Stereotypes and Depicting our Teenage Character

'Most common words used to describe young people in British newspapers in 2008 were yobs, thugs, sick, feral, hoodie, louts, evil, frightening and scum.'

The 'Chav' Phenomenon

Many people would say that there has been many developments in the terminology used to refer to the working class in society, and that these have become more negative and non-constructive recently because of some media objects. This 'chav' phenomenon has begun as we think of what the working class of the twentieth century was like (hard working) and we then look at our current 'underclass' as some may say, and these have become this character. 

Many would associate this 'chav' style as to a relevance to Vicky Pollard from the comedy sketch, Little Britain. This would include the stereotypical sportswear, and big gold jewellery. This comedic aspect to chavs in the UK is showing that there is more liability now in naming a person a 'chav'. The constant comedy of being a chav as well, such as Catherine Tate means that people are more aware and are now naming this style as this phenomenon, which many would say is increasing judgemental society. 

From a BBC interview with Kate Jarvis, who plays Mia in Fish Tank: 

Teens are often portrayed as a patronizing way on screen, especially 'working class' kids. But Fish Tank feels different. Were you wary at first though?

"I think all teenagers are different. This film was shot in Essex which everyone knows has got this bad reputation, but I really do think there are certain areas of Essex that are really nice. And, like everywhere, there might be some kids who act like the media are portraying them to be, but there are others who are completely different... All teenagers are different and they're not all bad, like hoodies just wanting to go out and make trouble..."

Rose Tyler from Doctor Who is a good character we want to use as influence as she is from a working class background. (click on her photo to see a YouTube video which we think depicts her character well). Although she is from a sci-fi television show, we think that she depicts and physically shows what we want our main character to be like. 

Kelly from Misfits is also a good example of what we want our character to be portrayed as. (click on photo for character profile).