ABSTRACT
There are many theoretical debates that circulate around and complicate the concept of representation. This chapter shows how those theories might be applied to contemporary cases, and how the associated languages and tools can be combined in the analysis of everyday representations. The chapter has five discussions: Representation and reality; representation and myth; representation and visual culture; representation as persuasion; and representation and identity politics. It shows how reality is constructed in media and cultural texts through the use of signs and codes. A myth is created about the brand and its products. Visual communication can be understood as more ambiguous, suggestive, and open to multiple interpretations than other forms of communication. Infographics, in recent years have become more visually complex, and more interesting for those studying representation. The chapter shows how representation can spill over into persuasion. For representations of class, it has been argued that images of working-class identity in particular have been broadly negative and derogatory.
