Marxism & hegemony: blog tasks

Marxism & hegemony: blog tasks

Task 1: Mail Online review of Capital

in the mail online review of Capital, the writer states that Capital features a plethora of left-wing ideologies. The writer suggests that this is because the writers want to appeal to people that are of ethnic minorities by portraying everything that is traditionally British as something that is negative. This belief, from the writer, is shown in the line 'Everything British came in for a dose of loathing'

 Criticisms of Capital 

'With a fizzle like a firework on a wet night, Capital (BBC1) dribbled to a soggy ending'. 
This quote is quite critical of the plot to Capital however it made be argued that this criticism is valid. The first episode was strong in terms of plot but that may have changed later on in the series.

'One of the immigrant characters snarled, with real anger' This comment poorly reflects what actually happened in the scene. The writer must've purposely written this to make it seem like immigrants have an undergoing hatred for British people. This could have been used to try and maintain a bad perception of immigrants to the readers of the Daily Mail. 'he did find time to teach English to her fellow saints at detention centre' 
 This line was clearly used by the writer to mock or ridicule immigrants. This wasn't a criticism solely directed at the show itself but merely a way to poke fun at immigrants and the struggles they go through, such as deportation. 

Left-wing Ideology

Characters that prompt left-wing ideology;

• Quintina

Quintina is one of that main characters that suggest of represent left wing ideologies. Although she is not legally allowed to work in this country, Quintina is has a great work ethic and takes pride in her job. She is independent when it comes to making money and is reluctant to take any money from the government through benefits. This suggests left-wing ideology as it presents immigrants in a positive light. It counteracts the right wing belief that immigrants are lazy and have depend on the governments resources.   

• Kamal family

The Kamal family is very similar to Quintina. Their diligence and commitment to work is another example of how Capital uses characters to present left wing ideology and redress some negatives representations that are imposed onto immigrants. 

• Roger 

Roger is another prominent character that suggests left-wing ideologues. Although Roger does a lot of work and goes through a long commute to get to work, he is seen to have not that much knowledge when it comes to the work that he has to do. This presnts banker in a negative light and incompetent; which, overall, suggests left-wing ideology. 

Throughout Capital, we see a few aspects of the show subtly reinforce the status quo in capitalist London. one of these things is the "work hard, play hard" mindset. The capitalist view of working for your own money, land etc are being shown through many characters. Although these characters present left-wing ideology, Quintina, the Kamal family and Roger also present right-wing ideology through their work ethic

Task 2: Media Factsheet - Applying Marxism 

Marxists suggest that capitalism is not only an economic system but is also a political system. , Marxists believe that history was largely determined by the struggle between the ruling classes and the oppressed classes, which had conflicting interests. In regards to power, Marxists believe that in any community or society there will always be an elite. 

The Apprentice is a good example of the media reinforcing Capitalists values and ideologies. Hard work and money are the two main factors of this show which are also some of the main qualities that capitalists value when it comes to living   

TV soaps such as Hollyoaks, Eastenders or Coronation Street are seen as representatives for how life in the UK is. However, it could be argued that it is not 100% accurate as it subtly glamorises and fetishises the working class lifestyle as it is not as harmonious and mellifluous as it makes it seem. A show that counteracts that is the Jeremy Kyle Show. This show that focuses on lie detector tests, paternity tests and overall counselling subconsciously/indirectly presents people of the working class in a negative light. It presents them as unstable, messy and chaotic. 

A Marxist reading of Capital would convey the tv drama as a show that, both, reinforces and challenges capitalist ideas. In terms of presenting the elite as beneficial to the 'mass', I believe that capital challenges this Marxist ideology. Capital is great at criticising people in power and depicting their flaws. However, Capital does present the values of the elite as natural. Roger could be argued as being apart of the elite as he is a banker and has a lot of responsibilities. His values, being wealthy and spending money, are displayed as something natural. Capital also shows that being a member of the mass is a good thing as they depict being apart of the middle class as a nice lifestyle to live. 



Task 3: Media Magazine feature on BBC drama The Casual Vacancy and ideology



The Daily Mail suggested that The Casual Vacancy promoted left-wing ideology as it ridicules and demonises wealthier residents. JK Rowling also states that she disapproves with the benefit cuts and the withdrawal of public services. She is very anti-conservatives.

The Daily Mail believes that the BBC is biased and that they are too 'comfy' with J.K Rowling. Sebastian Shakespeare questioned the relationship between the BBC and J. K. Rowling, he points out that Cohen, BBC Director of Television, is also a director of Rowling’s charity Lumos.

The Daily Mail is a perfect example of hegemony's suggestion that people are kept under control by media through active consent. The Daily Mail continuously says politically incorrect and offensive things depict people of ethnic minorities in a negative light. The reader will perceive this type of behaviour as acceptable or second nature so they will incorporate these mannerisms into their everyday life. Although the reader may initially have these xenophobic ideologies, The Daily Mail simply amplifies these thoughts in the readers' mind, therefore indirectly controlling their mindset