Precious2009

Positive representation

From your notes choose three examples of when Precious was a POSITIVE representation of youth…

Dreams and ambitions (shown through flashes of stardom) Chooses to go to the alternative school (Leaves flat to start) Responsible (dishes/ housewife) Best maths student (skills and intelligence) Book being picked up/ reading album (sentimental/ emotional-

empathetic) Independent / mature- living on her own, still going to school,

raising kids Caring- raising kids, continually cares about them, turns the TV

off. No drink or drugs- goes against youth stereotype.

Negative representation

From your notes choose three examples of when Precious was a Negative representation of youth…

Stole chicken – fits an aspect of the stereotypical thief in youth. Violent – hitting the young girl Pregnancy – could fit the stereotype if story unknown Language – verbally aggressive- links to youth Self image through dominant society- gramsci =hegemony Morbidly obese- unhealthy, little exercise (youth becoming obese

= current news) *selfish as wants to look after her kids regardless of the lifestyle.

Giroux

Is the representation given of Precious constructed by adults to show their anxieties and concerns?

Does it serve a purpose for adult society?

McRobbie

Is Precious depicted in a negative way to emphasise middle class dominance and therefore reinforce Gramsci’s theory of hegemony?