Collective identity and representing ourselves: blog tasks

1) Read the article and summarise each section in one sentence, starting with the section 'Who are you?'

Who are you? Whether we use fashion statements, hairstyles, make-up or indeed make an active decision not to do any of those things, we are all involved in constructing an image to communicate our identity.

I think, therefore I am! At one time in the not-too-distant past, our identity was seen to be firm, fixed and pre- determined. How we perceived ourselves and how we presented ourselves was based on the social constructs that defined the interpersonal relationships within the groups we found ourselves in.

The rise of the individual! Dominant values help shape how we see ourselves; and by the late 1960s and 1970s the notion of individualism began to take hold, reacting against what can be seen to be the more conformist values of the past.

From citizen to consumer! The idea that identity could be constructed in terms of an externalised image came in the post-industrial consumer boom of the early 20th century where there was a deliberate move to encourage people to adopt an identity that Edward Bernays (arguably the originator of modern notions of Public Relations and propaganda) said was based not on behaving as ‘active citizens but as passive consumers’.

Branding and lifestyle! The 70s and 80s saw the rise of lifestyle marketing and the importance of brands. Branding is the association of a ‘personality’ with a product.

Who will we be? Through the anonymity of the internet and particularly the possibilities afforded by the creation of avatars, we have more control over our public image now than ever before. In 1998 Chandler observed that: constructing a personal home page can be seen as shaping not only the materials but also (in part through manipulating the various materials) one’s identity. This was five years before the launch of MySpace, and six years before Facebook and the rise of social networking.

2) List three brands you are happy to be associated with and explain how they reflect your sense of identity.

The NBA they reflect me as they are diverse and have the love and enthusiasm for sports 

3) Do you agree with the view that modern media is all about 'style over substance'? What does this expression mean?

In other words, although someone looks immaculately dressed or styled, behind the façade, there is no substance or content. This might sound very harsh, but in a competitive world, knowing how to avoid style over substance is crucial for success.

4) Explain Baudrillard's theory of 'media saturation' in one paragraph. You may need to research it online to find out more.

Baudrillard proclaims modern society has become so media saturated it is impossible for audiences to experience the natural or real world. The media instead constructs an imaginary space that celebrates stardom and celebrity.

5) Is your presence on social media an accurate reflection of who you are? Have you ever added or removed a picture from a social media site purely because of what it says about the type of person you are?

My social media presence doesn't reflect the 

No I never had/have a profile picture I always kept it as the default one 

6) What is your opinion on 'data mining'? Are you happy for companies to sell you products based on your social media presence and online search terms? Is this an invasion of privacy?

I don't really mind its good because it relates to my personal preferences and it shows what I'm interested and I would view it happily 

1) What is collective identity? Write your own definition in as close to 50 words as possible.

Collective identity is the shared sense of belonging to a group for example small cliques and gangs, to sports fans and celebrity devotees.

2) Complete the task on the factsheet (page 1) - write a list of as many things as you can think of that represent Britain. What do they have in common? Have you represented the whole of Britain or just one aspect/viewpoint?

The royal family the queen British tea fish and chips Great Britain London Eye Big Ben all these have a history with the British 

3) How does James May's Top Toys offer a nostalgic representation of Britain?

This can be also described as a mythic England that resides in the mind of many older people in this country: warm beer, cricket on the green and cups of tea. The nostalgia dwells on what Britain has lost in the modern world, such as a community spirit, and the subtle indication is that today’s modern computer games, and people’s apparent failure to use toys as a source of individual imagination, are to blame.

4) How has new technology changed collective identity?

by making it easier for people to communicate, socialize, share information, and engage in commerce. These changes have led to the formation of virtual communities and the creation of shared cultural narratives.

5) What phrase does David Gauntlett (2008) use to describe this new focus on identity?

 "Identity is complicated; everyone's got one.”

6) How does the Shaun of the Dead Facebook group provide an example of Henry Jenkins' theory of interpretive communities online?

this group of individuals have all interpreted the same thing and, so, now they feel that they can identify with each other