Question 22. How does your media product

represent particular social groups?

For my magazine I have used an alternative representation of the social

group, young females. I have also challenged dominant ideology of the stereotypical social group of country

music fans...

Dominant IdeologyAs you can see the model is representing the dominant ideology of the stereotypical image of a country artist. I chose to make my mainsell and model dress in a country like style and hold a guitar as I felt this enabled the audience to relate to the model herself as it is of similar age group and maybe style. By making my models appearance this way it also helps to make it clear to my audience that this is a country music magazine.

The mise-en-scene is also dominant ideology as it is the country side, which is obviously associated with country music and the stereotypical country audience. I chose this particular mise-en-scene so as again it is clear to my audience that this is a country music magazine and I also chose this as it give off connotations of fresh, relaxation, tranquil etc.

Dominant Ideology

Although I have based the appearance of my model and mise-en-scene on the dominant ideology that all country fans live on a farm in the country, wear denim, play the guitar and all they do is work on their farm, I have also challenged the dominant ideology that all country fans are like this…

Challenging dominant ideology

My music magazine challenges the stereotypical bases that all country fans live and work on a farm. One way, which I have done this is the use of language and text used in the coverlines. For example: Gigs, Guys, Girls, Goss and more. This coverline suggests that my audience is not a deprived young person who lives in the middle of nowhere and works on the family farm. Instead they are just your average young person, who’s a student, could live in the city or countryside, goes shopping at the weekend, has sleepovers and goes out with their friends and gossips about boys, fashion etc.

Alternative representation

My music magazine presents an alternative representation of young people, especially young females. My magazine gives connotations of relaxation, tranquillity, calm etc, connotations, which are commonly not associated with young people. This social group of young people is commonly associated with the complete opposite connotations, as they are usually stereotyped as trouble makers, drunks and rebellious.

Stereotypes of young peopleHere is a moodboard of stereotypical images of young

people:

Stereotype of young females

Here is a moodboard of stereotypical young teenage females

Alternative representationHere is a moodboard of the young people represented in my

media product:

Emergent ideology

The dominant ideology of young females nowadays are labelled and seen as rebellious, slags, lazy, drop outs etc with no future ahead of them. However there is the emergent ideology that young females are well presented, have respect for themselves, smart and focused on their studies and their future ahead of them, looking for the best possible way to grow up and have a successful life with a happy family. This is portrayed in my magazine as it is focused at this audience. It does this by the images and language used throughout the magazine, they are represented as chilled out females, who like all the lovey dovey stuff, are into fashion, music, guys etc. All the language is appropriate and there is no inappropriate slang or use of taboo language, which is also commonly associated with young females.