Kate HarroldRepresentation of EthnicityIn this sequence from 'Eastenders', the technical features combine to create the representation of ethnicity.The white characters at the beginning of the sequence are represented as protective of their family. In a midshot, we see the female character's body language which appears to be protective and defensive as she is blocking the door from the male character. Her dialogue also makes this evident as she clearly tells him that he shouldn't be there which shows that there is a conflicting attitude within the white society as a whole. The shot reverse shot between the two characters during this conversation also juxtaposes their attitudes, again showing this conflict, as the male character wants to go in the house whilst the female character doesn't. The female character is also shown to be smoking which fits the stereotype of white characters being represented as lower class and chavvy.

The white characters in the next scene are represented as being more traditional and this is shown through a midshot which allows us to see the whole family in the kitchen eating their dinner. The two sisters are both sat at the table which creates a sense of unity between them. The kitchen setting uses very warm colours which could be used to represent the family and their deep connections to each other. The character's dialogue revolves around the dad of the family which again represents their lives as very family orientated and clearly shows that the blonde sister cares a lot about her dad. Long takes are used to embody the slow, laidback feel of their family life.

Again, there is shown to be conflict within groups of white characters. This is evident through the dialogue in the scene with the male, female and child. The male and female characters have differing attitudes on whether the female character should go to see someone. A two shot of the father and son shows a distance between them which may suggest that this isn't a very close-knit family and these two characters don't have the closest relationship. Both parents are wearing business-like clothing which represents them as valuing their jobs but this might be the reason of the conflict in their family. They might not get to spend as much time together and with the son. Short takes are used to represent the contrasting opinions between the parents and therefore the conflict. The setting is also very modern which might represent them as materialistic.

The white female character in the next sequence is shown to be nostalgic and remeniscient over her previous relationship break up which represents her as caring. A close up allows us to see her facial expression which is sad showing that she misses him and has not yet moved on. The props around show she is sorting through her partners things which again may show her nostalgia for the relationship. The ambiant sound of the radio or a CD being played is used but the lyrics of the song are talking about a break up which reflects her feelings.

Finally, the two Indian characters at the end of this sequence are shown to be proud which is demonstrated through their dialogue as the female character says "We'll show them". She doesn't like to be looked down upon by other characters, especially as in this case, the other characters are white which creates an 'us vs. them' situation between the two ethnic groups. A Close up of her facial expression makes it evident that she is angry whilst the shot reverse shot between the husband and wife show that their is a clear unity within the Indian community, representing them as a close-knit family. The male is wearing a royal mail work uniform which shows that he is of the working class which is stereotypical of this ethnic group.

As we have seen, the representation of ethnicity is constructed by the combination of technical aspects in this sequence.