Magazine Covers and Gender Representation

Max

im –

Tara

Re

id

Maxim – Tara Reid

SYMBOLIC CODE

Very exposed but wearing white – symbolizing virginity and innocence, because it is seen as attractive

Portrayed as a sex object to make magazine appeal to males

Fur rug and messy hair suggests she is animalistic

TECHNICAL CODE

High camera angle gives reader a sense of superiority which appeals to young males

WRITTEN CODE

Next to no writing to distract men away from her

All attention is on her as an object

Vibe

– Tr

ey

Song

z

Vibe – Trey Songz

SYMBOLIC CODE

Facial expression is threatening – makes him look powerful which appeals to a male audience who aspire to be like him

Showing off perfect body – attracts females for looks and males who want to look like him

Physique is god-like, symbolizing his power

TECHNICAL CODE

Eye line shot makes his threatening stare more powerful

Shadows fall in correct places to accentuate his physique

Dark colour scheme symbolizes his power

WRITTEN CODE

Red font colour symbolizes his power

Male and Female Cover Comparisons

Male is actually wearing less clothes than female but is shown as an inspiration when she is shown as an object

Both are stripped of clothes but he looks powerful whilst she looks powerless

Why is he idolized for being half-naked on a magazine cover but she is seen as an insignificant sex object?

Shows that women and men are represented differently in the media, and that sexist ideas are reinforced through the media