How are stereotypes represented or challenged in this clip?

In a clip from hit BBC soap opera 'Eastenders' racial stereotypes are certainly challenged throughout and are clearly represented.

In the segment of this episode of Eastenders; Ray was seen to be stopped by a passing police car, and the poilceman inside had suspicions that he had stolen something. Throughout the duration of the 3 minute clip, Ray becomes increasingly defensive, coming to his own defense extremely frequently. When the police officer asks him to perform a stop and search, Ray is clearly bothered by the request, he becomes increasingly agitated, and he (almost) knows the stereotype cast upon him- and this in turn leads to him getting angry with the officer. To clear the sterotype from him, almost; he reveals the bump underneath his outerwear was infact weights that he'd trained with earlier in the episode.

This is where stereotypes become challenged. In the part of clip after Ray uncovers his weights, unveiling his innocence to the officer, the stereotype that had been shadowed upon him previously, disappears- and the contrast in power between Ray and The Officer is less strong.

The camera angles used throughout the clip could be representational of the stereotype shown. The significant angle is where Ray (to the left of shot) and The Officer (to the right of shot), are continuing their confrontation, and the camera angle is looking up towards them. Low camera angles could signify that they have more power, as the angle makes both characters appear taller. Adjacent to eachother, they both remain on the same level; which could give an indication into how the scene will unfold.

This again shows stereotypes being challenged, because stereotypically the police officer would have far more power than the typical pedestrian, but because both characters are presented on equal levels; some say, that stereotypes, therefore- become challenged.

This was my first essay question titled 'How are stereotypes represented or challenged in this clip'. We were asked to find a clip, and explore how, why and what things may support the question given. I was given a few targets to help me improve my answers for essays in the future. These were to:

1. Explore stereotypes in both sides.
2. To analyse shot by shot and refer to each in detail.

I will take these both into consideration for my next essay, and hopefully will produce an even better piece of work.