Welfare Presentation

Welfare Presentation

If you follow this link, then you will have a Powerpoint Presentation about the Working Class, this was something that I publicly displayed.

Blood Diamond – Representation

Set during Sierra Leone Civil War in 1996-1999, the film shows a country torn apart by the struggle between government soldiers and rebel forces. The film portrays many of the atrocities of that war, including the rebels’ amputation of people’s hands to discourage them from voting in upcoming elections.

The character that I would look at is Solomon  Vandy and he persistence in finding his son. It is completely obvious that he is being taken advantage of by Danny Archer.

The reason that I chose to look at this film is because of the way that the audience responds to the character of Solomon, which is a very positive reaction. We see at the beginning of the film the dedication that he has to his family. He spends all day fishing in order to provide for his family, most importantly his son. He sends a series of very positive messages to his son, about persevering with school in order to gain a better profession, something like a doctor, so that he can have a better life. Clearly this family is very deprived, and is working class.

The point that I picked up on with this film is that the positive representation of them is subtle, but is very strong. At no point do we hear any of the family complaining, only getting on with what they need to do to better their lives. It is interesting that the stereotypical view of people in their position would be to moan and complain about their situation and not to do anything constructive however we see that this stereotype is completely smashed. He is a character that the audience actually ends up looking up to, and admiring his personal characteristics.

This is proven by his relationship with Danny Archer, played by Leonardo Di Caprio. Archer is constantly taking advantage of Solomon, and attempting to manipulate him in any what that he can so he can get his hands on an extremely expensive diamond. Solomon is clearly aware of this, yet despite it all, he shows friendship and kindness to Archer. There are even hints that Solomon is sympathetic towards Archer, which is something that the audience was not expecting and something that actually smashed the stereotypical view, of which would be Archer being sympathetic towards Solomon, because of his personal situation. It is, at the end of the film, a complete role reversal and one that is emotional

Hitch – Representation

Hitch is a romantic comedy about a dating guru called Hitch. Any man can approach him in order for the hints and tips to achieve their dream girl, or the girl they have completely fallen in love with. It is a happy go lucky enjoyable film.

Will Smith plays the character of Hitch. The scene of the film that I was concentrating on when looking at the working class was when Hitch takes his girlfriend to the old train station for the tour, and there is a guard there that takes them around. Obviously he is in a fairly low level job as he is a security guard. However this character is extremely interesting. He is from a different ethnic origin, and is perfectly well dressed. What I found most interesting about this character is how polite and well rounded his tone of voice in. All the aspects that would visually lead to an assumption about the man are smashed. He is a well rounded individual, with perfect manners.

I think what is most important about this character is his willingness to help and assist Hitch, as Hitch as obviously done something for him in the past. It is a nice touch for the audience to hear him say “anything for hitch” in an endearing warm tone of voice, almost as though he has some debt to him he feels he has to pay.

Another important feature is when they are have both just got out of the water and the security guard his giving them heat packs and towels. He does not make fun of their bad situation, and offers to give them materials that the personally has for his bad back, but he does not hesitate to assist them. Again this is positive representation, as rather than a stereotypical working class man may make fun or take advantage of their situation, he helps them as much as he can, and still provides them with a fantastic very informative talk.

A character that we are meant to like in the film is one that does not appear in it for long, only the opening few sequences. The man I a fire-fighter, middle aged and obviously trying to make the woman from the sweet shop fall in love with him. The audience doesn’t hear him speak much, only that he is not outgoing. The audience likes him because of how to the point, rational and yet extremely nervous he is when with the girl he wants to be with. This is clearly highlighted by the series of shots when they are in the photo booth having their pictures taken together. Aspects that the audience will pick up in is how good character he is personally, through his profession, the fact he is a fire fighter, the fact that this will not be the most well paid job that there is in the world. He is clearly a good man, and one that the audience likes

The Fast And The Furious Tokyo Drift – Representation

The reason that this film caught my attention was because it is clearly an action adventure, and something that the audience would not expect a minority like the working class to be addressed. The main character Sean gets into a race with a local wealthy student, and ends up in trouble with the police, and gets sent away to live with his father in Tokyo, who is a U.S. Naval officer based there.

What I would say is that this back story, and beginning of the plot touches on some social underlying issues. This idea highlights for a kid that has a family that is ripped apart, and does not have much moment then the children of that family have a higher chance of getting into trouble. Sean is a perfect example of this, whom does not have a strong relationship with either of his parents, possibly because he is resentful of what has happened to him in the early years of his life. This has also lead Sean into the resentment of kids with vast amounts of money, or those kids that are “stuck up” as the expression goes, which is highlighted by the fact he gets into a confrontation with one, that very nearly turns into a physical fight, but actually turns into a car race.

