Jean Baudrillard

Jean Baudrillard’s Theory of Postmodernism

Postmodernism: The idea of postmodern culture, where there are boundaries between the real world and the world which the media have influenced and changed. These two things make it difficult to distinguish what is real and what has been simulated. The media portray images and text in a way that makes them look real – texts can be altered and interpreted differently to represent a hyper reality. Therefore, making the text unrecognisable from the original after it has been recreated. Immediately, the effect of this can be that viewers expect unrealistic things because information is false or exaggerated.

Stranger Things

-       - The long form television drama ‘Stranger Things’ can apply Baudrillard’s theory of postmodernism through references to a well-known board game called dungeons and dragons. The director uses this product to present the 80s time period the LFTV drama was set in, which conforms to the hyperreality theme highlighted.

-       - Hyperreality is demonstrated when Stranger things use significant effects that give the theme of supernatural – when they present the characters, such as Eleven and eerie scenes like lightbulbs switching. ­

     - Stranger things can present hyperreality, this is because the TV drama’s representations are based on other media representations and stereotypes from the 80s time period. For example, how Stranger Things represent an American town during this time period, based on media texts that have been created – with images of what houses looked like, including the internal decoration. However, the main location that the LFTV drama was filmed in is fictional (of Hawkins).

Deutschland 83

-       - Deutschland 83 uses a real-life event known to German culture, being the cold war, which gives the sense of reality. However, the long form television drama uses actors representing characters to show what people in Germany were going through during the 1980s – making it seem real, with the references to history that were real. For instance, the costumes, hair, music and attitudes of people. It is hyperreality for the reason that the box set isn’t completely factual – it puts the viewer in their position, what it felt like and what could have happened during this time period.

News

-       - The postmodernism theory can be applied to newspapers with the content and how they represent it. For instance, illustrations of celebrities and the luxurious and glamorous lifestyle they live. This can be exaggerated to make readers look-up to them and why they became famous. When in actual fact it has been exaggerated. Therefore, creating hyperreality. A newspaper known for exaggerating through large, bold title and limited text explaining the article is The Sun, because their target audience is aimed at a less-educated audience. They know that this type of content will attract them.

-       - Appearances can be altered to fit what the media is trying to portray – therefore differences between real and hyperreality are demonstrated in newspapers. 

-    - Newspapers often warp reality by consistently reinforcing previews views through the media. For instance, presenting men as the ‘stronger gender’, objectifying women, or a specific religious group being labelled a ‘bad person’ for their belief – none of which is real, but views have been stated and portrayed within the media.

Paul Gilroy

Paul Gilroy

What is it?
Gilroy's theory discusses ethnicity and post-colonialism. The idea that culture has been used too often whilst trying to explain differences and divides between groups of people, as opposed to bringing people together through common interests and unity. The concept of 'Black Atlanta' draws close attention to continuities in the culture created by the African diaspora across national boundaries; for example, when newspapers represent black popular culture. 

His theory mainly focuses on ethnicity and how it is represented in the media, therefore, does not analyse other forms of inequality - such as gender. News can shape readers views through representations, making producers underestimate how much it can influence people and what they see. Consequently, Gilroy believes that these post-colonial representations can continue attitudes towards different races and ethnicities. It also shows that civilisation-ism constructs racial hierarchies and creates binary oppositions based on notions of otherness. Despite no longer having colonies, the representation of these groups is still affected by that period of time in history. 

LFTVD
This theory can be used when analysing how characters of people are represented in the media, especially in terms of race, ethnicity and western culture (referring to a heritage of social normality, ethical values and political and traditional views). For example, in long form television dramas, including Stranger Things and Deutschland 83, they identify how you can apply this theory to the media. To begin with, Stranger Things illustrates Paul Gilroy’s theory when focusing on a setting that is predominantly white, whilst Lucas is the only black person shown in the drama episode. Even though he is shown with a positive representation, it presents a lack of ethnic diversity throughout. As an audience, we know little about this character and his background until series 3. Furthermore, he is a key character, but the audience feel less connected to him because we do not know much about him as a whole. As a result, the narrative is focused on and driven by white characters. 

In Deutschland 83 it is apparent that the only black character is General Jackson. He is valued as a key character, but not a main one. However, he takes authority over the white people which demonstrates that not all media represent the same stereotypical values and beliefs. Despite this being the case, this makes it clear that there is also a lack of ethnic diversity being shown in the series over Germany during this time period (1980s). As a result, we can evaluate the usefulness of this theory being good, against both Deutschland 83 and Stranger Things, due to fact they conform to the theories ideas.

Gilroy’s theory is helpful as it presents the issues around representation of ethnicity in LFTVD’s – it makes you focus on how the media is often addressed to a white audience, through the lack of ethnic diversity, therefore marginalising other groups of people based on ethnicity. Even though this theory is useful to identify messages and values referring to ethnicity. It isn’t useful when analysing how an audience will interpret the media.

