1.Who is being represented in this image?
In the image here, we can see that the group being represented here is
the modern-day London young adult scene, during the 2011 London Riot incidents.
We can see this through the fiery background alongside the person on the front
page.
2.Are
you being given the stereotypical or countertypical image of the person/group?
Describe the representation.
We’re being shown the stereotypical view here. Firstly, with the
clothing being worn in the image. The young adult is wearing a some sort of a
designer tracksuit, which would be something that this group prefers to wear in
public. Secondly, we see some rather devious and unsettling bodily language.
The edited image has been captured while the person is mid-stride and has one
hand in his pocket, easily suggesting that this person might have something to
hide, and depicts a real confident and strong image to the viewer. Finally, we
see the very small caption on the right of the paper showing 'Sick.....' Which
is very common language and 'slang' used amongst these groups. It is obvious
that The Sun has used a negative stereotype here.
3.HOW is this representation being constructed by the media language? –
consider camera angles, choice of images, colours, size, mise en scene, etc.
It is important to note that this image in this case has been edited,
and this helps us to gain an idea of the 'bespoke' message which is being sent
out to the audience. Nonetheless, we have a full body long shot here, placed
alongside an image which was occurring throughout the incident (there were many
car fires throughout the days).
By having access to the full shot, the audience may think that he could
have started this fire, especially as the Mise-En-Scene suggests with it being
directly placed behind this person, and furthermore, we do not have any idea
what could be in this person's pocket.
Throughout the piece, it is largely consistent of dark background
colours to help set this gloomy mood, but the fire itself is the main focus,
and it appears to be just slightly overexposed to draw attention to the
severity of the incidents, (but it also displays how the image is clearly
photoshopped too).
4.How
is the representation being constructed by the text? – consider word choices, size
of text, tone, etc.
ANARCHY. It is the main focus of text beside the logo here, and it is in
a very large font and in capital letters, immediately catching the eye of
anyone who might see the newspaper on a shelf. These one-worded headlines are
good ways to capture the attention of an audience. Furthermore, as I mentioned
earlier, we see the 'Sick....' Language in the top corner, which can be seen as
a direct reference to that of the language used, so obviously this is a correct
representation.
Additionally, it can be seen that the text featured in this front cover
(3rd Day of Mindless Violence) can be seen as a general continuation
of The Sun's stereotypical view of this. The fact that they are deeming it
'mindless' will clearly display to the readers that they think there's
absolutely no point with this whole thing.
5.Does
this representation fit with the institutional codes and conventions? Explain
your answer. – think about institution, audience, tabloid/broadsheet, etc.
In my opinion, this particular front page from
The Sun is oddly 'neutral', it reports the news (albeit in a loud and childish
manner) and rather accurately recalls the emotions which were largely felt
across this period of riots. There really isn't anything too 'Sun' like here.
If we take a typical cover here, we can see a stark difference.....
I find it interesting as to why The Sun have decided to not use their
typical 'layout' of loud and almost insulting textual choices. For example,
they referred to an attacker as a 'pothead pizza shop rapper', whereas on the
main cover, there isn't any such insults.
Of course, the images and language are still applicable and able to be
read from a tabloid perspective, it being easy to read and understand, however,
what we can say about this is that the language is more of a 'mid-market'
tabloid as opposed to the normal language which The Sun typically puts to use
in their newspapers. There is one explanation for this which I think is
possible. Could it be that The Sun is supporting these young adults in their
common interests? It certainly may be a possibility in my opinion, especially
with the low-age target audience they have.
