Marxism & hegemony

1) Re-read the Mail Online review of Capital. Why does it suggest that Capital features a left-wing ideology?

The left-wing ideology is shown in the show by the optimistic impresion of the immigrants and the way what the white, middle class family is represented. 

2) Choose three quotes from the review that are particularly critical of Capital and paste them into your blogpost. Do you agree with the criticisms? Why?

'Capital (BBC1) dribbled to a soggy ending.' 
'you’ll get rid of your family after Christmas faster than this feeble drama departed.'
'that concept went nowhere.'
 3) What scenes or characters from Capital could be read as promoting left-wing ideology?

I feel like the rich family fully represents their stereotype; they show us how underestimated the money is for them, and how is could be spent on something way more important.

4) What about the other side of the argument - are there any aspects of Capital that reinforce the status quo in capitalist London?

The bankers seem to be under a lot of stress and are surrownded by people that they can't trust, that's why the money that they earn and keep is fair.

Media Magazine feature on BBC drama The Casual Vacancy and ideology

Now go to our Media Magazine archive and read the feature 'The Beeb, The Mail and JKR' in MM53 (page 20). This focuses on the politics of The Casual Vacancy, another BBC three-part drama based on a book by JK Rowling.

 


Answer the questions below:

1) Why did the Daily Mail suggest The Casual Vacancy promoted a left-wing ideology?

The Daily Mail says that the show is a 'fashionable causes as Jeremy Corbyn's function diary', which referes to the left wing ideology.

2) How does the article suggest characters, narrative and setting are used to promote a left-wing ideology?


3) What research is quoted regarding BBC bias and what did it find? Do you think the BBC is biased?

The quote is from Christopher Stevens that said that 'the BBC is rushing to screen Tory-bashing shows like [...] The Casual Vacancy [...] because very soon we’ll be in the countdown to a GeneralElection, when the Corporation must remain neutral, fair and balanced.' 
I feel like BBC might be biased just because of an example of them realising the The Apprentice because of the election. 

4) Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggests people are kept under control through active consent - the control of 'common sense'. How could you apply the Daily Mail or the BBC to the idea of hegemony and dominant ideologies in the UK media?

I feel like people that engage in all of the shows in BBC an are an active audience feel like a part of a community and feel the obligation to unite and agree with the rest of people that watch and create the BBC community.