Media texts created by institutions about youth have complex backgrounds as to who made them, who for, what this does to the reputation of youth and whether or not they conform to news stereotypes.
The 2006 film Kidulthood, written by Noel Clark, is predominantly an 'anti youth' film as it represents youth in a negative light throughout with the use of graphic violence, promiscuity and prostitution, drug abuse and disrespectful language.
However, beneath these disturbing scenes portrayed by characters all around 15 to 19 years old there are emotional qualms which spur empathy in the audience for the characters such as the distress attatched to being pregnant, and thus the text becomes a pro youth piece made to educate the ignorant and possibly change their views by forcing them to look beneath the surface.
Henry Giroux explains the empathy factor by stating that 'for youth, especially those who experience ruthless subordination and oppression, nihilism often translates into senseless violence, racism, homophobia, drug addiction, date rape, suicide pacts, escalating homicide rates, and a refusal to participate in building communities of hope and alliances with other oppressed groups'.
The product conforms heavily to the 'thuggish' stereotypes of youth that are created and projected by the press because of the themes, mis-en-scene, locations and even the actors. It also slightly mocks the racial prejudice as sometimes seen in the press when Moony says 'Ain't it ironic though, bllack cab don't take black man'. On the other hand whilst their actions conform, their emotions subvert as a personality is rarely conveyed in the press unless it is that of a victim. This is to show the gritty reality that Noel Clarke was so passionate about showing.
The 2006 film Kidulthood, written by Noel Clark, is predominantly an 'anti youth' film as it represents youth in a negative light throughout with the use of graphic violence, promiscuity and prostitution, drug abuse and disrespectful language.
However, beneath these disturbing scenes portrayed by characters all around 15 to 19 years old there are emotional qualms which spur empathy in the audience for the characters such as the distress attatched to being pregnant, and thus the text becomes a pro youth piece made to educate the ignorant and possibly change their views by forcing them to look beneath the surface.
Henry Giroux explains the empathy factor by stating that 'for youth, especially those who experience ruthless subordination and oppression, nihilism often translates into senseless violence, racism, homophobia, drug addiction, date rape, suicide pacts, escalating homicide rates, and a refusal to participate in building communities of hope and alliances with other oppressed groups'.
The film was made by Noel Clarke, distributed by Revolver, and has a wide range in the target audience. The first is adults who may not have previous first hand experience of the topics depicted, many middle or upper class and those interested in niche films that aren't necessarily quintessential British products such as Notting Hill. The other main target audience is young people aged 14-25 who can identify with the themes and therefore find the film to be highly entertaining whilst at the same time witnessing the consequences of actions that may not be dissimilar to their own and thus acts as a warning.
The product conforms heavily to the 'thuggish' stereotypes of youth that are created and projected by the press because of the themes, mis-en-scene, locations and even the actors. It also slightly mocks the racial prejudice as sometimes seen in the press when Moony says 'Ain't it ironic though, bllack cab don't take black man'. On the other hand whilst their actions conform, their emotions subvert as a personality is rarely conveyed in the press unless it is that of a victim. This is to show the gritty reality that Noel Clarke was so passionate about showing.
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