+*-Key Text; Paper 1 Section A: DREAM Music Video-*+

+*-Key Text; Paper 1 Section A: DREAM Music Video-*+:


Narrative

What is the main narrative and message of the song, and how is this added to or altered by the visual elements of the video and the techniques used? Does the video subvert or confirm the messages and content of the song?

The main narrative message of the song is to show how society is still divided racially and culturally, even though it is less apparent. The message of the song is also to show how the musician, Dizzee Rascal feels like a puppet of society and controlled from This is shown through the use of the puppets representing society and the inclusion of Annette Mills, the white middle class, female presenter used in the video. this video confirms the message of the song as it spreads the message of social and racial inequality.

Representation 

How is ethnicity, age, gender and class represented in the video? What binary oppositions are created or shown in the video between different stereotypes? What stereotypes are used to represent different social groups?

Ethnicity is represented throughout Dizzee Rascal's 'Dream' music video through the use of the miseducating en scene. Dizzee Rascal (the star vehicle) is a black man. Through the lyrics used throughout the video, Dizzee expresses his disgust with racial stereotypes and inequality from the perspective of a young, black male. Age is also represented throughout the video through the image of Annette Mills, a mature woman as well as the denotation of the young man, Dizzee Rascal. The binary opposition of these individuals creates the narrative that the older generation dislike the younger generation and the image they portray e.g. Urban; ghetto personalities.

How is the concept of inequality or social power demonstrated in the technical codes or narrative of the video?


Intertextuality: What cultural or media references does the video and song make and why?

Muffin the mule - 1950's children's show - presented by Annette Mills - used to contrasts the mature themes with the innocent backdrop.
Martin Luther King's 'I had a dream' speech - Symbolises racial inequality - the drive for change.
Golliwog - Racist dolls - Stereotypical - Used to symbolise the way Rascal's culture is being made


THEORY  


Barthes: Semiotics 
Identify objects, characters or props/costumes that connote a deeper layer of meaning about the messages and themes in the video.

Red hoodie on Dizzee Rascal symbolises rebellion.
Puppets/ Marrionettes - Symbolise the working class - How the working class are marginalised.
Annette Mills - Symbol of White; middles class culture - How they are dominant - Hold the most power - Judgemental of the working class.

Levi-Strauss  Binary Oppositions

Identify a range of binary opposites in the video and how they add meaning to  the narrative and themes of the video

Grime music genre and the opening of pastel colours on children's toys.
Dizzee Rascal's clothing and demeanour in contrast to Annette Mills'.
Happy talk in contrast to the grime music genre.

Postcolonialism( Gilroy) : Does the video refer to "traditional white " UK culture and create a binary opposition with modern multicultural Britain ? How ?

Annette Mills - Symbol of white culture - Facial expressions when Rascal states something outlandish or puppets act inappropriately changes into a look of disgust.