1) Men's Health - Audience
2) Men's Health - Language and Representation
3) Men's Health - Industries and the impact of digital media
4) Oh Comely - Audience
5) Magazine front cover production task - learner response
6) Oh Comely - Language and Representation
7) End of Year 1 exam - learner response
8) Oh Comely - Industry case study
Friday, July 12, 2019
Oh Comely - Language and Representation
1) What do the typefaces used on the front cover suggest to an audience?
It suggests that Oh Comely is not your typical magazine, showing the independent nature of the magazine
2) The words under the title introduce the content and topics addressed. What do these suggest about the potential audience of Oh Comely?
It suggests that the audience may be primarily focused on women, possibly middle class/educated women
3) How do the cover lines use narrative to create enigma? What do the cover lines suggest about the magazine's content and audience?
The cover lines seem relatively nonsensical when seen like that, but that strangeness results in the reader being interested in seeing what it means; creating enigma
4) Write an analysis of the central image.
Typography:
5) What representation of gender can be found on this front cover?
As mentioned in the analysis, the model seems to be very gender ambiguous
Feature: Speaking Out
1) What does the headline and standfirst suggest about Oh Comely's feminist perspective?
very pro-feminist and women empowerment
2) What do the interviewees in this feature suggest about the values and ideologies that underpin this magazine?
Very creative, individualistic and empowering
3) How conventional is the page design in this feature? Why?
Unconventional to commercial standards but quite conventional to independent standards e.g. Minimalism and spacious designs are common amoungst independent magazines
4) Pick out specific aspects of this feature that subvert the stereotypical representation of women in the media. Are they different to what we may find in conventional women's lifestyle magazines such as Glamour or Cosmopolitan? Why is the absence of men a key feature of Oh Comely?
The women are not overly sexualized at any part of the magazine
5) How does the photography offer a fresh or unusual perspective on women?
Most of the photography is "artistic" with framing and colour grades not normally found in larger commercial magazines
Feature: More than gender
1) How does this feature offer a fresh perspective on gender and identity?
It shows sides of gender that isn't always shown in mass media, such as transgender individuals
2) What is the significance of the writer and photographer? How does this fit with the Oh Comelybrand?
The photographer and writer offer their own aesthetics that are different but similar in nature
3) What style of photography is used in this feature?
Minimalistic and often scenic
4) What representations of the transgender lifestyle can be found in this feature?
Very much open to transgender individuals and different gender identities
5) Why is the biographical information at the end of the article significant? (Clue: the writer is also an editor of a niche, creative magazine called Entitle).
It adds to the minimalistic and independent feel of the magazine
Representation and identity
Work through the following questions on representation and Oh Comely:
1) How do representations in Oh Comely challenge stereotypes?:
Instead of being seen as just objects for the male gaze, women are being represented as figures that have their own ideas and beliefs and can bring their own critical thinking in a situation
2) What representations of race, ethnicity and nationality can be found in the 'Speaking Out' feature?
There is a positive representation of multiple races, ethnicities and nationalities, these include Somalians, black, white and also Asian.
3) What representation of women and femininity can be found in Oh Comely?
There is a strong representation of positivity and empowerment, feminity is seen to be broad and important. They are presented to be more than just a body to be objectified
4) Why might Oh Comely deliberately under-represent men? (The absence of men in the magazine appears to be a largely deliberate move by the editors).
The deliberate abscence of men could have been done in order to promote women and make sure that female accomplishments are acknowledged and appreciated instead of having some spotlight taken by men.5) Does Oh Comely fit into the possible fourth wave of feminism? Or is it evidence of post-feminism - that feminism is no longer needed?
While I believe that Oh Comely does actively use social media and the internet to promote feminism and empower women, I don't believe that they believe that feminism is no longer needed, this is mainly due to the fact that the feminism is often brought up within their magazine and the importance of feminism is brought up too
6) How does the 'More than gender' feature challenge Levi-Strauss's structuralist theory of binary opposition?
The feature states that gender itself is not binary and that the idea of gender is always in constant motion of change, the feature also touches on the idea that our identities can change also.7) Judith Butler argues gender is a performance. How does Oh Comely challenge traditional gender roles? You should refer to both the cover and the selected CSP features.
The model on the cover photo has a very dominant pose and look to her that is not overly feminine and flirtatious, this changes the typical ideology of women being purely their for sexual reasons; This is significant as the this means that Oh Comely is actively trying to subvert the typical ideology of what beauty is that large media corporations have managed to form over the years.
8) Angela McRobbie explored the empowering nature of women's lifestyle magazines in the 1990s. Oh Comely seeks female empowerment in a different way. What differences can you find between Oh Comely and more traditional women's lifestyle magazines such as Cosmopolitan orGlamour?
Cosmopolitan or Glamour (and almost any other beauty or fashion related magazine) often focus on the look and body of their models; for Oh Comely although, they have managed to present women for their intellectual properties rather than their physicality.
