Media Contexts
Media Studies: Eduqas GCSE, topic 5.4.6
Superheroes - Media Contexts
The video draws heavily on social, political, and cultural contexts from the UK in 2020.
Popular culture references
- The video features references to major Black British figures in music:
- Dave: Mercury Prize–winning rapper
- Little Simz: Influential rapper and actor
- Their inclusion helps present Black culture as powerful, successful, and creative.
Sports culture & empowerment
- The Marcus Rashford football shirt appears prominently.
- Rashford had publicly challenged the UK government over the decision to stop free school meals during the pandemic.
- His successful campaign positioned him as a hero and role model, which Stormzy highlights intentionally.
Literary reference: Noughts and Crosses
- The video references Malorie Blackman’s novel Noughts and Crosses.
- Stormzy acted in the BBC adaptation, which reverses racial power dynamics in society.
- Including the reference reinforces themes of racism, inequality, and systemic power structures.
Social & political context
- The video reflects the Black Lives Matter protests that followed the killing of George Floyd in the US.
- Stormzy participated in the London protests, strengthening the authenticity of the scene in the video.
- Protesters in the video wear face masks, grounding the visuals in the Covid-19 pandemic era.
Stormzy’s political activism
- Stormzy is known for being politically outspoken.
- He uses his platform to:
- Support and criticise UK politicians
- Encourage young people to vote
- Speak out on racial injustice and inequality
- Notable moment:
- his headline performance at Glastonbury 2019, which included political messages and imagery.
Test yourself on Media Contexts
Why is Marcus Rashford’s football shirt shown in the video?
Which two rappers referenced in the video help to present Black British culture as powerful and creative?