Evaluation - representation

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

My magazine is aimed at younger people of both genders. People are represented in many different ways dependant on the magazine - but usually in hip hop/grime/r&b magazines, they are shown to be from urban areas, and the people reading are able to relate to the artist and what they represent. In magazines of this genre, the pictures are normally taken against a plain background, so that attention isn't taken away from the artist, who usually have a big personality to make up for this. The image on my front cover is of a female, this is because males are usally associated with these genres, and i want my audience to see that females are just as capable. The image shows the artist wearing fashionable, but normal clothing, so that the readers are able to relate to her. The outfit is quite unique, which is typical of artists from the hiphop/r&b genre. I have used minimal make-up and kept the hair natural - which is actually quite uncommon with this genre of music, but again means the reader is able to relate to a 'normal, every day girl.' The position she is standing, shows that she is quite shy, but the low cut top and no trousers also shows she has some confidence. I chose for the picture to be taken against a plain background, making her stand out more and give her an edge. Overall my model represents your average girl, meaning the reader can relate to her, but she stands out and is unique, appealing to my target audience.

The main image on my double page spread is represents girls as being more sophisticated, appealing to the boys more, as the model is  wearing a smarter outfit with heels. She is shown to be fashionable, yet people can still relate to her. Again the make up and hair has been kept simple, to represent your average girl - like someone who would read the magazine. The way she has her hands in her laps shows again that she is quite shy, but the position of her legs, and the length of her skirt shows a more confident side to her. The picture again is taken against a plain background, keeping the look of the magazine simple and tidy - making it easier for the audience to identify with.

The second image on my double page spread is more appealing to the male gender, the artist has a 'sexier' pose, and is exposing her legs. The electric guitar is also something most men would find appealing. In this picture, she is representing females as being as feminine and bold. Again, the make-up and hair has been kept quite natural, so girls are able to relate to her, as she represents an average woman.


















In comparison to magazines similar to mine, my photos are relatively unconventional, because artists of the genre i have chosen often wear over the top outfits and extravagant make-up, whereas i have chosen to keep to casual clothing and natural make-up.

The above comparison between VIBE magazine -one of a similar style to mine makes clear the differences in conventions and representations. The VIBE cover will evidently only really appeal to the male gender, whereas mine could appeal to both. The pose that 'Ciara' is doing shows confidence, and seductiveness - yet she could also be shy because she covers up the majority of her body, although it is clear she is naked. Both pictures are taken against a plain background though, and they both have a flowing colour scheme. 




Language:


As my magazine is aimed at a younger audience, i chose to use more casual language. For example the cover lines say ''catch example and his biggest fans'' and "fresh from supporting professor green" this is quite informal and refers to well known artists of the genre, appealing to the audience. Magazines similar to mine also have these type of story lines, such as "why you should stop hating on Cuba Gooding Jr." My double page spread uses casual language, meaning the audience are able to relate to the magazine, aswell as creating a realistic interview. This is typical of magazines similar to mine, as it is relatable for the audience, and represents the readers as being young, fashionable and up to date with modern slang.