The point I am making by explaining the situation is that despite all of his bad circumstances, Sean is still able to create strong relationships with people put in Japan, and is able to demonstrate some key skills, that some people do not ever develop. He is loyal, trustworthy, a hard worker and very consistent. The attributes demonstrate to the audience that it doesn’t matter what sort of background and upbringing people have had, or even what mistakes people have made, (such as Sean getting into consistent trouble with the police) they are still able to demonstrate some personal qualities that you would expect to see in the most “socially respectable” people.

We see a lot of close up shots of Sean, as well as mid shots, and I think he is shot like this throughout the film for two reasons. One because he is the main character, and has to be the attention of the audience, but two I would argue it is to highlight his emotional state, and how it gradually changes throughout the film. From start to end, the audience is looking at two different people, and that change is down to Sean, and the decisions that he has made, which is massively positive representation, as the outcome is that he becomes well rounded and respected, and stays away from real trouble. When he is presented with real trouble and danger, he does everything he can to resolve the problem without violence, and without any more people being hurt emotionally, which again is massively positive representation.

Representation – Personal Ideology

When looking to write about the representation of the working class, you have to bear in mind the reasons why they are in the position that they are in, so as to understand how their being represented will work.

There are different ways that an individual can look at the separation of classes, and this usually depends upon where you stand on the political spectrum, i.e. either left or right wing. For example, a person that sits to the right of centre, would argue that it is just how life is if people have wealth or not. Those that work hard will get the rewards, and those that are on top should stay on top and should not have to worry or provide for people worse off than themselves. Of course this is a stereotypical opinion, but one that has basis. Some figures that may help show this view would be under 7% of the people in this country attend private school. Over 80% of the people in the House Of Lords went to private school. Another interesting one is that over 89% of this country’s wealth is owned by about 3% of the population. So obviously well over 90% of the people in the country are fighting over under10% of its wealth. This figures may be rough, but have been proven with fact and figures to back them up, so it is not just hearsay. When looking at statements like this, it gives us some concept of how unjust society can be. This has naturally lead me onto my second point. That of the left wing, and where I stand personally. The left wing would argue that each and every person in this country has a responsibility to look after one another. It should be about the concept of “one love” rather than “one’s money” which is what it would appear to be at the moment. Naturally people disagree with these statements on both sides, but now I would like to raise various issues about the lower classes that people need to be made aware of.

People in the lower classes, those involved with drug use and low level crime, they are not there out of choice. They are born into the position they are in, and without help, is virtually impossible to get out of. Those that have a bad background deserve help if they want it in order to create a better life for themselves, and it is the responsibility of the wealthier in the country to help, as they are in a position to do so. Obviously there are exceptions at both ends, in that some of the richest in the country do an awful amount of work, and spend a lot of money in helping those in need. And those in need lower down in society sometimes refuse it and are determined to carry on doing what they want. But the fact of the matter is that not enough people are helping, and there are far too many people in need of help that want the help. This selfish society that we have created is having an awful impact on society, and leading to a future I do not personally want to be a part of

The Island – Representation

The Island is a film based around clones. The basic plot line is that a group of clones have been created, and they have been sold the lie that there was an outbreak of the virus, and they are the survivors. They obviously do not know that they are clones for the rich and famous among society, so that these people can live for longer. One character, Lincon6Echo, played by Ewan McGregor, escapes from the facility through is natural instinct for curiosity. He is hunted down by the organisation so that the secret does not get out, eventually the film ends with him returning to the facility, freeing the rest of the clones so that the world can know what is going on and the facility gets destroyed.

The character that I chose to look at within the film was a member of staff at the facility. He is clearly not a particularly well off man, and works as a maintenance man. He lives in a trailer park, with his girlfriend, whom I believe is a waitress/dancer working at a local bar. It is interesting that he does not have much in life, but rather than be well rewarded, he chooses to help the two characters that have escaped. He gives them his own cash and credit card so that they can get away and start some sort of lives for themselves. He does his best when trying to teach them the ways of the world. They have no idea what day to day life is all about, and he could more than easily take advantage of them, but chooses not to.

An important scene within theses characters is at the railway station. He clocks on  that the hunters are in the station and alerts the two characters straight away so that they can escape. He is shot in the chest for this, and is killed because of it.

The cloths that he wears are obviously of low quality, as they are ragged and scruffy. There are characteristics of the working class that are stereotypical that we see through him. Obviously where he lives has a part to play in this. His clothing also would lead us to assume that he does not earn much money. These stereotypes are reinforced; however we see several that are smashed.

