Stereotypes are human nature and can never be avoided
completely. However, stereotypes about Northern England and
Northerners seem to be particularly deep-rooted and longlasting.
There is general agreement that they date from the 18th
and 19th century when Northern England was the starting point
of the Industrial Revolution (Jewell 2). “When we speak of
stereotyped characters we are dealing, in particular, with […]
traditions deriving from the effects of the Industrial Revolution”
(Morris 9). The stereotypical “Northerners” are working-class
people, not well educated, and their lives are full of struggle and
conflict. According to many preconceptions a male Northerner
is unhealthy, badly dressed and frank about sex. Further cliché
attributes are pragmatic, direct and even rude, but also downto-
earth, passionate and heartily. Northerners feel alienated
from the government in the “centre” London and distinguish
between “us” and “them” which creates to a strong sense of
community.
In today’s pop culture these stereotypes are
predominantly media-transmitted. By using a certain mode of
presenting Northern English reality and its inhabitants
stereotypes are rather reinforced than replaced in the media.
Hence, there is a specific pattern used to reinforce stereotypes
about Northern England and Northerners in films such as in the
film “Brassed off”. The most striking features that intensify these
clichés in “Brassed off” are setting, language, protagonists and
4
topics. All these characteristics can be found in the scene when
the Grimley Colliery Band practices Rodrigo’s “Concierto de
Aranjuez”; thus this scene reinforces stereotypes about
Northern England to a large extent.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Setting in the Scene "Concierto de Aranjuez" in the Film "Brassed-off"
- 3. Language in the Scene "Concierto de Aranjuez" in the Film "Brassed-off"
- 4. Protagonists in the Scene "Concierto de Aranjuez" in the Film "Brassed-off"
- 5. Topics in the Scene "Concierto de Aranjuez" in the Film "Brassed-off"
Objectives and Key Themes
This text analyzes the portrayal of Northern England and its inhabitants in the film "Brassed Off," focusing on how specific scenes reinforce existing stereotypes. The analysis examines the scene where the Grimley Colliery Band rehearses Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez" to illustrate how setting, language, characters, and thematic elements contribute to the perpetuation of these stereotypes.
- Stereotypes of Northerners in British Media
- The Role of Setting in Reinforcing Stereotypes
- Language and Dialect as Markers of Identity and Stereotype
- Character Representation and Stereotypical Portrayals
- Thematic Exploration of Class, Industry, and Regional Conflict
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the prevalence and persistence of stereotypes surrounding Northern England and its people, tracing their origins back to the Industrial Revolution. It argues that these stereotypes are often reinforced rather than challenged in contemporary media, particularly in film. The chapter uses the film "Brassed Off" as a case study, highlighting how specific elements within the film contribute to the perpetuation of these stereotypes.
2. Setting in the Scene "Concierto de Aranjuez" in the Film "Brassed-off": This chapter focuses on the setting of the "Concierto de Aranjuez" scene in "Brassed Off," depicting the fictional Yorkshire village of Grimley. The description of Grimley emphasizes its industrial atmosphere, bleakness, and poverty, directly aligning with Southern England's stereotypical view of the North as a grim and problematic industrial area. This reinforces the pre-existing image of Northern England as a product of the Industrial Revolution, embodying the negative stereotypes associated with it. The everyday setting of a brass band rehearsal within this environment further solidifies the association between Northerners, working-class life, and the stereotypical imagery.
3. Language in the Scene "Concierto de Aranjuez" in the Film "Brassed-off": This section analyzes the language used in the "Concierto de Aranjuez" scene. The characters' use of Northern dialect, though slightly moderated for wider comprehension, highlights phonetic and lexical features specific to the region. Examples like the use of terms like "pet" and "oh aye" are presented as typical Northern expressions, reinforcing the image of Northerners as down-to-earth and pragmatic. Further, the chapter explores how misunderstandings of the Spanish title and the use of colloquial translations reflect the stereotype of less formal education among Northerners, juxtaposing it with their perceived directness and even rudeness which is characterized as a form of affectionate humor.
