Exam Practice Questions

Watch an episode of a contemporary reality game show. In what ways do the editors construct contestants into particular character roles? Is this helpful for the audience or does it manipulate audience responses too far?
There are many character roles present in today’s contemporary world of game shows as they vary on the contestant’s personality. For example in shows like Big Brother which is famous forb its voyeuristic footage where there are diverse people from all different parts of the world and ethnicities all living together under one roof is known as one of the most popular reality TV show that creates stereotypical stereotypes and alternative representations. In the 2009 series, there was a lot of controversy present as Jade Goody had been labelled and given the character role of a “bully” whereas, Shilpa Shetty on the other hand was given the character role of the “innocent victim” the reason for why Jade Goody was stigmatised with this label was because of her “aggressive” nature as she always get into multiple fights and arguments with different members of the Big Brother house. However, the shots in which Jade Goody was presented on screen with reinforced her given character role. For example in episode 12, the whole show was focused on Jade Goody and her aggressiveness towards others. She was shown in low camera angles, making her look a lot more dominant, aggressive and infuriated. Whereas Shilpa Shetty was being looked at from high angle shots, almost like a birds eye view shot, making her looking timid and inferior to Jade. Other character roles that were constructed were of Jermaine Jackson, as he was given the character role of the “saint”. This is because he was always shown on screen trying to either stop or prevent an argument. He was always presented in medium close ups, sitting down peacefully, or getting along with everyone else. This may have been because of his highly reputable name. Following the hegemonic structure, he is very famous and well known; therefore the institutions will only portray him in a positive manor, as he is considered elite himself. However, Jade Goody was an easy target to be presented in such negative manors as she is not famous or well known and certainly does not have a reputable name; therefore it is easy for institutions to place her in character roles that they would not be able to place anyone else. Therefore hegemonic structural values are clearly evident as the elite favour the elite, as they are powerful and the dominant ones within the house, in comparison to those that are considered the subordinate characters. As a result it clearly manipulates audiences responses too far as shots reinforcing negative ideologies are hypodermically injected into the audiences minds and therefore act upon their opinions, by out voting that contestant. This also gratifies the audiences need of entertainment as it gives them pleasure by voting off the contestant they don’t like, giving them a sense of superiority as it empowers audiences to pick and choose who they want to stay on the show and who they don’t want.