Applying Marxism

Struggling on question 3, will complete by Monday.
Applying Marxism: blog task

 Go to our Media Factsheet archive on the Media Shared drive and open Factsheet #66: Applying Marxism. Our Media Factsheet archive is on the Media Shared drive: M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets - you'll need to save the factsheet to USB or email it to yourself in order to complete this at home. Read the factsheet and answer the following questions:

 1) What does Marxism suggest regarding power in society?

Marxism is regarded as certain individuals being the elite (politicians etc) having power over the non-elite. It also means that the elite have the money to create for money, than the majority of people in order to live.

 2) Why is The Apprentice a good example of the media reinforcing capitalist values and ideologies?

The apprentice is a good example of Marxism as the elite being Lord Sugar has the power over the rest. The rest are being controlled by one character. He has the power to produce wealth for the benefit of others. But on the other hand The Apprentice also shows capitalist views as the more harder you work, the more rewards you get. For example the winner receives a really well-paid job working with Lord sugar. 

 3) Come up with three examples of media texts (e.g. TV programmes, newspapers etc.) that either fetishise working class life (e.g. EastEnders presents quite a harmonious East End community which probably doesn't accurately reflect East London life) or demonise working class life or poor people (e.g. The Daily Mail and The Sun newspapers regularly demonise people living on benefits with headlines referring to 'scroungers'.)



4) Look at the bullet points on page 4 of the factsheet:

 When making a Marxist reading of a text, look out for representations that:

  • show the values of the power elite as beneficial to the mass
  • show queries or challenges to the base as meaningless, foolish or anti-social via ‘failed revolt’
  • show the subdominant position of the masses as a naturalised idea
  • show the values of the power elite as ‘natural’ or ‘right’
  • show that being a member of the mass is a good thing
  • show the masses accepting the values of the power elite
  • show the values of the power elite as being ‘for the good of the masses’ (even when unpleasant)
Now apply those bullet points to Capital. Think about the setting, characters and narrative strands - how many of the bullet points apply to Capital? Does Capital reinforce or challenge the values of capitalism? Give examples from episode 1 to support your points.

Capital shows a clear evidence of Marxism that the elite have more power regardless on how smart you are. This is shown in the scene where Rodger being the boss of Mark has no clue on why the business is successful but due to his power he is capable of making more money and can gain even more power. Power is shown by the luxurious house and the amazing garden. What can 30k get you these days' is also a clear evidence of ignorance portrayed by Rodger as 30k is a lot of money. Capital reinforces Marxism rather than capitalism. Quintina being a hard-working character is not being rewarded but at the risk of being sent back to her home country and being sexually assaulted by another male character. Whereby Rodger, an accidental millionaire shows little work to his successful business and is living luxourious. The working/middle class families feel powerful and have to accept the actions happening in their society
Complete this for homework - due next Friday.

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