Representation. (Halsey)

Friday.
Within this clip, the representation of black males being violent and dominant is reinforced. Richard Dyer’s theory of stereotyping and power could be applied to the clip due to the fact that the one who seems to have the most power (D-Bo) is actually the one with the least power as he gets beaten up. Although the villain (according to Propp’s theory of character) D-Bo was the biggest in size, the audience would've thought he held the most power however he only had power over the women and this was presented as he physically abused two females during the opening of the clip. The idea of him abusing the two females reinforces the idea of males being fierce and not being in control of their temper. Medhurst’s theory of stereotypes could also be applied as the actor Craig had pulled out a gun. Majority of the time, most gun related crimes and violence is due to black males taking situations out of proportion. So this stereotype tells the audience a lot in a short space of time. Additionally, the idea of men being heroic and brave is also reinforced as the hero alongside protagonist (Propp’s theory of character) Craig takes on D-Bo who is quite muscular and is quite intimidating.
On the other hand, the idea of black fathers not being present throughout their children's lives is subverted in this clip. This idea is presented as Craig holds the gun out to shoot the villain but then hears his father speaking to him which leads to a flashback of his father teaching him how to fight and also advising him not use a weapon and teaching him that he is more of a man to fight without using a gun. Furthermore, the stereotype of females being powerless in society is subverted in this clip. Usually females are expected not to raise their voice at males neither should they disrespect them simply because of gender roles but in this clip the females is seen shouting at the villain. She is not only shouting at him but she also swears and threatens him. The subversion of the stereotype could be seen as positive by the female audience as the actress didn't get angry for any reason; rather she was defending her sister and trying to get her point across. The idea of the female getting angry and verbally abusive towards the villain could support Levi-Strauss’s theory of representation as the representation of the female could've been included as it creates an alternative representation of women and challenges the set of beliefs towards women.