Tomb Raider – Lara Croft

• Radical text – challenges the dominant ideology.
• In society, the dominant ideology is that men are generally stronger than women and are more likely to assert their dominance and can be more confident to do so.
• In tomb raider, the main character is a woman which challenges the dominant ideology that men are superior. Lara was sexualised to attract a male market. 
• Breaks stereotypes and shows strength and could inspire other women.
• Lara Croft – iconic sign
• Woman being strong is an indexical sign to breaking stereotypes (For example the image is an NVC because she is in a strong pose which makes her look confident. There are also images on the back of her abseiling and shooting monsters).
• One of the first protagonists in the gaming industry (breaks stereotypes as she knows how to use more weapons than most military people)
• Female empowerment – fending for herself
• ‘Adventurous babe’ – juxtaposing radical statement that challenges the dominant ideology of what a ‘babe’ is seen as.

Representation

• Sexualising female game characters is common for game designers as its target audience (male) have the biggest influence on the gaming industry as gaming is stereotypically for males (reactionary)
• In general characters of both genders are represented in an ideal way that would appeal to the target audience
• Not all women are really thin and not all men are really strong and muscly
• Games and magazines put ideas into people’s heads of what is seen to be ‘normal’ which makes them feel insecure about their real apperance