Sam Fender Representation Flashcards
how does the mise-en-scene represent social class?
the video is set in North Shields, Fender’s hometown, with clear use of urban decay, housing estates, local pubs and youth culture. these settings are glamorised, instead the harsh economic reality is emphasised. the hand-held camera style and naturalistic lighting reinforces a sense of realism and rawness.
how can Hall’s representation theory be applied?
Fender constructs a representation of working-class life that is sympathetic, personal and political. the video invites the audience to understand Fender’s experience growing up in a community affected by poverty.
how does the narrative represent social class?
the narrative focuses on youthful anger and emotional suppression. in the video, Fender being pushed around, getting into fights and struggling with emotions - reflecting how working-class young men are forced to internalise pain due to toxic masculinity.
how can Gauntlett’s theory be applied?
for working-class viewers, the video may act as a mirror, reflecting their own struggles and validating their experiences. for others, it functions as a window, offering insight into a world they may not know firsthand.
how does Fender’s character represent masculinity?
his character is conflicted as he moves through a world filled with aggression and emotional tensions. he’s shown in confrontations with other young men but also in moments of reflection and inner pain.
how can Van Zoozen’s theory be applied?
the absence of sexualisation and relationships shifts the focus towards emotional labour - not often shown in the representations of young men. the male characters aren’t shown as emotional reinforcing how toxic masculinity disencourages emotional expression.
how does visual codes represent masculinity?
facial expressions = Fender looks angry and distressed showing the internal conflicts that challenges the idea that men should be stoic. physical spaces = the harsh, working-class environment adds pressure - masculinity is survival and toughness. there’s also a lack of affection and no supportive male relationships.
how is youth struggles represented?
the video captures the emotional turmoil of adolescence, particularly in a working-class environment. the protagonist is shown navigating aggression and the pressure of growing up quickly, reflecting how many young people are forced to mature early due to difficult circumstances.
how’s violence represented?
scenes of fighting, aggression and hyper-masculine behaviour, symbolising how young men often express pain through violence. this mirrors broader issues with toxic masculinity.
how’s poverty and social inequality represented?
subtle cues in the setting point to economic hardship. these visual elements support the lyrics which talks about Fender’s own experience watching his mother struggle with debt and social services. it reflects the neglect many working class families face.
how is mental health represented?
the protagonist’s internal battles shown through emotional expressions, moments of solitude and flashes of memory, highlighting mental health stuggles. these are often overlooked in young men due to societal expectations of men being emotional.
