Term 3 Prelim Exam Flashcards
Big Question
How do composers of contemporary texts use features and forms to represent distinctive ideas and experiences?
Introduction
The Seven Stages of Grieving and Redfern Now Episode 4 - Stand Up. Through a range of theatrical techniques, modern language forms, techniques, and distinctive ideas - Wesley Enoch/Deborah Mailman & Rachael Perkins showcase the degradation and neglect of Aboriginal culture in modern society and the finding of identity through double consciousness. Challenges the perceived expectations of Aboriginal culture, broadcasting positive meanings and deep insights
Paragraph 1 Intro
‘The Seven Stages of Grieving,’ composers Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman use a range of techniques and effects to symbolise the degradation and neglect of Aboriginal culture in today’s modern society.
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Play’s setting, “On a blank stage, a large block of ice hangs suspended from the ceiling by seven ropes. It melts onto the ground, which is covered by red earth and conceals a fresh grave.”
Para 1 Q1 Technique
‘large block of ice’ - metaphor, symbolising the degradation of large amounts of the aboriginal culture, ‘melting away’ over time
Challenges reader on the effects of imposed and oppressive white ideologies on Aboriginal culture, how it affects Aboriginal culture
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Scene 12 - “Have you ever been black?… Hey, nice hair, beautiful, black skin, white shiny teeth… I’m BLACK.”
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“I’m in this expensive shop… shop assistants are all looking at me. Keep an eye on the black one… eye on the black one.”
Para 1 Q2 Technique
“Have you ever been black?” - Rhetorical question
- Contrast is made between the beauty and “I’m black.”
- Colloquial language - Blunts the pain of frustration about the prejudice and dehumanisation due to skin colour.
The audience is brought to the idea that being black is shameful. The statement emphasises the act of being black separates those from the rest of society, and thus are subjected to scenarios that other cultures do not have to experience. This directly challenges the audience to think deeply about societal issues associated with race and skin colour
Para 1 Q3 Technique
Indirect Dialogue and imperative Voice for a foreshadowing technique.
Expresses the distrust between each culture due to stereotypes and stigmas associated with Aboriginal people. Challenges reader - deeply about stigmas and stereotypes associated with culture -creating deep-rooted societal distrust - distrust consequentially impacts the cultures affected.
Paragraph 2 Intro
The fourth episode of the TV Series ‘Redfern Now,’ named ‘Speak Out,’ the director
Rachel Perkins successfully uses a range of film techniques to represent those of Aboriginal descent and their finding of identity through double consciousness and the choice to stand for their own culture instead of Western heritage.
Paragraph 2 Quote 1
Assembly scenes - A wide-angle shot is used to juxtapose Joel with the rest of the school
depicted as being uncomfortable and isolated from his peers, while close shots of the teaching staff show their unhappiness with such isolation.
When asked by Mr Parish, he states “It’s a song Sung at footy grand finals and that, when Australia play India or England and that.”
Para 2 Q1 Techniques
Dialogue expresses the lack of personal connection between the national anthem and Joel.
Behaviour is part of an ongoing allegory and forms the fundamental basis of challenging existing archetypes set out by the school.
Questions the viewer to think more deeply about forced behaviours that negatively impact a part of society.
This creates a double consciousness for those subjected, where Aboriginals do not feel like themselves as they must become and be a part of white traditions and values.
Paragraph 2 Quote 2
In the second principal meeting, Mrs. McCann states, “All Joel needs to do is stand and sing the national anthem. After all, at the end of the day, we’re all Australians.”
While the above is said, camera shots cut between Joel, Eddie (the father), Nic (the mother), Mr Parish and the “Aboriginal liaison”. Each of these cuts shows facial expressions of disagreement, contrasting Mrs McCann’s thoughts and bringing further disagreement to her actions.
Para 2 Q2 Techniques
Mrs McCann dialogue - Challenge the viewer to think more deeply about the conflicts of what being ‘Australian’ is meant to be, and whether specific characteristics must be shown, overriding any objections.
Joel - Double consciousness, is unsure whether to follow the school’s past practices at the cost of his own culture, or not sing the national anthem at the cost of his education.
Paragraph 2 Quote 3
In the first scene where Joel arrives at school after being expelled, a close-up tracking shot is used of both Joel and Mrs McCann, once escorted This changes into a close-up shot of Ms McCann and Eddie. Eddie says “Half of your benefactors walked the Sydney Harbour Bridge to say sorry… You walked the bridge in the name of reconciliation and now you want to kick out a black kid.”