News
Gilroy’s theory can be applied to newspapers, mostly illustrated across tabloid papers than broadsheets. The target audience for mid-market and normal tabloids are often a lower demographic who are influenced easily by the terminology and layout of the newspaper – dramatic, bold titles to attract them to easy-read articles. Examples of these kind of newspapers include The Sun and Daily Mail. They are stereotypically read by people with lower intelligence and immediately read and interpret the news how it is represented by the media. Stereotypes are demonstrated showing a lack of ethnic diversity or minorities – which, consequently, proves Gilroy’s theory. One newspaper who subverts his theory is the Guardian due to their fair, factual based information represented across their newspaper, allowing their target audience to interpret and form their own views. They don’t represent the same minorities across their newspapers. Therefore, Gilroy’s post-colonial theory is not useful when discussing news all together.

D83 characters

D83 Characters

Character	Information
Martin Rauch, Moritz Stamm	Major or Minor Character? Major Stereotype? Conforms or Subverts? Conforms the stereotype of a typical boy who trains hard to become a German military soldier, during the 80’s time period. We aren’t surprised that he wants to serve for his country because men had a duty to do this. Characteristics? Martin Rauch, who is also known as Moritz Stamm, is the main protagonist shown in Deutschland 83. The character is shown as handsome, smart and charismatic. He was raised by his single mother and is very caring and considerate of her whilst she is sick. Contribution to Narrative? Born in the East, he’s sent to the West as a spy by the HVA. He is taken from the world he knows and recognizes, into a life of a spy where everything is new and unexpected.
Lenora Rauch Martin’s Aunt	Major or Minor Character? Major Stereotype? Conforms or Subverts? She subverts the caring, role model of an aunt, due to her forceful and manipulative nature – with her attitude towards Martin becoming an undercover spy in exchange for his mum to receive a kidney transplant. Characteristics? She comes across cold-hearted to the audience, which is also suggested as she has never been married and has no children. She is also shown as determined, desperate and dominant. Contribution to Narrative? Moritz’s aunt, and his boss. Officially the Cultural Attaché at the East German Embassy in Bonn, her real job is to run the GDR’s covert assets in the West for the HVA (East German Secret Service). She is a Party believer who sacrificed her youth to the cause. She loves her sister, so her loyalties are torn when it comes to her nephew Martin/Moritz, but she will stop at nothing to get the job done.
General Wolfgang Edel	Major or Minor Character? Major Stereotype? Conforms or Subverts? Characteristics? The general is a family man who has a strong and angry temper but shows his professional attitude towards his role. He often shows his violence towards people, behavior that has an impact on both his relationship and children. Contribution to Narrative? This character is martin’s boss and another father figure to his son. He is a west German official involved in the top-secret Pershing Commission, privy to NATO secrets and government plans.
Walter Schweppenstette	Major or Minor Character? Minor Stereotype? Conforms or Subverts? Characteristics? Authoritative, strong, powerful, arrogant, selfish, inconsiderate of martin or his family. He is influential and demanding. As well as ambitious and ruthless – when he breaks martin’s fingers. Contribution to Narrative? He is high up in the hierarchy and oversees Lenora. Which is why he is key because he has a large influence on Lenora and her attitude towards her family. He is willing to put everything on the line for his own career – being advanced ahead of everyone.
Annett Schneider Martins GF	Major or Minor Character? Minor Stereotype? Conforms or Subverts? Characteristics? Seductive, determined and likeable. She is loving towards martin and they get on well. Contribution to Narrative? Her character’s contribution to the narrative is being martin’s fiancée and childhood sweetheart from home. She sees martin as the ‘right’ kind of man – someone she wants to be with/should be with. She shows more of martin’s home life before he gets taken away to be a spy.
Alex Edel General Edel’s son	Major or Minor Character? Minor Stereotype? Conforms or Subverts? Characteristics? Rebellious, wants peace, determined to prove himself and to take action against the normal. Contribution to Narrative? He is a minor character who is significant for disrupting the atmosphere and creates action in the process. Alex edel is the General’s son, which makes him well known. However, he was forced against his will to become a military soldier, hence why he clashes with his father – most likely due to resentment.
Tobias Tischbier Professor	Major or Minor Character? Minor Stereotype? Conforms or Subverts? Characteristics? Popular, protagonist, hero, wants peace Contribution to Narrative? https://cultbox.co.uk/features/guides/deutschland-83-characters-guide-whos-who-in-new-german-drama
General Arnold Jackson	Major or Minor Character? Stereotype? Conforms or Subverts? Characteristics? Contribution to Narrative?
Add characters: -          mum -          PA -          Edel’s daughter Anyone else?

