Topic 1: Theories of Representation

Let’s Begin:

Liza Soberano was bashed for equating being Filipino with sinigang. Prince Harry of England had to apologize for wearing the swastika symbol during a private party. Robert Downey, Jr. was cancelled by social justice warriors for playing a character that wore black face in the movie “Tropic Thunder.” The movie “Black Panther” became a symbol of celebration for the Black community even if it portrayed a nation that was totally fictitious. The source of the conflict in the movie “Arrival” was when aliens used the word “weapon” when they actually meant “tool.” The word “nigger” when used among blacks is a term of community but should a non-block use it then expect a fight.

What do the scenarios have in common?  They are all concerned about Representation. The scenarios are illustrations of how representation plays a very important role in communication; particularly in the communication of ideas and concepts.

Learning Outcome: After this activity, you should be able to discuss the theories of Representation and their relationship with Culture and Communication.

Read

Chapter 1 of The Work of Representation by Stuart Hall which is available through this link: http://www2.hawaii.edu/~noenoe/hall1.pdf

Think

Answer the following questions (The first three questions are from Module 4 of Comm 10: Communication and Representation):

1. Why are signs and symbols important? 

2. How do the theories of representation differ from each other? 

3. Who are the key scholars of representation and what are their contributions to the 

     understanding of representation?

4. Choose one scenario mentioned in the Let’s Begin section and discuss your feelings 

    And views regarding your choice. How is representation manifested in the situation?

Dig Deeper

Lacey, N. (1998). Semiotics. Image and Repesentation: Key Concepts in Media Studies (pp.56-

            75). Palgrave Macmillan.