Q2:How does our media product represent particulare social groups?
1.
2. Society is full of a variation of different social groups which can be
shown and represented in some sort of negative or positive way
through the media. The media can endorse or go against these
ideologies we hold about them. R&B is known to originate from the
black originated countries. As we know and have seen from before
most artist in this category are from there. Some people hold pre
perceptions against R&B artists or anyone associated in this area. As
a result I wanted to focus mainly on the actual success and embracing
of achievement these artists have accomplished with a twist in order
to represent my product in a good light.
I aimed to specifically target older girls/teens and young mature ladies
who aspire to other female artists to be how they want. I represented
this through the images, textual development and colour schemes
which I used throughout.
3. I aim my magazine to people aged 16-24, the main image is of a young female,
and so is many of other R&B magazines like this one, this contributes to the
representation of this particular social group which my magazine represents.
You would when you see a typical R&B magazine assume its for people who
class themselves as ‘gangster’ (wear baggy jeans, tattoos, chains, talk with a
certain accent and use gang culture phrases) or people who do street dance,
graffiti, like the music or aspire to artists in this category ( all these factors are
associated with the urban culture that R&B carries however I believe my
magazine represents it for the more ambitious, ruthless females. This is why
I’ve made ‘Layla’ the focus of this, as using her story line will reflect the type of
social groups that would read and be intrigued.
Most R&B related news or drama is usually about anti social problems, guns,
drugs and gangs. It shows females in this sector in a positive light.
4. The image I used for my double page spread was a very striking pose with
my model using diva associated behaviour. With the whole, cover the face,
black coat, relaxed leg against the wall look and to finish of the statement
heels. I have compared this with other artist such as Beyonce and Nicki
Minaj and they are seen as queen divas. The image I've used also conveys
this type of emotion. This media page represents all the people who want
to be seen and heard and have ambitious, crazy lifestyles and not able to
because of how media portrays people and creates these overriding
perceptions. It is also shown through the storyline behind the image.
Some of my images were also inspired by Nicole Scherzinger and also
Nicki Minaj who are both two international music super stars so this
already endorses the type of representation I was trying to get across.
5. Conclusion..
I believe overall I have achieved all the required aspects needed to create
a R&B genre magazine which was done through the use of images, layout
and informal language. Also I tried to do enough research in order to see
what was already out there in the market so I knew what else I could offer
my targeted audience. I tried using different conventions to break dominant
ideologies and create a different aspect on outsiders views on the
representation on my media. E.g other people seeing R&B music and the
culture in society at a positive angle.