Stereotype as Image Cover Image

Stereotyp ako obraz
Stereotype as Image

Author(s): Jana Dudková
Subject(s): Theatre, Dance, Performing Arts
Published by: Ústav divadelnej a filmovej vedy SAV

Summary/Abstract: The concept of stereotype is closely linked with the concept of image. First, the authoress elucidates the concept of stereotype with respect to its anchoring in collective imaginary, where, according to Homi K . Bhabha, it functions as a fetish pendant. Later, she focuses on the use of stereotypes in audiovisual media. She draws the reader’s attention to deconstructing the stereotype as a component part of representation strategies, the role of which is maintaining the power structures. Emphasis is especially laid on stereotypes of race as specific kind of social stereotypes. These, due to an obvious visibility of the difference in skin colour (and the impossibility of cover-up), count on a specific set-up of the visual field. An individual with a different skin colour functions as the object of the gaze. His/her image (for instance, in various audiovisual and visual media) oftentimes behaves as a synecdoche, metonymy or metaphor. The paper contains examples of Slovak documentary films and TV series, which illustrate some other forms of stereotype functioning – as recognised caricature, or, as distorted, „incorrect“ reality image.

  • Issue Year: 60/2012
  • Issue No: 01
  • Page Range: 13-33
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: Slovak