Representation- Online

Question 1

KSI Rep

Answer 1

• Social media is an online platform that allows ppl to share and create content.
• Represent ourselves online via
  -SM PROFILES: FB/X profiles with personal info, images, and posts that reflect interests and personalities
  -VLOGS/BLOGS: ppl can share thoughts and experiences, YT is more interactive than social medias.
• Creating an identity:
  -DEFINING A PURPOSE: we determine what we want to establish, (showcasing work, connecting with like minded ppl)
  -CHOOSING PLATFORMS: select a platform to align with ur goals and target audience.
• Fake identities- constructed identities are not true reps of our identity, human nature to project a theme of happiness/success. Rare for content creators to share real hardships. SM allows people to mediate their identity.
• KSI engages audiences via
  -EDITING: Dynamic techniques to keep videos entertaining
  -MUSIC: high energy tracks to complement action in his vlogs.
  STORYTELLING: charismatic personality and humour
  ENGAGE: encourages audiences to get involved via, comments and responds to fans
• SOCIAL IDENTITY THEORY- ‘individuals strive to maintain or enhance their self esteem’
• KSI enhances self esteem via-
  -CONTENT CREATION- showcases his talents and achievements, recieves validation from fans.
  -ENGAGAEMENT- interacting with fans allows him to be authentic and recieve admiration.
  -PERSONAL GROWTH- he sets goals and documents his journey of slef improvemn t on youtube, entrepeanuership and boxing etc.
• KSI as Gatekeeper- he 100% controls what is added and removed to vlogs content that he shares. His choice to alter may make him seem more authentic but its subjective. Direct involvemnet could inreases genuity but also carfully crafted to present him in a certain way.
• Gender representation- -Positive rep of young black men- failed alleles but is a millionaire (inspirational)
  -Cocky older brother persona could be seen as traditionally masculine traits
• Stereotypical trad male-
  -PHYSICAL APPEARANCE + STRENGTH: strong and muscular, boxing and athleticism emphasises his physical prowess.
  -DOMINANCE- asserts control over situations and people + urban slag like “fam”, “bruv” = gangster culture.
• Boxing= Hypermasculine
  -heighted emphasis on aggression, intensity of verbal exchanges asserts dominance in competitve settings.
  -KSI’s excessive flexing and facial expressions is remininscent of warrior to battle.
• Wrestling= Emasculated
  -KSI physicall inferior and overpowered by other wrestlers.
  -Fails to win matches so seen as unsuccessful
  -KSI utilised as a source of codeic relief, not feared- slapstick humour and being the butt of jokes.

Question 2

KSI Rep theory

Answer 2

• Theory of identity- David - - Gauntlet
  -Vlogs contain narratives of his life so constructs his identity as an entertainer/ entrepreneur.
  -Younger audiences may see him as a role model, aspire for his successful lifestyle.
• Gender Performativity- Judith Butler
  v v v Not over yet v v v
  -COSTUME: athletic attire (boxing shorts, gloves, sneakers) emphasising his physicality and masculine ideals, Muscular physique is also showcased.
  -BOXING POSTURE: alternating between dance and boxing = assertive movemnts, control and aggression, reinforces his identity as powerful and authoritative.
  -CHALLENGES faced in montage- extreme training, intense struggle are overcome with determination- traditional masculine toughness and resilience.

Question 3

Attitude Rep

Answer 3

• Masculinity, 3 reps, engages male target audience identifies and attracts.
• Hypermasculinity:
  -Gareth Thomas is muscular and the article lacks emotional content.
  -‘Macho hunk’ appealing to the gay male audience.
  -steely determined facial expression and tattoos rugged masculine, desirable figure.
• Stereotypes- can be inaccurate leading to homophobia and bullying.
• Gok Wan Article= uncommon rep: emotional representation of men.
  -Nature of the article is an emotional, personal narrative of being bullied and verbally attacked.
  -typical representation aligning with stereotypes of gay men but uncommon of male reps.
• Effeminate- Boulet brothers
  The article constructs men who embrace makeup and perform drag.
  -become a fictional character, “drag queens”
  -alludes to flamboyant and extravagant femininity- gaudy makeup, costume, and expressive movement.
• Sexualized men: unusual for men, topless pictures encourage the audience to view them sexually.
• Wider LGBTQ+- more content around gay men, leaving out lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender but do have a diverse range of articles.
  -content surrounding issues and homophobia.

Question 4

Attitude Rep theory

Answer 4

• Post Colonial and ethnicity- Gilroy
• The website displays global stories surrounding violence against the LQBTQ+ community due to conservative cultures/laws.
  -Homophobia is extreme in places like Russia, Malaysia, and many African countries.
  -Creates negative views around the country
• African homophobia evident by “Ben Hunte reveals that BBC Africa asked him to shut down his social media” due to his sexuality.