Marxism & Hegemony

Mail Online review of Capital [2015]

Why does this review suggest that Capital promotes Left wing ideas?

• This review suggests that the presentation of immigrants, the black female lawyer and demonisation of bankers promotes a left wing ideology to it's viewers. 

Do you agree with these criticisms? Why?

•  'That's not a who-dunnit, it's a cop out' - I think that the criticisms concerning the postcard subplot is not unjust, it was a prevalent aspect of the pilot however seemingly lost it's spark as the series progressed, although a promising concept, it did fall short.
•  'Dribbled to a damp ending' - Although, there is a fair point within this however the ending seemed like a fitting climax to the show, in my opinion, the personal relationships formed between audience and characters is dealt with in a satisfactory way, where all get to say 'goodbye'
•  'Everything British came in for a dose of loathing' - this criticism is unfair in my opinion, London is depicted in an honest way, with diversity celebrated and the struggles and hardships presented in a way that hoped to evoke sympathy rather than detachment.

What scenes or characters from Capital could be seen as depicting left wing ideologies?

•  The scene where Roger says 'what use is 30 grand?' as well as the well integrated depiction of the Kamals and Quentina into society.

Are there any aspects of Capital that reinforce the status quo in capitalist London?

•  The scene just after Roger, Roger's boss and Mark springs to mind as Roger says that his team work hard all year and not just during bonus season. This reinforces the idea that people work hard for their money.

The Beeb, The Mail and JKR

Why did the Daily Mail suggest that The Casual Vacancy promoted left wing ideology?

•  They 'ridiculed the wealthier residents' and shamed them for wanting to sell the rehab centre and foodbank despite conservative politics deeming these cuts that happen being beneficial in the long run. 

How does this article suggest characters, narrative and setting are used to promote a left wing ideology?

• Wealthier residents are ridiculed and shamed for their choices, whereas the working class and those on benefits are put in a sympathetic light which promotes left wing ideas. 

What research is quoted regarding BBC bias? What did you find? Do you think the BBC is biased?

•  A Mail Online article titled 'Is the bbc too close with jk rowling?'
• Apparently, the BBC shows a labour allegiance and a condemnation of right wing politics amongst it's fictional dramas however I don't agree with the idea that the BBC is biased, due to their political involvement and provision of third party materials and impartial information through shows like Question Time etc. 

How could you apply Gramsci's theory of hegemony to the UK media?

•  Gramsci's theory of hegemony suggests that we are consensual and conscious in our interaction with the media and it's creation of what we view as 'common sense' and a societal norm. This can be seen through traditional UK media, such as the Daily Mail, perpetuate very specific political messages and commentary on social issues such as Immigration however, we hold the power as consumers whether to read the Daily Mail or not, first of all and secondly, to absorb their comments as a hegemonic perspective or take a more liberalised point of view, suggested through a much higher abundance of mainstream media.