Representation of Age
Media products often show people of different ages, like children, teenagers, adults, and older people. Sometimes, these age groups are presented in a way that repeats common ideas or stereotypes. By way of example, teenagers might be shown as lazy, and older people might be shown as grumpy. These ideas are not always true and can be unfair.
Today, it is harder to put people into strict age groups. This is because people of all ages enjoy the same things. For example, video games are not just for teenagers, many adults play them too.
Young People
Young people are often shown in a negative way in the media which can cause people to argue or feel upset. For example, during the London riots, newspapers showed young people as dangerous or violent. However, it is important to remember that these stories were based on a small minority and did not portray the full picture. The effect of this created a false and unfair view of all young people.
Photo by CityGeographics.
When young people are presented in a positive way in the news, it is usually because they have done something special, like saving someone’s life or winning a sports competition.
In comedy shows, young people are sometimes made fun of. For example, in Little Britain, the character Vicky Pollard is shown as not very clever and from a poor background. Her clothing and the way that she speaks are used to create a joke. When these images are repeated in media products, it can shape what people think, even if they are not always true.
Positive representations of young people are much less frequent because they are not as dramatic or entertaining for an audience. The main products which offer positive representation of young people are usually situations which allow them to represent themselves. For instance, auditions on talent shows such as Britain's Got Talent and The X Factor.
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