Identity and the wider media

The Factsheet discusses how identity is a complex subject. What does it suggest defines our identity?
The factsheet suggests that there are a few factors when it comes to our own personal identity. These are:

• who we think we are
• who we want to be… and
• who we think others think we are

Complete the task on page 2: suggest media texts that could reinforce that someone is non-mainstream; edgy; a pleasure seeker; fashionable; witty and fun; cutting-edge.

You are….	… media use to reinforce these ideas?
Non-mainstream	Art house and indie movies that are not blockbusters or well know are very non-mainstream
Edgy	Game of Thrones would be considered slightly edgy as it keeps people tensed and on their seats, in a way it is a dramatic/adventure/thriller.
A pleasure seeker	Narcos would appeal to an aspect of Uses and Gratifications
Fashionable	America's Next Top Model/Tabloid media with gossip that sensationalise celebrities and society
Witty and fun	Community, Rick and Morty. These are created by the same person and have a similar type of humour to them. Very witty and focused on the comedic side of the media
Cutting-edge	Black Mirror, focuses heavily on the introductions of new/digital media and then imagines the worst case scenario in a way. A mix between scifi, reality, thriller and psychology.

What examples are suggested for a case study on urban youth?
The Jeremy Kyle show is used as an example for a case study on the urban youth as it portrays the working class youth as villains. Another example used as a case study Eden Lake which shows that young people acts as a threat to middle classes sort of in the form of a moral panic.

What does Hebdige argue with regards to youth culture? 
Hebdige argues that the youth of society are resistance and show their opposition to the dominant culture through their decisions and choices. This is evident as the youth portray themselves as non-mainstream.

What other theorists are referenced alongside Hebdige? How do they link to the issue of youth identity?
Another theorist that is referenced alongside Hebdige is Acland. His work talks about how the media creates a specific representation of youths as deviants, helping reinforce the mainstream values that exist.

How can we link our Year 12 case study on Ill Manors to youth and identity? What specific examples from the case study could be used to discuss Hebdige’s theory that youth culture challenges mainstream culture and dominant ideologies?
Ill Manors can definitely be linked to youth and identity. This is due to the fact that Acland theorised that the youth are essentially in a way, deviants that reinforce negative mainstream values in society. This is evident throughout the film as the young characters partake in illicit and violent activities. However, Hebdige's theory of them actually acting as an opposition of dominant culture is also present as Riz Ahmed's character consistently shows good character and tries his best to do the right thing.

What does theorist David Gauntlett suggest regarding the media’s influence over the construction of identities?
David Gauntlett suggests that the media has a huge amount of influence over the construction and reinforcement of identities in society. This means that the way the media stereotypes groups of individuals and generalises them can become part of how individuals view themselves.

Do you agree that Hebdige’s view that youth culture will always seek to resist mainstream culture and challenge dominant ideologies?
I definitely agree with Hebdige's view, especially considering I'm a young person myself. I firmly believe that the youth are consistently undermined and misrepresented which leads to a lot of frustration or even a sense of apathy. I feel like young people specifically don't respond too well to authority which leads to clash for power in a way. This means that young people are always trying to challenge whoever is keeping them down in order to change the realities around them.