KSI 2

Question 1

Representation of KSI as constructed

Answer 1

• Representation seen as a simulacra (post modern)
• Conflicts have been created to create drama with the aim of entertainment and profit

Question 2

Representation of KSI as a black man

Answer 2

• Could portray black men as successful, subverting negative stereotypes (boxing career, tv success, YouTube channel)

However, due to his past (offensive) content, some may believe KSI reinforces negative stereotypes of young black men

Question 3

Representation of KSI as a young man

Answer 3

• Portrays young people as successful and hard working (24 million subscribers on YouTube)
• Portrays young people as immature (due to some of his content eg. prank videos) - as he is targeting a young audience

However, his content has changed as both he and his audience matured - he wants to act as a positive role model and is embarrassed of the content he once created

Question 4

Representation of KSI as family friendly

Answer 4

• He appears on GBBO, BGT (judge), and performed on Blue Peter
• Showing parents he is a suitable role model

KSI as a mainstream name

Question 5

Representation of KSI as hyper masculine

Answer 5

• Through the boxing, gaming, competitiveness
• This macho can breach into misogyny and toxic masculinity (appeals to some of KSI’s audiences)
• KSI under fire for sexual comments towards women (early videos)

Question 6

Representation of KSI as comedic

Answer 6

• Early videos focusing primarily on pranks/ reactions
• KSI received criticism for being offensive in his comedy
• Repels an audience who are open minded
• Further appeals less mature audiences who see KSI as edgy or rebellious

Question 7

Representation of KSI as relatable

Answer 7

• Low budget mise en scene of his bedroom
• Slang and colloquial language
• Featuring his friends

Question 8

KSI’s audience is broad

Answer 8

• fans of boxing/ sports
• fans of gaming (FIFA)
• fans from older videos (The Sidemen)
• fans of his music

Question 9

Audience’s like KSI for

Answer 9

• relatability
• aspirational lifestyle
• celebrity collabs
• humour
• hyper masculinity
• prank based content
• online career

Question 10

Audiences appeal - relatability

Answer 10

• Friends/ family being in the content
• Mise en scene (low budget)
• Direct mode of address
• Slang, targeting a working class viewer

Question 11

Audiences appeal - aspirational lifestyle

Answer 11

• Instagram posts portray his affluence

Question 12

Audiences appeal - celebrity collabs

Answer 12

• appeals to a wider audience
• KSI vs Logan Paul boxing match, brought in KSI a global audience of US fans

Question 13

Audiences appeal - humour

Answer 13

• Entertainment
• Borders into offensive, makes it less appealing for some audiences

Question 14

Audiences appeal - hyper masculinity

Answer 14

• targets a young male audience, aspirational

Question 15

Audiences appeal - prank based

Answer 15

• Appeals to a more youthful and immature audience
• An older audience may take a large dislike to KSI’s content no matter his merge into mainstream television

Question 16

Audiences appeal - Online career

Answer 16

• Targets a young, ‘internet native’ modern audience

Question 17

Diversification

Answer 17

• KSI diversified into multiple careers
• GBBO, BGT, Blue Peter - widens his audience to a more traditional middle class
• May make him appeal more family friendly, brings him into the mainstream

Question 18

Audience responses

Answer 18

• Variety of positive and negative reactions
• reflects the awareness of social attitudes in the modern age (#MeToo movement)

Question 19

Audience interaction

Answer 19

• Creates videos directed at/ including his audience

Eg. Thank you, Apology, Responding to audience comments

This appeals to internet natives