowed and malleable signs with artificial origins.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A place of synthetic malleability, where images are hollowed and malleable signs with artificial origins, lacking depth and organic qualities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The concept 'plastic soul' was originally coined by black musicians to describe white artists singing soul music, and David Bowie used it to describe his own approach as an artificial product composed of malleable fragments of black ethnic music.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Bowie's approach signaled a move to locate elements that recreated the sound of soul music while still adhering to his own style, rather than simply accepting a superficial version of the real.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It added a specific flavor to the music, but not enough to overwhelm Bowie's style.</p> Signup and view all the answers