Here is a theory lesson regarding representation theory and stereotypes in Indonesian media analysis
(not yet finished)
What is a representation?
The representation theory is proposed by Stuart Hall, who argues that the reality or original subject has no fixed meaning, however when they are represented in the media, they are given a meaning to events, people, groups after the occurrence. Or in other words, media doesn't reflect meaning instead media creates meaning. Typically, the media tries to fix a 'dominant reading' of different events, people or groups but Hall argued in his reception theory that the audience doesn't have to accept this.
What is a stereotype?
A stereotype occurs defined as the practice of reducing a group or an individual to a limited set of preconceived ideas that already circulate about this group in society. Stereotypes are a means of quickly constructing representation in an easily accessible way for the audience. Stereotypes are often created when a representation is repeated enough in a media.
Why stereotypes are used?
Stereotypes are often used in a media as it makes it easier and quickly for the audience to interpret the meaning quickly when exposed to the media. They are also used due to the lack of diversity in the writing room or production.
What are the social groups represented in the media?
The social groups represented in the media are: gender & sexuality, LGBT, race, ethnicity, religion, age, social class, disability and place (these are the different representations that are mostly used in the media).
Two social groups that are stereotyped in Indonesian media (1 positive, 1 negative)
What is the group?
Religion
How are they represented? (mise-en-scene, sound, etc)
The majority of the Indonesian population are often Muslims; this reachers over 87%, which is 123 million. In Indonesian media especially what is shown in movies, Muslims are mostly shown and tend to be the main characters. They are usually presented as people being religious
However though, in some times the media represents religion negatively as conflicts are often being made between religions in Indonesia.
What is the reason for this?
How does the audience receive this message?
The audiences who've seen this representation in the media might think that people in Indonesia are religious as in movies, they often show them praying or doing their religion routine.
Examples from media texts (images, screenshots, videos)
- News: Conflict between Muslims and Christians (Poso)
link sources:
- https://magdalene.co/story/wanted-better-representation-of-indonesians-on-films-and-tv/
- https://www.indonesia-investments.com/culture/religion/item69
- https://pewartafotoindonesia.or.id/2022/02/25/headline/memahami-representasi-dan-minoritas-agama-dalam-media/
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