4. Protagonists in the Scene "Concierto de Aranjuez" in the Film "Brassed-off": This chapter examines the characters in the scene, all male miners strongly identified with their work and community. Their pride in their tight-knit community and the predominantly male environment of their brass band are presented as characteristics aligning with the stereotype of Northern masculinity. The inclusion of Gloria, a female flugelhorn player, is analyzed as a disruption to this traditional male space, illustrating the pragmatic and calculating nature often associated with Northerners as they consider the benefit to the band. The character of Danny, the band conductor, is further analyzed as a prime example of a stereotypical Northerner due to his physical appearance, rough voice, and eventual illness from a mining-related disease.
5. Topics in the Scene "Concierto de Aranjuez" in the Film "Brassed-off": This chapter centers on the dominant themes of mining and impending unemployment in the film, with the scene's "fade-ins" showing negotiations regarding the mine closure interwoven with the band's rehearsal. This juxtaposition highlights the conflict and struggle inherent in the situation and links it to the historical context of labor disputes and collective action in Northern England. The chapter further discusses the socio-economic dependence of the mining community on government policy, demonstrating the historical north-south divide and the "them versus us" mentality. The interweaving of the band's music with the negotiations at the pit's office symbolizes the miners' passion and fate intertwined with the larger political struggles.
Keywords
Northern England stereotypes, British film, "Brassed Off," regional identity, working-class representation, language, dialect, setting, character portrayal, industrial decline, north-south divide, class conflict, media representation, cultural stereotypes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Stereotypes in "Brassed Off"
What is the overall focus of this text?
This text analyzes how the film "Brassed Off" portrays Northern England and its inhabitants, focusing on whether specific scenes reinforce existing stereotypes. It examines the "Concierto de Aranjuez" scene in detail to illustrate how setting, language, characters, and themes contribute to the perpetuation of these stereotypes.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
The analysis explores several key themes, including stereotypes of Northerners in British media, the role of setting in reinforcing stereotypes, language and dialect as markers of identity and stereotype, character representation and stereotypical portrayals, and the thematic exploration of class, industry, and regional conflict.
Which scene from "Brassed Off" is analyzed in detail?
The analysis focuses on the scene where the Grimley Colliery Band rehearses Rodrigo's "Concierto de Aranjuez."
How does the setting contribute to the perpetuation of stereotypes?
The setting of Grimley, a fictional Yorkshire village, is depicted as bleak and impoverished, reinforcing the stereotypical view of Northern England as a grim industrial area. The everyday setting of a brass band rehearsal within this environment further solidifies the association between Northerners, working-class life, and negative stereotypes.
What role does language play in reinforcing stereotypes?
The characters' use of Northern dialect, including specific terms and colloquialisms, reinforces the image of Northerners as down-to-earth and pragmatic. Misunderstandings of the Spanish title of the piece and the use of colloquial translations reflect stereotypes about less formal education among Northerners.
How are the characters portrayed in the analyzed scene?
The characters are predominantly male miners, strongly identified with their work and community. This aligns with stereotypes of Northern masculinity. The inclusion of a female flugelhorn player is analyzed as a disruption to this traditional male space. The character of Danny, the band conductor, is presented as a prime example of a stereotypical Northerner due to his physical appearance, voice, and illness.
What are the dominant themes discussed in relation to the scene?
The dominant themes revolve around mining and impending unemployment. The juxtaposition of the band's rehearsal with negotiations regarding the mine closure highlights the conflict and struggle inherent in the situation. It also links the situation to historical labor disputes and collective action in Northern England, and the socio-economic dependence of the mining community on government policy, reflecting the north-south divide.
What are the key takeaways from the analysis?
The analysis suggests that "Brassed Off," while seemingly celebrating working-class communities, may unintentionally reinforce pre-existing stereotypes of Northern England through its depiction of setting, language, characters, and thematic choices.
What keywords are associated with this analysis?
Northern England stereotypes, British film, "Brassed Off," regional identity, working-class representation, language, dialect, setting, character portrayal, industrial decline, north-south divide, class conflict, media representation, cultural stereotypes.
- Quote paper
- Julia Wehner (Author), 2011, Stereotypes about Northerners are reinforced in the scene Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez in the film “Brassed Off”, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/189949
