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Compared with the past, David Gauntlett argues that in the media today ‘we no longer get singular, straightforward messages about ideal types of male and female identities.’ Evaluate the validity of this claim with reference to the set episode of Humans and Les Revenants.

David Gauntlett's theory suggests that audiences are no longer passive when reading a media product but are able to choose how they decode ideologies. This is known as the pick 'n' mix theory. Identity is the elements to which a person defines themselves and gender is a big factor in how someone presents their identity to society. I will argue that the representations of men and women are no longer simple but now both typical and atypical. I will evaluate this argument with the 2015 tv show Humans and the french tv show Les revenants released in 2013 and produced by Canal+.

Humans presents a stereotypical representation of Women with the character Anita. Anita conforms to her gender stereotype which links to Judith Butler's theory of gender performativity. In the Breakfast scene we see Anita has prepared breakfast for the Hawkins family. This is a hegemonic role for women in society. When Sophie walks in she states "is this a party" which suggests hyperreal representation of breakfast. This links to Jean Baudrillard theory of Hyperreality with Anita constructing a better world. This also suggests that a typical women can create an ideal world if they perform to their gender, like making breakfast and cleaning. 

However in Les revenants the character Claire is presented as an atypical mother. When Camile comes home Claire appears scared and distant. This is emphasized through the mise en scene of the low-key lighting. The mise en scene of her costume, which is a white jumper presents the ideology of a warm and loving mother. Yet through her cold and shocked facial expressions this creates a diametric opposition. 

Another atypical representation in Les Revenants is that of Lena. We see her in the pub drinking beer and having shots. This is a subversive representation on gender roles as beer is stereotypically a man's drink. Her actions convey a rebellious nature and is emphasised through the mise en scene of her wild and wavy hair. I can further argue this point when Lena calls Simon a "dickhead", this is atypical as women hegemonically should be 'ladylike' and not use crude language. However I could argue that this is a typical representation of teenagers as she is rebellious and having fun.

An Atypical representation of females in Humans is that of Matti. In the living room scene she wears dark clothing which connotes a rebellious nature. This is further emphasised through her calling her brother "a knob cock". Matti also enjoys computer programming which is a subversive role for females. Matti presents a binary opposition compared to Anita as she wears dark jumpers and likes a more masculine occupation whereas Anita wears lighter clothes which presents her pure nature as a women as well as cooks and cleans.