KSI 2 Flashcards
Representation of KSI as constructed
- Representation seen as a simulacra (post modern)
- Conflicts have been created to create drama with the aim of entertainment and profit
Representation of KSI as a black man
- Could portray black men as successful, subverting negative stereotypes (boxing career, tv success, YouTube channel)
However, due to his past (offensive) content, some may believe KSI reinforces negative stereotypes of young black men
Representation of KSI as a young man
- Portrays young people as successful and hard working (24 million subscribers on YouTube)
- Portrays young people as immature (due to some of his content eg. prank videos) - as he is targeting a young audience
However, his content has changed as both he and his audience matured - he wants to act as a positive role model and is embarrassed of the content he once created
Representation of KSI as family friendly
- He appears on GBBO, BGT (judge), and performed on Blue Peter
- Showing parents he is a suitable role model
KSI as a mainstream name
Representation of KSI as hyper masculine
- Through the boxing, gaming, competitiveness
- This macho can breach into misogyny and toxic masculinity (appeals to some of KSI’s audiences)
- KSI under fire for sexual comments towards women (early videos)
Representation of KSI as comedic
- Early videos focusing primarily on pranks/ reactions
- KSI received criticism for being offensive in his comedy
- Repels an audience who are open minded
- Further appeals less mature audiences who see KSI as edgy or rebellious
Representation of KSI as relatable
- Low budget mise en scene of his bedroom
- Slang and colloquial language
- Featuring his friends
KSI’s audience is broad
- fans of boxing/ sports
- fans of gaming (FIFA)
- fans from older videos (The Sidemen)
- fans of his music
Audience’s like KSI for
- relatability
- aspirational lifestyle
- celebrity collabs
- humour
- hyper masculinity
- prank based content
- online career
Audiences appeal - relatability
- Friends/ family being in the content
- Mise en scene (low budget)
- Direct mode of address
- Slang, targeting a working class viewer
Audiences appeal - aspirational lifestyle
- Instagram posts portray his affluence
Audiences appeal - celebrity collabs
- appeals to a wider audience
- KSI vs Logan Paul boxing match, brought in KSI a global audience of US fans
Audiences appeal - humour
- Entertainment
- Borders into offensive, makes it less appealing for some audiences
Audiences appeal - hyper masculinity
- targets a young male audience, aspirational
Audiences appeal - prank based
- Appeals to a more youthful and immature audience
- An older audience may take a large dislike to KSI’s content no matter his merge into mainstream television
Audiences appeal - Online career
- Targets a young, ‘internet native’ modern audience
Diversification
- KSI diversified into multiple careers
- GBBO, BGT, Blue Peter - widens his audience to a more traditional middle class
- May make him appeal more family friendly, brings him into the mainstream
Audience responses
- Variety of positive and negative reactions
- reflects the awareness of social attitudes in the modern age (#MeToo movement)
Audience interaction
- Creates videos directed at/ including his audience
Eg. Thank you, Apology, Responding to audience comments
This appeals to internet natives
