dominant reading
Alternative/dominant and resistant readings
Dominant readings are the most common and widely-accepted interpretations of a given text. An alternative reading is any reading that differs from the commonly-accepted interpretation. A resistant reading is an alternative reading that contradicts the dominant reading. Think about the words resistant (the noun form of the verb to 'resist') and dominant (the noun form of the verb to dominate) and it will help you to retain the meanings of the terminology. An example is given in Mitchell English Workbook 4 pg. 36 of two readings of the fairytale Cinderella:
Reading One Dominant reading
The story presents an ideal image of romantic love. It shows that true love will prevail no matter what the odds, and it encourages people to believe that dreams can come true. The story encourages an optimistic outlook on life. Reading Two Resistant reading
The story is about the shallowness of men who judge women solely on the basis of physical attractiveness. A man who will marry a woman on the basis of a few hours of dancing is likely to leave her just as quickly. No wonder most of the women in the story are bitter. This should be read as a cautionary tale against the idea of romantic love.
Brian Moon, Literary Terms
What is culture?
Culture is a system of beliefs, lifestyles, customs (usual habits and practices), values, attitudes and lifestyle of a particular people. Culture can refer to groups of people such as nations or, more specifically, groups such as sporting teams. The culture of a particular person will influence the way they perceive (look at or understand) gender (male/female), ethnicity, religion, youth, age, disability, sexuality, cultural diversity, social class and work.
What is a cultural assumption?
A cultural assumption is when we assume that a person has particular values and attitudes based on their cultural background.
Understanding cultural assumptions and how they work will help to analyse visual
Dominant readings are the most common and widely-accepted interpretations of a given text. An alternative reading is any reading that differs from the commonly-accepted interpretation. A resistant reading is an alternative reading that contradicts the dominant reading. Think about the words resistant (the noun form of the verb to 'resist') and dominant (the noun form of the verb to dominate) and it will help you to retain the meanings of the terminology. An example is given in Mitchell English Workbook 4 pg. 36 of two readings of the fairytale Cinderella:
Reading One Dominant reading
The story presents an ideal image of romantic love. It shows that true love will prevail no matter what the odds, and it encourages people to believe that dreams can come true. The story encourages an optimistic outlook on life. Reading Two Resistant reading
The story is about the shallowness of men who judge women solely on the basis of physical attractiveness. A man who will marry a woman on the basis of a few hours of dancing is likely to leave her just as quickly. No wonder most of the women in the story are bitter. This should be read as a cautionary tale against the idea of romantic love.
Brian Moon, Literary Terms
What is culture?
Culture is a system of beliefs, lifestyles, customs (usual habits and practices), values, attitudes and lifestyle of a particular people. Culture can refer to groups of people such as nations or, more specifically, groups such as sporting teams. The culture of a particular person will influence the way they perceive (look at or understand) gender (male/female), ethnicity, religion, youth, age, disability, sexuality, cultural diversity, social class and work.
What is a cultural assumption?
A cultural assumption is when we assume that a person has particular values and attitudes based on their cultural background.
Understanding cultural assumptions and how they work will help to analyse visual