capital marxism & hegemony

 Marxism & hegemony: blog tasks

Task 1: Mail Online review of Capital

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

The capital was overflowing with trendy movements just like Jeremy Corbyn's busy schedule. 

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?

'With a fizzle like a firework on a wet night, Capital (BBC1) dribbled to a soggy ending.'

'the crime was handed from one cardboard character to the next. That’s not a whodunnit, it’s a cop-out.'

'Everything British came in for a dose of loathing'

Some criticism is valid, and Capital didn't have a satisfying ending despite the stress and fears of the characters. It felt rushed and done just to finish the series. However, there was potential for improvement, like focusing on a smaller cast or making the police more realistic with the threat of postcards more prominent in their daily lives. This could have made the series more engaging for viewers.

3) What scenes or characters from Capital could be read as promoting left-wing ideology?

Kwentina encounters the black female lawyer, while Roger and Arabella are depicted as overly focused on money, just like in the bedroom scene. Roger's lack of parenting skills is evident, and the Kamal family is shown to be assimilating into British society and culture. Petunia displays great tolerance towards immigration.

4) What about the other side of the argument - are there any aspects of Capital that reinforce right-wing or capitalist viewpoints?

Roger is dedicated to his work, even when he is at home. Kwentina puts in extra hours at work. They both receive bonuses for their hard work and save money to create a better future for themselves.

Task 2: Media Factsheet - Applying Marxism 

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 or online here (you'll need your Greenford Google login to access). Read the factsheet and answer the following questions:

1) What does Marxism suggest regarding power in society?

It suggests that the elite have power. It also suggests that society depends on them.

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

The entire show revolves around the concept that people's fate in getting a job depends on the decision of entrepreneur Lord Alan Sugar. The show shows us that being employable and suitable for any job requires not challenging authority. This reinforces capitalists values that the elite, represented by Alan Sugar, relies on qualified labourers who must be compliant and non-confrontational to maximise profits for the elite. 

3) Come up with two 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'.) Explain what meanings these texts communicate to their audiences.

The New York Times talks about how TV shows are focusing more on blue collar workers, leaving the middle class underrepresented. However, many of these shows lack class-consciousness. In the TV show Shameless US, the family is depicted as financially unstable and causing trouble without feeling any shame for their actions, as implied by the show's title.

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 - The failure of the bankers is what caused the housing crisis and so need to be protected in order for things to go back to normal

• show queries or challenges to the base as meaningless, foolish or anti-social via ‘failed revolt’ - Kwentina cannot work legally due to asylum laws

• show the subdominant position of the masses as a naturalised idea - The Kamal family working hard running the store and a newspaper delivery service while Roger struggles due to an 'unfair' bonus

• show the values of the power elite as ‘natural’ or ‘right’ - Rogers reference to his bonus being 'Fundamentally not fair' suggesting its his 'right' to earn a significant bonus

• show that being a member of the mass is a good thing - The close knit Kamal family which even in the recession stays close together 

• show the masses accepting the values of the power elite - The characters have no real choice against the crisis

• show the values of the power elite as being ‘for the good of the masses’ (even when unpleasant) - If the banking crisis did not happen most things would be alright

Now try applying 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.

The story being set in London gives us the impression of a city filled with wealth and the upper class. The comparison between the London residents and the privileged is emphasised by the show. Certain beliefs held by either the citizens or the government hinder the possibility of earning a living through hard work, as seen in the case of Kwentina being detained for working illegally.

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

J. K. Rowling has expressed her disapproval of benefit cuts and the reduction of public services in various interviews. She has shared her personal experience of relying on benefits while raising her daughter and writing the first Harry Potter book.

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

In the novel Barry Fairbrother dies early on but in the TV adaptation he plays a crucial role in advocating for the preservation of Sweetlove House. In the first episode, Barry delivers a powerful speech during a Parish Council meeting. This is opposing the Mollisons' plan to shut down the house. Meanwhile, Howard Mollisoninsults some children outside his bakery and connects them to his political beliefs.

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

I believe that the BBC should remain impartial and not be influenced by any political party. I don't think they would show bias.

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?

people consciously choose to engage with news stories from these newspapers giving permission for the media to present them with ideas and ideologies that can be either accepted or challenges The media has influence over the ideologies to which people are exposed.