Analysis of Regional Identity

Britain broadcasts many soap operas that act as a microcosm for reality, bearing resemblance to the real world targeting a certain demographic - which is why 'Eastenders' and 'Corination Street' attract different viewers - they cater for different audiences (the North and South of England). In the lesson, we discussed the ways in which an extract from Eastenders constructs the representation of a regional identity. It centres on the modern archetypes/stereotypes of South England, East London to be precise. Most obviously, accents and slang where  most noticable, however, it was also costume that played a part in the building of the stereotypical 'eastender'; excesivelly large hoop earings and an abundance of make-up that make the charaters all the more conspicuous. One specific juncture of the scene gave reference to the streets of East London providing a detailed, visual insight of the streets that manifested architecture heavily associated with London, plenty of pubs and scafolding were shown whilst the key components that make up the city's infrastructure where also alluded to: London buses and mini cabs where also alluded to.

It became clear that soap operas (and the majority of television) are built on the ideology of versismilitude - the appearance of being true or real. To put this into perspective, if an individual who is of a completely different origin to the stereotype presented in Eastenders where to watch the programme (regardless of the political, economic and social principles) it would be of such little relevance. A few things that could be identified in the clip were: 

Semic Code - Recognised through connotation

Cultural Code - The social expressions, fashion and generic terms used to encapsulate a certain culture

These are some of the basic elements which help construct (although it is arguable that these archetypes/stereotypes have already been created) regional identity.