Turntables - media language and representation

Question 1

Bullet point use of audio codes in turntables (ethnicity)

Answer 1

• archival audio by civil rights activist James Baldwin. long term issue

Question 2

dress codes in turntables

Answer 2

• old fashioned overcoat and hat link singer to american history.
• suitcase and shirt and tie = power (van zoonen)

Question 3

Explain the use of binary opposition(s) in turntables

Answer 3

• Vr headset vs traditional record player and vinyl (past vs present)
• color pallet of family (pink dress) and black and white footage.
• footage of black history cross cut with modern black family enjoying dinner

Question 4

Use of archival footage in turntables

Answer 4

• footage of protests, sense of realism
• footage of black history cross cut with modern black family enjoying dinner (binary opposition)

Question 5

Use visual codes in turntables (ethnicity)

Answer 5

• archival footage/imagery of recent political marches
• montage, iconic symbol of fist in the air.

Question 6

Gesture codes in turntables

Answer 6

• symbolic fist in the air
• ‘air boxing’ (+ boxers) signifies that there is a literal fight for justice and equality

Question 7

“america, you a lie”

Answer 7

• direct address to audience
• (editing) statues falling down, voting, anti-establishment, political views

Question 8

Use of camera angles

Answer 8

• canted ‘dutch’ angles match lyric “tables bout to turn”
• idea of change, disruption, chaos

Question 9

upbeat/positive montages

Answer 9

• energetic dancing
• Cu shot of smiling faces
• pride flags + make up
• sense of community, celebration

Question 10

“you fuck up the kitchen, then you should do the dishes”

Answer 10

• imagery of pollution, oil, industrial processes
• political comment about climate change, mise en scene choice of artist in front of american flag anchors this. intended towards US governments

Question 11

diversity in music video

Answer 11

• ranges of ethnicity, gender age and ability
• inclusivity of underrepresented groups
• diversity in the toy industry; girl choosing black doll. seems pleased

Question 12

Why was the song written?

Answer 12

• made for the amazon documentary; “All in: the fight for democracy”
• doc about suppression of black voters
• 2 million minority votes lost
• links to songs fight for equality

Question 13

Importance of monea shower their political views

Answer 13

• narrows target audience to minority groups and lib dems
• risk
• stuart hall - oppositional readings, don’t believe in issues. Too patriotic?