'The media do not construct reality, they merely offer a window on the world'. Discuss this statement with reference to the representation of collective identities.

This statement has been given by Gauntlett who believes that the media do not show reality but actually show a small part of what it is and then dramatise this by adding a lot of extra influences which can come from society or anyone involved with the creation of the media being presented. In order to look at this, I have studied the representation of gender, this will allow analysis of the similarities and differences between reality and what is shown for entertainment through media. I focused my research on one specific group which is women representation, this is because society has various views on women, however majority of this are based on stereotypes and not actual the true lifestyle of a women. They are shown as either a housewife or as a sex object, this limits the achievement of women by empowering this idea through the use of media.

Looking at historical media that represent women, the Lindor Lindt chocolate advert in 2013 really emphasises the point of women seen sexual and almost unintelligent. The women is shown as focusing her attention on the chocolate, that she is willing to sit in a random guy's car by using her beauty to get a "free ride". The use of very feminine clothing, dramatic make-up that focuses on a certain area such as the eyes or lips and the elegant up do hairstyle really empowers the idea of sexuality. However, this view can be linked to reality due to women being very cautious about their appearance, yet a lot of this has been influenced by the media. But the idea of sexuality can be questioned as not all females will interact with a random guy but are much more knowledgable about the results of that action. Yet it can also be argued that this is for promotion purposes only and that it is an exaggeration of reality in order to gain views and potentially receive customer interest.

On the other hand, the TV drama Dr Foster shows a more real, natural side of women representation, this is because a lot of dramas base their storyline on society, enhancing the reality. This is because the audience are likely to watch the series due to having a connection to the story, being able to give their opinion while waiting for the next episode to be shown. This further increases their interest by them relating to the TV drama and not just watching it for entertainment but almost giving a message to the public. Gemma, a doctor, wife and mother is shown as a very diverse character, being presented as an intelligent, strong, independent women to a very emotional, aggressive and almost psycho-like personality, giving the audience to relate a wide aspect of the drama.

Furthermore, she is shown as subverting as well as opposing to the stereotype of women. The idea of women having a possessive and emotional personality when in a relationship is clearly shown throughout the story. Her change of behaviour once she found a blonde piece of hair on her husband's scarf, grew suspicion within her. Yet, her intelligence is shown by her not falling weak and giving up, but by actually using her mind in order to seek revenge. This shows her opposing to the stereotype of women seen as "dumb" and almost being pushed around. The use of her profession and manipulative skills to bring out the truth, really emphasises her strong character.

However, through various scenes she is shown as very devastated and almost lost the will to live, by linking her professional and personal life, questions her ability as a doctor and for some aspects as a mother. This will then maybe show a form of reality, that maybe women are not that "smart" and powerful but men are the dominant gender who need to be present in order to have a stable society.

The character of Gemma really links to the character Barbara from the film August Osage County, their personalities are very similar as she is a strong independent women who is too having a problem within her marriage life and that too of the same reason, because of her husband having an affair with a younger women. Majority of society view would be that the women will become depressed and very emotional, yet these two characters are shown as becoming more powerful and almost being the dominant one within the relationship.

Barbara, hides the reality of her life from her family as she is the oldest sibling and just found out about a very devastating news about her father's demise, shows how strong this character is. Not once is she shown as broken down, however the physical appearance really does symbolise this depressed time. The lack of attention towards her clothing, hair and make-up really emphases how women give up on how they look once they lose this attention from their husband. This links a lot to reality, as married women tend to take care of themselves even if they have children, by dressing elegantly but once a problem occurs within their marriage life, they do not bother about their appearance.

Although, Barbara's mother will completely ignore this view and believes that women need to wear make-up in order to look pretty, this is clearly emphasised when she is shown as still wearing lipstick and make-up after her husband's death. This shows how she still cares about her appearance regardless of the situation, yet it can be argued that this does still show a form of reality, society empowering the idea of women needing to wear make-up or revealing clothes etc.