GQ - Language & Representation

 Language: Media factsheet

Complete the following tasks using Media Factsheet 252 - The Codes and Conventions of Print Magazines available in our Media Factsheet archive here. Answer the following questions:

1) What are the different magazine genres highlighted on page 2 and how do they link to our magazine CSPs?

-General interest magazines:GQ fits this catagory because it includes fashion,culture, entertainment and lifestyle content

-Special interest magazines:GQ fits this catagory because focus on a specific hobby that targets a niche audience

-Professional magazines:GQ fits this catagory because it is aimed at people working within a particular profession

2) Look at the section on GQ on page 2. How do they suggest that GQ targets its audience?

The factsheet suggests that GQ targets predominatly men through fashion and style

3) What does the factsheet say about GQ cover stars?

The factsheet explains that GQ strategically selects its cover stars.They are chosen not only because they are famous but because they are influential and relevant to the target audience

4) Pick out five of the key conventions of magazine front covers and explain what they communicate to an audience.

 

-Masthead because the magazine's title establishes the brand identity and makes the publication instantly and highly recognisable

-Main cover image because they usually use a celebrity or well-known figure

-Cover lines are short headlines promoting articles inside the magazine which can persuade readers to buy the magazine by highlighting interesting content

-Headline communicates the magazine's main story and suggests its most important feature

-Colour scheme and typography due to the fonts and colours used throughout the cover which communicate the magazine's genre and style 

5) What is a magazine’s ‘house style’? How would you describe GQ’s house style? 

A magazine's house style is the consistent use of colours,fonts,layouts,language and design features across its issues.In my opinion i believe that GQ's house style is stylish and masculine which appeals to their target audiences

Language: CSP analysis

Use your annotated CSP pages to help answer the following questions. You can find an annotated copy of the GQ pages here (you'll need your Greenford Google login).

1) Write a summary of our annotations on the media language choices on the cover of GQ - e.g. colour scheme, typography, language, photographic codes etc. 

The GQ cover uses media language to create ideas of luxury,style and exclusivity.The colour scheme is mostly bland with black and white which allows Robert Pattinson to stand out while reflecting high fashion and elegance.The typography is sans-serif which could reinforce the magazine's premium quality and sense of identity because sans serif fonts create connocations of modern.The photograph uses direct eye contact which creates a sense of direct adress to audiences.

2) Identify three specific aspects/conventions/important points (e.g. cover lines, colour scheme, use of text, image etc.) from each page/feature of the CSP that you could refer to in a future exam. Explain why that particular aspect of the CSP is important - think about connotations, representations, audience pleasures, reception theory etc.

Front cover: Robert Pattinson image - Art & Fashion issue

 1) central image

-Robert Pattinson is the central mage which displays his power and authority within the magazine which emphasises the idea of celebrity appeal 

-Audiences gain personal identity and aspiration through identifying with a successful celebrity and being able to gain understandings of him

2)Colour scheme

-Neutral colours (black, white, cream and muted shades) can connote modern and luxury

-Appeals to  ABC1 audience interested in style and high fashion

3)Typography

-Minimal,sans serif and clean typography reflects modern fashion branding

 Inside pages: Jonathan Bailey feature and fashion shoot

1)clothing

-Bailey is shown in stylish designer clothing rather than stereotypical masculine clothing

2) Layout

-Large images combined with generous white space create an artistic feel which links to senses of personal identity and pscyhographics like aspirers

3) Apply narrative theories to GQ - Todorov's equilibrium, Propp's character types, Barthes' action or enigma codes, Levi-Strauss's binary opposition. How can we use narrative to understand the way the cover and features have been constructed?

Propp-Robert Pattinson and Jonathan Bailey act as the "hero."They are admired figures whose achievements and fashion choices become aspirational for readers. 

Barthes-enigma codes such as cover lines encourage readers to buy the magazine to discover exclusive interviews.Action codes-headlines promise interviews,fashion advice and exclusive content that motivate audiences to continue reading.

Levi-Strauss-Ordinary vs celebrity,Masculinity vs femininity,Public image vs private identity,Fashion vs practicality

Representations: applying theory

We have already covered many relevant theories in our work on Advertising and Marketing (for example, David Gauntlett's writing on Media, Gender and Identity). We now need to apply these theories and ideas to GQ and specifically the CSP pages allocated by AQA.

1) How can Gauntlett's ideas on masculinity, gender and identity be applied to the GQ CSP pages we have analysed?

Robert Pattinson represents masculinity through creativity and fashion rather than  aggression.Jonathan Bailey presents an openly gay male celebrity in a positive and successful way which helps others come out about their sexuality.

2) How could van Zoonen's work on feminist and gender theory be applied to GQ? Does the magazine challenge or reinforce these ideas?

Her idea can be reinforced in some ways because both celebrities are highly attractive and male bodies are still used to sell magazines.In some ways it can be challenged because men are objectified in ways traditionally associated with women,masculinity includes emotion and vulnerability,Jonathan Bailey challenges heterosexual stereotypes.

3) Does bell hooks's work on 'corrosive masculinity' apply to GQ? 

-Men are encouraged to care about fashion and appearance

-Emotional openness is presented positively

-Jonathan Bailey represents acceptance of different sexual identities

Representations: wider reading - GQ and the new masculinity

Read this CNN feature on how GQ is redefining masculinity and answer the following questions:

1) Which GQ issue is discussed at the start of the article and what was notable about it? 

GQ's "New Masculinity" issue (November 2019) featuring Pharrell Williams on the cover.What was notable was the colourful,gender-fluid styling and the way it challenged traditional male stereotypes about what a men's magazine cover should look like

2) How did Will Welch view GQ when he took over as Editor-in-Chief and what did he want to offer readers? 

When Will Welch took over he saw GQ as more than a magazine for men.He wanted it to appeal to anyone interested in style,culture and understanding the world through a fashionable and modern perspective

3) How has publisher Conde Nast responded to changes in the magazine industry and how did this impact GQ?

Conde Nast responded to the changing magazine industry by reconstructing its brands and focusing more on digital content and global collaboration.This led to GQ becoming more internationally connected and reaching wider audiences across mainstream and niche different platforms

4) What did the GQ New Masculinity edition feature? 

The issue featured "Voices of the New Masculinity,"a collection of interviews and articles from activists,actors, comedians,athletes and writers discussing how masculinity is changing.

5) What did journalist Liz Plank say about toxic masculinity?

Liz Plank argued that many traditional expectations placed on men can be harmful.She suggested that men should reflect on which aspects of masculinity they genuinely value rather than simply accepting traditional gender expectations

6) How did Welch respond to suggestions GQ was responsible for toxic masculinity?

Welch rejected the idea that GQ was responsible for toxic masculinity.He argued that the magazine was trying to engage with changing ideas about masculinity and encourage conversations about how men can adapt to a changing society and feel more like themselves rather than putting on a fake image

Finally, read this short GQ feature on masculinity and answer the following questions:

1) What does the article suggest masculinity involved at the start of the 20th century?

The article suggests that masculinity at the start of the twentieth century was associated with being seen as  strong,dominant,emotionally reserved

2) What social change occurred from the 1930s?

From the 1930s onwards,changing family structures,urbanisation and changing employment patterns began to change expectations of men,reducing the emphasis on physical strength and traditional male and female stereotypes

3) What is suggested about masculinity today?

Masculinity is presented as much more flexible and diverse

4) Why does it suggest these changes are important? 

The article suggests these changes are important because they allow people greater freedom to be themselves and feel more valued by others