2. Representation
The Oxford English Dictionary defines representing as: “To describe
or depict something, to call it up in the mind by description or
portrayal… To place a likeness of it before us in our mind.” Every
time we encounter a media text we aren’t seeing reality, but a
constructed version of it.
Looking at my media product, we can learn about the social groups
featured in my magazine. The band featured is made up of
teenagers between the ages of 18 and 20. Teenagers are usually
negatively represented as reckless, irresponsible people, and even
more so in relation to punk rock music. However, I believe my
magazine presents a positive, although stereotyped, view of the
band and youth. The members are wearing clothes seen as punk
rock style, such as skinny jeans, checkered shirts, Converse shoes
3. and band hoodies. They are pictured
calmly sitting or posing, and the article
talks about the work they have put in to
get to the point of being successful. They
are photographed in an open outdoors
space where the main colours are green,
yellow and white, connoting a neutral,
pure countryside tone. This was
important as it reflects
their story of being
from Devon.
On the front cover they are pictured standing against
a white wall, looking happy and youthful. They are all
looking at the camera and looking happy and playful,
connoting their personalities as a band. On the
contents page we see them sitting down, looking
more relaxed. They are sitting in a forest, which
suggests they are quite open and calm.
4. The image I used for the main
article shows them sitting in a
park on a bench. The whole
picture is quite bright and
vibrant, which contrasts with the
punk rock style of the band. They
are sitting down which, again,
suggests they are quite calm and
relaxed, but they do look as
though they have a bit of attitude
which conforms to the
stereotypes of teenagers.
However, as they are smiling and looking happy, they subvert this
stereotype. In general this band is presented as a hardworking – which
the article tells us – and cheerful group of teenagers. As they are in a punk
rock band they will be stereotyped as reckless, irresponsible teenagers,
but they challenge this stereotype and will hopefully show society how
they really are.
