:: Reception theory

Reception Theory: Blog task

1) What is the preferred reading of a media text?

The interpretation that the producer wants you to think.

              

- The meaning the producers intend to communicate. This builds on the idea that                        producers can position the audience in a certain way and influence their reading so                  they accept the intended message by using recognised codes and conventions (such                as stereotypes).

2) What is the oppositional reading of a media text?

The opposite of what the producer wants you to think. Normally negative connotations.

-The oppositional reading goes against the meaning the producers are trying to create. The       audience reject the intended message and construct an opposite reading instead. This can     be  due to their own social, political or moral beliefs and values. 

3) How does the Adolescence clip position the audience to respond to the teenage character in the scene?

When the teenage character lashes out at the lady, it could leave the audience believing all teenagers are violent and aggressive. They could end up thinking teenagers have no respect for adults and don't know how to behave when talking to a kind, caring person or someone in authority.

4) Why might young people reject this reading and construct an oppositional reading of the trailer?

Other teenagers may think that this is a normal response and behaviour, due to the fact he's under so much pressure and has gone through a lot the past few days. They may think that he's overreacting but they would understand how he feels and feel empathy towards him. They would probably justify his behaviour.

5) Exam-Style Q: Explain how representations of young people are constructed in this clip. Answer with reference to Stuart Hall's reception theory. (Preferred/Oppositional Readings)