Tuesday 4 February 2014

Representations of British Culture

What Characteristics do you think are British?
British characteristics would be influenced by the British stereotypes in all aspects. In Human Traffic the British characteristics are highlighted through the origin and setting of the location and casting. The cockney accent used by Moff is a signature characteristic of a common Londoner. The also use of tea in the film, when they are sat down with their parents. It is a traditional ritual in Britain. 

Do the Characters have 'British Reserve'?
'British Reserve' refers to British people wanting to be left alone and to get on with stuff by themselves and the idea of not talking to anyone on the street. This is evident in Human Traffic and is a true British characteristics. This doesn't apply when they are off their faces on drugs and will talk to the strangers like they are friends. 

The National Anthem:

1) Do you believe that the monarchy should still exist in the UK 'long reign over us'?
I don't believe the monarchy really does reign over us, in the past they did and the anthem had meaning, but now its just part of our culture and tradition. There main roles of today is to bring in tourism and take our money. They don't have much power, because we live in a democracy and the Government run the country. 

2) What part of the national anthem do you believe in and why?
I like how the anthem is devoted to the Queen, because she is the symbol of the British Empire. It illustrates us as a nation that is united and together. I agree they wish the Queen well - showing that they have compassion and feeling, while being a strong united front. They are using the Queen as a metaphor for the country.  

3) What part of the national anthem do you disagree with and why? 
The anthem has become outdated and now it is very common for some people not to know the anthem or in fact any history about the Monarchy. 

Human Traffic - New National Anthem:

1) Why did Jip rewrite the national anthem (what issues are he raising)? 
Jip is raising more modern and realistic issues. He is venting about how no one really knows who the Queen is and how his generation is alienated and distant from the traditions of the Monarchy and the British culture. 

2) Do you believe the new national anthem is easier to identify with than the original one and why?    
The new one is easier to identify, because it is more relatable with modern times. The original one is all about the Queen and how we must protect her and fight for her, nowadays most people don't care. The percentage of people who are now patriotic is getting smaller and smaller.    

Authority Figures

How were the 'authority figures' in Human Traffic represented?

1) Moff's Father
Moff's father is identified as a policeman, so he has a lot of authority and respect within the community. He is portrayed as the man of the house and he looks sophisticated and responsible from his smart attire. He has definite authority over his son, by giving him orders and telling him to grow up, take responsibility and get a job. To the audience he is the most serious character and is the absolute version of adult life.     

2) Jip's Mother
Jip loves his mother and it is made clear that he respects her, however, he doesn't like her lifestyle of practically being a prostitute. She doesn't have a heavy presence in the film, but she appears at the end receiving affection from her son.     

3) Koop's Father  
Koop's dad is in a mental clinic and isn't 'all there'. His mental ability is limited and he is looked after by nurses. He doesn't have a strong authoritative figure in the film, he is shown as a weaker character. Contrasting with other adults like Moff's father. The audience feels sorry for Koop and his dad, because of the situation. 




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