Deutschland reps

ST fandom

Stranger Things Fandom

Examples of merchendise:
mug
t shirt
hoodie
bday card
lego
candle holder
key chain
socks
soundtrack
ruck sack
recipe book

Deutchland'83 Context

Deutschland'83

ST scene by scene screengrabs

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTZk4_sDM5VQVITdt7DNe4iB6nFKBm8vgEIt680UkXZhbNsR8FqfIEOxl_yjY9fF5lCEPx9ZIkT3PD-/pub

Stranger Things scene by scene reps

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSjGGdcsXSzM8EDm4QCCa4BY0xV3cz1iiG-0RD4ORcym5v_h1B_wT4saiBQGUHXYZzyaRKn9H-jsT3x/pub

Stranger Things industry

Stranger things representation

Stranger Things Representation

Teenagers:

Difference in ages = 13, 17/18 (Will, Dustin, Mike, Lucas, Eleven) (Jonathon, Nancy, Steve) 

Into paragraphs:

Teenagers

The teenagers represented in stranger things are shown as strong-willed and adventurous which goes against the stereotypical teenager – someone who is lazy or self-centred. There are four boys in Stranger things: Will, Mike, Dustin, Lucas (around 12/13 years old). They emphasise how upset they are when their friend goes missing and are proactive to find Will. Mike’s sister Nancy is an older teenager (around 17/18); she is less worried that mike is missing because she priorities seeing her friends and a boy, she is seeing named Steve. She goes against the stereotypical girl, because she studies and cares about her schoolwork – shown through her revising for an exam with flashcards. Steve is attracted to Nancy because he prioritises girls and his appearance over academics.

Family life and relationships

In the first episode of Stranger things, Mike’s household presents a close family unit which is presented when they all eat round the same table for dinner. However, the closeness is contradicted when they begin to argue about different things, which shows they have underlining issues. The father is shown to be distant and unaffectionate towards the children, in comparison to the mother; but is hardworking and exhausted from his profession due to the lack of expression and enthusiasm in his voice tone. The family is a perfect example of a 1980s white suburban middle-class household. Overall, Will and Mike’s family are given the most screen time which means they are the most important in episode one.

 fortunate, suggested by their large house and clothes.

Mothers

Joyce isn’t shown as the stereotypical mother, as she is overworked and attentive. She cares about her children, Jonathon and Will - which can be shown through her reaction when Will goes missing. Her frantic movements and yelled expressions represent her caring and worried nature. She is committed to her role as a mother, despite not being able to handle the workload, which is why Johnathon has taken over to support the family – by doing house duties.

Absent fathers

Jim Hopper, who’s role is the main policeman, is seen as an absent father when it is known that his daughter died but doesn’t like to mention his previous family. Will’s father can also be shown as an absent father because he doesn’t live with his children and Joyce is acting as the stereotypical fatherly role – which subverts the ideologies.

Police

Hopper is lonely, lazy and relaxed, so he appears to not take his policeman role too seriously – because nothing terrible ever seems to happen in the area. Therefore, the police is more of a community service for the town, as opposed to saving lives, because the worst thing that has happened is a resident being attacked by a bird – as the bird thought the lady’s hair was a bird’s nest. He tends to block out his feelings by drinking excessively and smoking cigarettes, which presents him as someone who has a boring life, to the audience. He comes across lazy at the beginning but subverts this when he helps find evidence for will’s disappearance – showing he cares because he has experienced the loss of a child.

Government

The government is represented as mysterious as there are only small glimpses of the government in the first episode – it isn’t clear to the audience who they are or what their intentions are. They are seen listening to conversations which could link to the location of Eleven, their aim is to find her, and they don’t have any emotions towards innocent people who may get in their way, such as Benny Hammond. Connie Fraser comes to Benny’s café acting as a someone from social services, then kills Benny – someone who was being kind and caring towards Eleven (almost protective). This emphasises the government fear the unknown, which is implied through the experiments and science research. Connie Fraser subverts female role because she has a high-up job in the government hierarchy for a 1980s woman.

Supernatural

·      Small community life

·      Bullied/outsiders/underdog

Supernatural powers are shown in the first episode when we first meet Eleven. She is seen stopping a rattling fan from spinning just through her eye connection with the object. The lights also flicker, which is uneasy for humans. Eerie noises and soundtracks are used to build the tension of the unknown that society tries to block out – pretending it doesn’t exist. The supernatural is seen again when a weird phone call to Joyce leads to the telephone exploding in her ear – giving her an electric shock.

Subversions

Nancy – being studious with her schoolwork, whilst dating a stereotypical popular boy who distracts her.

Steve – showing an interest in Nancy despite him being popular, it isn’t typical for groups to mix.

Hopper – surprises the audience when he becomes softer and more pro-active to find Will after he disappears.

Mike – he is mature for his age and acts as a leader amongst his friendship group. He is sensible, adventurous and cares about Will, which is shown when they go on a search in night whilst it’s raining.

Government – they’re supposed to keep the people safe, which they aren’t doing when they lie to protect their cover and kill people who get in their way.