Representation in Danish Films: Representation in Danish Films
Author
Vasie, Nahida
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2021
Submitted on
2021-05-28
Pages
57
Abstract
This thesis examines how Danish films portray women from Middle Eastern minority backgrounds, focusing on two titles: Kald Mig Bare Aksel (Bovin, 2002) and Fighter (Arthy, 2007). It asks whether these characters are depicted as oppressed, how that stereotype is used, and where it is challenged. The analysis uses grounded theory (building conclusions from the films rather than a fixed hypothesis) and draws on representation theory (how media create meaning), racialisation (how ethnic identity is made socially significant), and postcolonial feminism (critiques of Western views of non-Western women). Findings show nuanced portrayals: oppression is racialised as a problem associated with Middle Eastern communities and functions as an obstacle for non-white Danish women with Middle Eastern backgrounds. At the same time, the characters are presented as strong individuals who resist conservative expectations about women, and families adjust by reconsidering how they treat their daughters. Overall, the women are not portrayed only as victims.
Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan danske film skildrer kvinder fra minoriteter med mellemøstlig baggrund. Det fokuserer på to film: Kald Mig Bare Aksel (Bovin, 2002) og Fighter (Arthy, 2007). Studiet spørger, om disse karakterer fremstilles som undertrykte, hvordan stereotypen bruges, og hvor den udfordres. Analysen anvender grounded theory (konklusioner udvikles ud fra filmene snarere end fra en fast hypotese) og bygger på repræsentationsteori (hvordan medier skaber betydning), racialisering (når etnisk identitet tillægges social betydning) og postkolonial feminisme (kritik af vestlige forestillinger om ikke-vestlige kvinder). Resultaterne viser nuancerede skildringer: undertrykkelse racialiseres som et problem forbundet med mellemøstlige fællesskaber og fungerer som en hindring for ikke-hvide danske kvinder med mellemøstlig baggrund. Samtidig fremstilles karaktererne som stærke individer, der bryder med konservative forventninger til kvinder, og familierne ændrer sig ved at genoverveje deres behandling af døtrene. Overordnet set er kvinderne ikke kun skildret som ofre.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
Keywords