3. Representation Questions
US Marine Corp
Recrutiment – WW2 1942 What is the subject of the representation?
The subject is part of the US Military recruitment poster. During
the days of World War Two, young men were forced to go to
war, to help expand their enthusiasm about going to a
warzone, the US Marine Corp shows ‘the good side’, stating that
men would find honour and would fight for their country if they
signed up.
What is the intention of this representation?
The intention of this representation was to make young men sign
a contract to the USMC. However, during World War Two, many
men were forced to fight against their will! In this case, the
poster makes war seem more hospitable and less horrible.
Who is the target audience? How would they read this
representation and why?
The target audience is aimed at males only. Female roles were
not created during this time. Men would look at this poster and
would think that they would be able to serve and protect their
country from the enemy. By asking ‘Want action?’ would make
men want to fight.
Is it accurate/truthful? Is it a positive or negative representation?
The representation does not show the reality of the war. These
posters do not show crippled, dying men. Instead it has clear
skies and a happy soldier. It is a positive representation because
4. Representation Questions
US Marine Corp
Recrutiment – WW2 1942 What values underline this representation?
The recruitment poster is showing a happy soldier holding out
his hand. Courage and bravery are too values that are being
shown. Fighting for the country is another value that the Marine
Corp holds.
What has been selected and omitted?
This poster is very positive. The soldier is smiling and is reaching
out his hand as if asking someone to join him. No blood, death or
sadness is being selected in this poster. The more violent side of
war is being omitted.
How has this representation been constructed using codes and
conventions?
This poster is not a photograph or part of a magazine, so it does
not have camera lighting, etc. However the person who created
the image, possibly by drawing or painting it at that time, wanted
to give the viewer a happy, positive image of joining the military.
It is symbolic.
5. Analysis Outstretched
Of Recruitment Hand. Asking
Poster You to take his
Hand.
Symbolises
Protection and
Friendship.
Clean
‘Want’ is highlighted. Want Uniform.
Action? Gives the viewer a Uniform
question. The word ‘Action’ Symbolises
might make men excited.
The Military.
Smiling man, clearly happy
to be a part of the Marine Planes
Corp. Assumes joining or Overhead?
being part of the military Might be part of the
will make people happy. Beach feeling
Or part of the
Set on a beach. The military
Ocean gives people a Intention.
calm feeling.
Gun
Letters boldly stated. Symbolises
‘Join Us Marine Military and
Corps!” protection.
7. US Marine Corp – Recent
Poster 21st century. Representation Questions
What is the subject of the representation?
This is a US Marine Corp poster that gives women the right to
join and play a part in the military. This has changed a lot since
WW2 because women now have equal rights as men in the military.
What is the intention of this representation?
The poster is asking more young people to sign the
recruitment form and play a part in training others, fighting
enemies and defending the homeland. It is asking for leadership
from young people, who can teach each other how to fight.
Who is the target audience? How would they read this
representation and why?
Surprisingly the target audience in this case might be young
women. The poster does not segregate both genders, but moulds
them together. A female trainer is teaching the recruits how to fight
in this example. It is asking for young girls to step up and show the
boys that they can take up the challenge.
Writing Says: There are no female
Is it accurate/truthful? Is it a positive or negative representation?
marines. Only marines. True strength
lies not In self but in unity. As a It can be positive because many young girls are now signing up and
recruit, you’ll be pushed to your having the chance to play in more dangerous jobs. Women can now
physical and mental limits. Only even join infantry. However, it does not state the effects the
together, can you find what it takes to military will have on ladies. Such as depression, sexual assault, and
complete the journey and earn your sexist remarks.
place amongst an elite few.
8. US Marine Corp – Recent
Poster 21st century. Representation Questions
What values underline this representation?
The values of the Marine Corp are clearly labelled here. Words such
as leadership, true strength, and unity expresses what the military
believes is important values that each soldier must have. Women
rights are also a main value here, giving respect and dignity to
these type of Marines. Being pushed to the limits is also a value of
the Marine Corp.
What has been selected and omitted?
The female trainer is the main character in this image. Young men
are sitting down listening to their trainer with interest. This image
again, is very positive. It is not showing anything that appears to be
wrong. It is not showing the dangers of joining the military either.
How has this representation been constructed using codes and
conventions?
The picture is symbolising strength through numbers and gender
equality. The lighting is focused on the lady who is standing and the
young men. The background is blurred so we can focus on the main
Writing Says: There are no female character who is instructing her peers.
marines. Only marines. True strength
lies not In self but in unity. As a recruit,
you’ll be pushed to your physical and
mental limits. Only together, can you
find what it takes to complete the
journey and earn your place amongst
an elite few.
9. Analysis
Of Recruitment Hand is
Poster Stretched, she
Is facing a
Direction. Looking
Into the distance.
A female instructor. She
Seems to be commanding
Her troops. She is focused
And showing leadership.
Fist is clenched.
A battle pose. Young
This shows that marines
she is ready to are
focused
fight. and are
listening.
The words ‘WANTED’ are Text
asking people to sign up. explains
the
values of
recruitm
ent and
the Corp
