Representation of Ethnicity

Ethnicity is represented in this Hotel Babylon clip through a number of different ways, including through the use of camera work, sound and mise-en-scéne.

Within the first minute of the clip, costume is used to represent ethnicity. The man that climbs out the swimming pool has dreadlocks, and a beaded necklace which are stereotypical for someone of that ethnicity. The man he is talking to, although of the same ethnicity, is wearing formal attire. This shows us that he is not conforming to the stereotype, and is different from his friend now. His friend seems to notice this, and comments "Look at you all slicked up, bro". The language used here is another stereotype common with this ethnicity, using slang terms such as 'bro' and 'slicked up'. When the man in the suit comments on the physical appearance of his friend, saying he's "looking good", he is given a raised eyebrow. This representation of confusion or mockery suggests that the friend thought it odd for his body to be complimented on by a man, so he changes the subject immediately. This suggests that the males of this ethnicity feel the need to show their masculinity. This body language is an important factor when concerning how that particular ethnicity deals with such situations.

The two continue to talk, with shot reverse shots, when the man in formal attire then proceeds to inform his friend that he should "get back to the desk", showing that he is professional and, yet again, quite unlike his friend. His friend stops him, however, and asks him if he wants to have a party. When the man replies doubtfully, which is shown through his body language (looking down, putting his hand on his head), his friend appears to see this doubt and stops him by saying "We ARE having a party, bro". In that part of the clip, the friend is seen as bossy, which could lead a representation of a stereotype of that ethnicity. He then proceeds to inform him of what would occur at such a party by saying "Booze, Girls and Ganja". Having an interest in booze and girls is a very stereotypical masculine trait, which further adds to the idea that male members of this ethnicity are stereotypically masculine. 'Ganja' is a slang term used for Cannabis, which backs up the portrayal of this ethnicity using different vocabulary to stereotypical British people. The man in the suit immediately responds, trying to get out of the situation, clearly uncomfortable, saying "You don't have to...". His friend interrupts him yet again, however, and doesn't take no for an answer. When the man in the suit realises there is not an alternative to attending this party, he says "Sounds good, bro" quietly, suggesting that he isn't used to speaking in that manner anymore for he has escaped the stereotype that is held to those with his ethnicity, or a similar ethnicity to him. The friend replies "That's the old Benjamin right there, man", indicating that Benjamin was once like his friend in his mannerisms and vocabulary, but has changed quite significantly.

In the following scene, opened with a tilt shot, Eastern European maids are represented through the use of costume and accent. This alone is already portraying a stereotype, which is that Eastern European people work in low paid jobs, and are generally used as maids or cleaners. The tilt shot was used to allow the props of the cleaning materials to be seen, as well as the maids, within one swift shot. The non-diegetic music used before the Eastern European maids enter the room could be described as ominous and foreboding, allowing the audience to understand that the maids are doing something they shouldn't be. One maid says to the other that the hotel visitor will pay "double for double", referring to the maids themselves. The facial expressions of the new maid are that of impatient and irritated, showing that she is not happy to do what she is about to do and is not afraid to show it. This is further shown during the part of the scene where she leaves, stating that she's sorry and "can't" continue what she is doing. This is the second time a member of staff at this hotel has not conformed to the stereotype placed on their ethnicity, even though both of the characters came into contact with someone of the same ethnicity that had conformed. The other maid rolls her eyes as if it is a normal occurrence, and has a phone ready to call someone to replace her. This shows that she is prepared in obtaining the money, adding to the stereotype that Eastern European's are in need of money due to their low paying jobs. Also, the Eastern European women are portrayed as sex objects, there for the purpose of entertaining the Asian man in the room.

The fact that the Asian man doesn't speak a word during the clip helps us understand his ethnicity, due to him being unable to speak fluent English. The costume given to the Asian man is quite revealing, for he is only wearing a dressing gown. This supports the stereotype that Asian men are sex-obsessed, and is further supported by the close-up reaction shots of the Asian man looking excited at the prospect of seeing the Eastern European maids take off their clothing. When the diegetic track starts playing, turned on by the Asian man, it is revealed to us what the maids are expected to do, due to the type of music playing.

Towards the end of the clip, the kitchens are introduced with another tilt shot, used for the same purpose as the tilt shot earlier in the scene, to allow the props (food, ingredients, kitchen utensils, etc.) to be seen before the people. The staff are wearing chef outfits, which allows us to make a full judgement of where the scene is being set. From the moment the chef speaks, it is understood that he is Italian due to his very prominent accent. The body language of the Italian is also very stereotypical, for example, kissing his finger tips. The chef repeats the word "Welcome" many times, which is a trait used by Italians often in the media. All of these stereotypes together led to the eventual conclusion of what ethnicity this man belongs to, and is very difficult to miss by the end of the minute of the clip he is in.