Riptide/ Steve Neale Theory

Media Task
Representation of woman in magazines

—  What or who is being represented?

   

    A female is being represented, she is a well known American female rapper known as Nicki Minaj and is well known in the music industry.

     Nicki is a representation for women and how women are perceived by society, this is shown when Nicki Minaj's costume is a revealing dress that is unzipped and is showing cleavage. This magazine speaks about unzipping, this semantic field is used to create a coincidence of related words to intrigue readers especially men.

—  How are they represented -, as strong, sexualised etc? Using what codes – body language, camera angle, costume etc?  

     The body language used  is to show Nicki Minajs confidence and independence as she is standing straight up with her arms by her side. This may link to the fact that she a successful female rapper in the male dominance genre of music. Nicki's top is unzipped which is revealing her cleavage, this is linked to woman being seen as sexual objects in society and therefore is most likely to be read. Theories such as Stuart hall and tells us about  particular social values, to create dominant ideologies. A body shot is used for the audience to gain a clear understanding of the models gestures and movement, this will indicate a there facial expressions and give us an understanding of what their thinking or feeling.

—  Within what genre  - horror, western, lifestyle mag, reality TV show?

        

          Representations can alter to suit different types of genres, for example, for a genre such as a horror or thriller where the scenes are mysterious or something intense is about to happen, lowkey lighting is more likely to be used. Lighting like that will be used to make the audience feel intimidated just like the character. If something good is happening in a genre such as a romance then there will more likely to be more high key shots, this is done to set the scene and give a clear representation to viewers of the scenario and make the mood feel happier. 

 

—   How is the representation made to seem true, common sense or natural? (what makes/helps audiences accept this image/message and not reject it)the representation of Nicki Minaj and how she looks is seen to be natural

The audience accepts this image and it states that she is representing herself as natural with no make-up or wig. This could link to the fact that she wants people to know about her as a person ,and the story she may tell in the magazine will reveal the person underneath the well known American rapper. She is being shown as natural with out a performance outfit as she may be showing her ordinary side without the fame.

—   What is foregrounded and what is backgrounded? (what is/are the main focus areas – what is shown as less important?)

              The background shows a greyish background, this is dark to             allow the foreground to stand out as grey and yellow

               contrasting colours, also the grey is used to gain  the main attention to the text

—  Are there any notable absences? (what information or messages might have been left out and why might this have been the case.

    

     That she is a music artist is not mention as she is revealing the side of her that is not famous.

—  Whose representation is it? (Who has this representation been made for)

    This representation has been made for woman as it reveals beauty tips and how to accomplish them as it provides a guide.

—  Whose interests does it reflect? How do you know? (who is benefiting from this presentation)

     Woman are benefiting from this magazine as they could possibly obtain flawless skin if they follow the beauty guide and will be able to apply sexy make up. Woman would think this guide would benefit them as woman are seen as sexual objects and appearance is seen to be important in todays society. 

—  At whom is this representation targeted? How do you know?

     The magazine states on how to apply make up which is aimed at woman in general. The majority of the magazine is how to ensure your appearance is sexy and what is trending in the beauty and fashion industry.

—  What does the representation mean to you?  (what messages do you take from how this person/event/object is being put forward?)

     She is revealing personal aspect of herself. The costume is revealing her body which could state the fact that she is confident with her body and personality. She could be indicating the she tasks risks and the type of industry that she is in will recognise you for your appearance if you are a woman.

—  What does the representation mean to others? How do you account for the differences?

—  ***How do people make sense of it? According to what codes?  (what codes might help audiences interpret the messages the text was trying to put forward?)