Collective identity and representing ourselves

 Task 1: Media Magazine article

Read the Media Magazine article on collective identity: Self-image and the Media (MM41 - page 6). Our Media Magazine archive is here.

Complete the following tasks on your blog:

1) Read the article and summarise each section in one sentence, starting with the section 'Who are you?' Modern identity is increasingly shaped by media and technology, meaning people often construct their sense of self through images, brands, and online representation.

2) Do you agree with the view that modern media is all about 'style over substance'? What does this expression mean? Modern media does appear to emphasise image and self-presentation, particularly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

3) Explain Baudrillard's theory of 'media saturation' in one paragraph. You may need to research it online to find out more. Jean Baudrillard argued that modern society is “media saturated,” meaning people are constantly surrounded by media images, messages, and simulations. Because we consume so much media every day, the line between reality and representation becomes blurred. Baudrillard suggested that media does not simply reflect reality but often replaces it with constructed versions of reality, known as simulacra. As a result, people may base their identities and understanding of the world on media images rather than real experiences. 

4) Is your presence on social media an accurate reflection of who you are? Have you ever added or removed a picture from a social media site purely because of what it says about the type of person you are? i don't post on social media.

5) What is your opinion on 'data mining'? Are you happy for companies to sell you products based on your social media presence and online search terms? Is this an invasion of privacy? I think it can be useful because it allows companies to recommend products that people might actually want.


Task 2: Media Magazine cartoon

Now read the cartoon in MM62 (p36) that summarises David Gauntlett’s theories of identity. Write five simple bullet points summarising what you have learned from the cartoon about Gauntlett's theories of identity. Our Media Magazine archive is here.

Task 3: Representation & Identity: Factsheet blog task

Finally, use our brilliant Media Factsheet archive on the M: drive Media Shared (M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets) to find Media Factsheet #72 on Collective Identity. The Factsheet archive is available online here - you'll need your Greenford Google login to access. Read the whole of Factsheet and answer the following questions to complete our introductory work on collective identity:

1) What is collective identity? Write your own definition in as close to 50 words as possible. Collective identity refers to the shared sense of belonging that a group of people feel based on common experiences, values, culture or nationality. Media representations help create and reinforce these shared identities by portraying certain traditions, lifestyles and beliefs that audiences recognise and associate with their community or society.

2) How does James May's Top Toys offer a nostalgic representation of Britain? James May's Top Toys represents Britain in a nostalgic way by celebrating classic British toys and childhood memories.

3) How has new technology changed collective identity? New technology has changed collective identity by allowing people to connect with others across the world through social media, online communities and digital platforms

4) What phrase does David Gauntlett (2008) use to describe this new focus on identity? “making and doing culture.” - people are no longer just consuming media but actively creating content and expressing their identities through blogs, videos, social media posts and other digital media.

5) How does the Shaun of the Dead Facebook group provide an example of Henry Jenkins' theory of interpretive communities online? The Facebook fan group for Shaun of the Dead shows the theory of interpretive communities by Henry Jenkins. Fans come together online to share ideas, jokes and interpretations of the film, creating a community where people collectively discuss and shape the meaning of the text.