Question 2: Evaluation

Q2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?

I have chosen to compare this image of Eminem from “VIBE” magazine with my front cover photo from my magazine to explain how my magazine represents a particular social group.

The postures of both men are similar in the sense that they have both got their hands positioned in front of them, either crossed or near to their face. They also share similar facial expressions – both serious and staring straight into the camera, although my central figure appears to be smiling faintly to provide a less intimidating appearance. Furthermore, both men are displayed showing tattoos (in which my central figures where edited on). This provided a representation of this particular social class, the urban appearance, as tattoos are normally associated as a “trophy” of your time in prison and something that is somewhat rebellious. In addition, both men have the same use of lighting applied, a mid-shine which makes the faces appear brighter and visually appealing. Unconventionally, however, they appear to have different hairstyles – my central figures in longer, darker and slightly gelled up from the back, whereas Eminem has shorter, lighter and more severe hair. Overall, I think that these elements of the photos represent a normal young social group that my magazine reflects throughout – the people featured in my magazine are quite normal looking – there is nothing extreme or obscure about their appearances. Finally, I have chosen to select a white male, just as “VIBE” has done. Quintessentially, a black male rapper is normally situated at the front of a rap based music magazine, so I have unconventionally used a white male to break this particular stereotype.