Representation

    

 

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 (3^rd 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.