The way he acts towards the two characters is extremely against the stereotype for a working class position. He effectively puts him a worse position that he was before economically wise, and he gets shot and killed, which is never good. He is politely manners to the two, and is also polite and endearing towards his girlfriend, which again breaks the stereotype. I think that as a character he represents the working class extremely well through his actions. Personally speaking, he could not have acted in a more honest and endearing way.

Coach Carter – Representation

Most of the characters in this film come from a working class background. The film is about a group of young basketball players at Richmond high school. The kids themselves all come from troubled backgrounds, in a rough estate and attend the same school. The main plot of the film is that the kids only attend college so that then can play basketball. They all have no real prospects in later life, and are likely to end up in prison. When Ken Carter becomes the new bastekball coach, he completly changes their aspirations, making sure they attend class, sit at the from of the class and maintain a C+ grade average. His drills are hard and he is a stickler for manners, a perfect role model for the teenagers that have been lead astray.

One of the main charcters, Timo Cruiz, is presented in the most sterotypical way in relation to the working class. He has had a bad upbrining, lives in a rough area and has been caught up with his cousin selling and buying drugs. He is extremly aggressive and confrontational at almost every oppurtunity, which portrays a bad impression to the audience. I think what does work well in his favour is that Carter sees him as a “very scared young man.” It highlights that kids like these dont behave the way they do because of the sort of person they are, it is because of the social background they come. The transformation of this particualr charcter is an emotional one for the audience to watch. He starts out agressive and agry, gets thrown out of the basketball team. He works unbelievabley hard to get back into the team, showing commitment and resiliance, looses his temper, is removed. He then has his cousin murdered which rocks him heavily, he shows how scared and fragile he is. He again works to get back into the team, and plays at the end. He also stays when they are not allowed to play and have to work on the acedemic work. We see he delivers quite an emotional speech, reflecting  his true self, and showing the bravado we saw early on the film was all cirumstantial.

His speech at the end is as followes – “Our deepest fear is that we are not inadequite. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond all measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. Your playing small doe snot serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that toher people wont feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children, its not just in some of us; it is in everyone. As we let our own light shine, we unconsiously give people permission for people to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automoatically liberates others. You saved my life sire.”

This sort of speech is not something the audience would expect from a sterotypical working class teenager, and is a massively positive aspect of the film. There are other similar aspects to the film with other characters such as Junior Battle. Another important issue that is touched upon in the film is teenage pregnancy. A young character gets pregnant, and wants to have the babay. The charcter Kenyon is the father. He is a member of the basketball team, and judging from his social groups, he has had a similar upbringing to Timo. What the audience would sterotypically expect to see here would be for Kenyon to turn tail and run, and yet we see he stays with her. He shows how much he wants to support her by saying how he couldnt support the baby, but wants to do what he can to help her. When he gets his college scholarship, he arranges with the college for his girlfriend and the baby to be catered for so that he can look after her and go to college. It is interesting to note the break in the sterotype, in that he does not just go to college and leave her, he makes sure that she is looked after.

I would argue that as a rule, this film represents the working class positively. This is through the changes that the team of players go through. It would seem that society, the school and even some of the families have given up on them, yet all it took was for one person, Carter, to show them discipline rountine and thr right way, and we see how much of a positive young group of men they become. This really is a testimate to positive represnetation, and highlights so clearly to the audience that initial impressions and behaviour that implies stupidity, is not all of the pieces of the puzzle. It would appear that this particular film set the audience up into reinforcing the messgae of the sterotype, however the audience will be educated by the massively positive representation here

Peter Hitchcock – They Must Be Represented? Problems In Theories Of Working Class Representation.

I looked at some sections of Hitchcock’s writing on the working class, and the section that you can see below is one that took my interest. The very first few sentence’s comment on how critics look at the working class, and how they are represented. The word that he uses to describe their response is “wince” which is completely reflection of society’s views on the class system, and is demonstrating to the audience that there is a problem. The fact that he highlights critics do not take to the topic allows the audience to see that even the people that should be leading the fight in tackling the problems, are shying away. We see that their assessments are described as “too easy” and “dismissive” which again highlights that there is a clear problem.

His reference to Raymond William is very interesting and an extremely valid point. He said that “the simplest descriptive novel about working class life is already, by being written, a significant a positive cultural intervention”. That point clearly sums up the point that several professional writers, such as Williams and Hitchcock would not be writing these works if there was not a problem to tackle. Even those who right against these points highlight there is a problem, as people are trying to tackle it.

Hitchcock here wants to focus on what makes class “excessive” which is something that allows him to categorize the theories presented about the working class. We see again and again that the working class are being referred to as though they have been mistreated in the past by society, which in all fairness is an accurate depiction.

