Theorist

Representation Theories:

Hall:

Hall argues that representation is not about whether the media reflects or distorts reality, as it implies that there can be one 'true' meaning, but the many meaning a representation can generate. Meaning is constituted by presentation, by what is absent, what is present and what is different. Power- through ideology or by stereotyping- tries to fix the meaning of a representation in a 'preferred meaning'

Gauntlett:

Guantlett argues that the media have an important but complex relationship with identities. In modern world it is now an expectation that individuals make choices about their identity and lifestyle. Even in the traditional media, there are many diverse and contradictory media messages that individuals can use to think through their identities and ways of expressing themselves. For example, the success of 'popular feminism' and increasing representation of different sexuality's has created a world where the meaning of gender, sexuality and identity is increasing open.

 The sections above on selection and combination, stereotyping and ideologies all comment on diverse and contradictory media messages within the set product, so this analysis may be used to demonstrate that usefulness of this approach.

Hooks:

hooks' concept of 'intersectionality'- that intersections of gender, race, class and sexuality create a 'white supremacist capitalist patriarchy' whose ideologies dominate media representations- is a high level theory.
In House Of Cards the powerful figures are white, male and middle class, reflecting the 'white supremacist ....' but in a grotesque.

Butler:

Butler's theory of gender performativity is a very high-level theory that cannot be tested against particular media products, but it also draws attention to representation to those very performances.