Types of representation in the media...

DOMINANT;

• The most common way in which a certain group of people is seen or represented
• A representation that is often repeated through the media

Examples; Young black men seen as aggressive, criminals or troublemakers. Teenagers shown as lazy and work-shy. Older white men shown as wise and knowledgeable.


ALTERNATIVE;

• When a group is represented in a way that challenges or goes against the dominant representation
• Representations that are not shown as often by the media

Example; Teenagers shown helping the community.   

REDUNDANT;

• When a representation of a group is repeated constantly over a period of time and loses it's impact
• A representation that is no longer relevant, or is old-fashioned
• No longer shown as often by the media, but was previously dominant

Examples; Women being shown as weak

ABSENT;

• When a group is often left unrepresented by the media
• A lack of visibility of a certain group of people within the media

Examples; Women above middle aged, Romany gypsies, Ethnic Minorities, 

ENTROPIC;

• When a group is represented in a way that is extremely uncommon, controversial or challenging
• A representation that heavily challenges how a group is portrayed in the media

Examples;