The very reason for class in the first place is to keep the most wealthy in society rich, and those the least wealthy poor, which is in fact where all of our society’s social and economic problems originate from. Obviously everyone cannot be exactly the same, as that would not be possible, but as it stands, the gap is far too large

Pursuit Of Happyness – Representation

This film really encases the struggles of a working class individual, Chris Gardener. The film Is based on a true story, how a working salesman, goes through the most incredibly testing and difficult experience, living in poverty, with next to no money, and how he works his heart out to get out of his situation. It proves a point to the world that no matter the situation you are faced with, it is the work that you put in that will give you the end result.

 

The representation of Chris is typically that of a working class black salesman. He does not have much money; at one point in the film has seventeen dollars in his back account. He lives in council residential areas, becomes homeless at one point in the film and has to sleep rough on the streets and in different hostels. Throughout the film he stays positive, hard working and focused on his goal to become an accountant.

 

Despite the impossible situation and odds that he has been placed in, he always makes sure his son is safe and happy, and is only doing all of this work to provide for his son. The representation of Chris is amazing. Rather than give up hope, leave his son and give in to his situation he doesn’t stop working. He is always seen wearing a suit, tie and shoes, and no matter what people say to him, even as in some situations denying him the sale that he so desperately needs, he stays calm polite and friendly, rather than turning rude and aggressive. His attitude is impeccable, and at times truly inspirational. The director of the film has created the clearest impression that no matter what situation are challenges you are faced with the only person that needs to be satisfied is the one looking in the mirror.

 

Something that the audience picks up on immediately, and something that continues throughout the film, is the love and care that Chris shows for his son. Everything that he is doing is to give his son a better standard of living, which is probably where his relentless motivation comes from. The variety of close and mid shots of Chris and his son at key points within the film, such as when they have to sleep in a public toilet, are able to highlight the struggle he is going through.

 

Chris as a character is one that we are set up to like, as is his son. Both of their elements of humour, both have some punch lines, allowing the audience to converge with them. There are points within the film where Chris acts as an anti-hero, and does things that normally the audience would see as being wrong. Such as when he runs away from the cab driver, takes the bone marrow drive off of the homeless man, and makes his son leave his favourite doll that he dropped in the road. These examples are all emotional ones, but because of how the character of Chris has been set up, the audience are able to quickly look over these incidents, because of the bigger picture and the work and effort that Chris is putting in

Shawshank Redemption – Representation

This film was brought out in 1994, and is a prison drama film. The main plot of the film is that the main character “Andy” is convicted of murdering his wife, and is sent to the Shawshank prison, the most renowned prison for rehabilitating prisoners. The prison itself is full of guards that bully and mistreat the prisoners, and completely take advantage and abuse their power.

The story looks at the experience of Andy in prison, and how he goes from a loner, to one of the most popular prisoners in the place, who has massive influence and experience of the goings on. Through is knowledge of accountancy he is able to help out the Warden through a series of illegal transactions, through the prison itself.

The film ends with Andy escaping the prison, as he spent 15 years digging a hole through the wall, and he crawls through a quarter of a mile of excrement. He outsmarts the Wardens, and steals all of the documents that prove the Warden is operating against the law, as well as some of his guards.

The character that I looked at particularly in this film is the character of Tommy William’s. the reason that I decided to pay close attention to him is because he is a character that the audience likes straight away, through his actions he becomes friendly with a click of inmates, and the audience responds to his intentions of decent actions.  Before this character enters Shawshank, he is in another prison, where the prisoner sharing a cell with him confessions that he was the one that killed Andy’s wife, and that Andy took the fall for the crime.

The reasons that this character is positively represented is because he clearly comes from a working class background, with is deduced from the stories that he tells, and the literacy skills that he has, which are practically none existent. He is positively represented because while he is in prison he falls in with some of the older more intelligent members of the prison. He does not take a negative attitude towards them, and Andy even convinces him to take some qualifications, so that when he gets out of prison he will be able to get a proper job. What’s interesting is that his commitment falter’s, and he throws a strop during the test, and puts his test paper in the bin. Despite this, Andy sends it off, and when the results come in, we see that he passes. The sad and ironic thing to his section of the story is that despite attempting to turn his life around, and swearing blind he would testify in court in order to get Andy out of prison, it entices the Warden to shoot him dead, and say that he was pretending to escape, which was done because the Warden needed Andy’s skills. I think overall this is positive representation, as the stereotype would be that in prison that as a kid he would get into more bother, and not properly correct any of his faults. Clearly he is making a personal effort to rehabilitate himself, and therefore positively represents the working class