GIROUX THEORY (1997) (EMPTY CATEGORY)

Giroux argues that in media representations youth becomes an 'empty category'

Media representations of young people are constructed by adults. Because of this they reflect adults concerns, anxieties and needs.

As a result of this media representations of young people do not necessarily reflect the reality of youth identity.

- Youth becomes an 'empty category' (Empty person)

Representations constructed by adults.

Apply this theory to Harry Brown:

Who constructed the text?
Daniel Barber

Who is it aimed at?
18+

Does the text reflect adult anxieties or serve the purposes of adult society? (reinforcing hegemonic values)
Harry Brown is constructed by Adults so the representation of the youth identity is an empty catergory because it is a stereotype. (Judging before knowing them.)Yes harry brown starts off with anxiety because he is afraid of the youth. The producer is reinforcing the hegemonic values because he is exaggerating what happens with a negative view. (given a personality by the media)


Their personality and emotions are taken away from them and are just judged by their appearance and known as 'empty.'

Representations of youth vary through generations. The way in which representations are chosen is through the current fears of society at that time, what is perceived to be threatening to them (society). Youth threaten the structures of dominant ideologies. Youth representations are filled through the interests of the adult world.