12 Questions
What is the central idea behind the maxim 'representation matters'?
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.
What are the two instances of expectations that emerge from the idea that 'representation matters'?
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.
What is the risk of the hunt for representational affirmation, according to the passage?
The risk is that it can lead to erroneous interpretations.
What is the example given in the passage to illustrate the risk of erroneous interpretations in the hunt for representational affirmation?
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.
What is the significance of the fact that the producers of Star Wars: The Force Awakens did not have to pay the leads significant salaries?
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.
What does the passage imply about the importance of critically evaluating representation in media?
It implies that critical evaluation is necessary to avoid simplistic or erroneous interpretations, and to recognize the complexity and nuances of representation.
What is presumably the reason behind Disney's acquisition of the Star Wars brand from George Lucas?
An expectation of massive return on investment, given the profitable track record of the Star Wars brand.
What does the author suggest is the outcome of mediated imagery having an overdetermining effect on black images?
It obliterates context and sidelines any consideration of depth, making images hollowed and malleable signs with artificial origins.
What does the term 'plastic representation' refer to, according to the author?
A place of synthetic malleability, where images are hollowed and malleable signs with artificial origins, lacking depth and organic qualities.
What is the origin of the concept 'plastic soul', and how did David Bowie use it to describe his approach to rhythm and blues music?
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.
How did David Bowie's approach to making an R&B record differ from simply accepting plastic soul as the standard?
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.
What did David Bowie's decision to hire Luther Vandross and record in Philadelphia add to his R&B record?
It added a specific flavor to the music, but not enough to overwhelm Bowie's style.
Explore the complexities of representation in media and how the concept of 'representation matters' combines positive and negative characterizations. Delve into the dual and dueling nature of representation in various forms of media.
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