9) David Gauntlett argues that identity is becoming more fluid, media representations change over time and that there are generational differences. Does Oh Comely support this viewpoint?
I do believe that Oh Comely does support this viewpoint, this is evident through their transgender feature that shows the fluidity of gender and how it can change over time. Along with that feature, Oh Comely further supports this viewpoint through their cover photo, the girl is androgynous, this also supports fluidity
10) It has been argued that Oh Comely is a far more open text (Stuart Hall - encoding and decoding) with more room for negotiation in interpretation. Do you agree with this view? Why?
When it comes to what Oh Comely represents and they promote I do believe that Oh Comely is far more open than other magazines. Throughout the magazine within the different features, a direct conclusion is never made, this lack of closure gives the audience the freedom to connect the pieces together to form their own beliefs and interpretations to what they have just read.
It suggests that Oh Comely is not your typical magazine, showing the independent nature of the magazine
2) The words under the title introduce the content and topics addressed. What do these suggest about the potential audience of Oh Comely?
It suggests that the audience may be primarily focused on women, possibly middle class/educated women
3) How do the cover lines use narrative to create enigma? What do the cover lines suggest about the magazine's content and audience?
The cover lines seem relatively nonsensical when seen like that, but that strangeness results in the reader being interested in seeing what it means; creating enigma
4) Write an analysis of the central image.
Typography:
- Unconventional
- Elegant
- Seems somewhat feminine - plays into the idea it's targeted towards
- minimalist
Main figure:
- Gender ambiguous
- Modern themes of gender identity
- Pride
- Female
- Unconventional pose, model, fashion etc
Colour scheme/design:
- Minimalist
- Colours used are very muted
- Very spacious design, null space
5) What representation of gender can be found on this front cover?
As mentioned in the analysis, the model seems to be very gender ambiguous
Feature: Speaking Out
1) What does the headline and standfirst suggest about Oh Comely's feminist perspective?
very pro-feminist and women empowerment
2) What do the interviewees in this feature suggest about the values and ideologies that underpin this magazine?
Very creative, individualistic and empowering
3) How conventional is the page design in this feature? Why?
Unconventional to commercial standards but quite conventional to independent standards e.g. Minimalism and spacious designs are common amoungst independent magazines
4) Pick out specific aspects of this feature that subvert the stereotypical representation of women in the media. Are they different to what we may find in conventional women's lifestyle magazines such as Glamour or Cosmopolitan? Why is the absence of men a key feature of Oh Comely?
The women are not overly sexualized at any part of the magazine
5) How does the photography offer a fresh or unusual perspective on women?
Most of the photography is "artistic" with framing and colour grades not normally found in larger commercial magazines
Feature: More than gender
1) How does this feature offer a fresh perspective on gender and identity?
It shows sides of gender that isn't always shown in mass media, such as transgender individuals
2) What is the significance of the writer and photographer? How does this fit with the Oh Comelybrand?
The photographer and writer offer their own aesthetics that are different but similar in nature
3) What style of photography is used in this feature?
Minimalistic and often scenic
4) What representations of the transgender lifestyle can be found in this feature?
Very much open to transgender individuals and different gender identities
5) Why is the biographical information at the end of the article significant? (Clue: the writer is also an editor of a niche, creative magazine called Entitle).
It adds to the minimalistic and independent feel of the magazine
Representation and identity
Work through the following questions on representation and Oh Comely:
1) How do representations in Oh Comely challenge stereotypes?:
Instead of being seen as just objects for the male gaze, women are being represented as figures that have their own ideas and beliefs and can bring their own critical thinking in a situation
2) What representations of race, ethnicity and nationality can be found in the 'Speaking Out' feature?
There is a positive representation of multiple races, ethnicities and nationalities, these include Somalians, black, white and also Asian.
3) What representation of women and femininity can be found in Oh Comely?
There is a strong representation of positivity and empowerment, feminity is seen to be broad and important. They are presented to be more than just a body to be objectified
4) Why might Oh Comely deliberately under-represent men? (The absence of men in the magazine appears to be a largely deliberate move by the editors).
The deliberate abscence of men could have been done in order to promote women and make sure that female accomplishments are acknowledged and appreciated instead of having some spotlight taken by men.5) Does Oh Comely fit into the possible fourth wave of feminism? Or is it evidence of post-feminism - that feminism is no longer needed?
While I believe that Oh Comely does actively use social media and the internet to promote feminism and empower women, I don't believe that they believe that feminism is no longer needed, this is mainly due to the fact that the feminism is often brought up within their magazine and the importance of feminism is brought up too
The feature states that gender itself is not binary and that the idea of gender is always in constant motion of change, the feature also touches on the idea that our identities can change also.7) Judith Butler argues gender is a performance. How does Oh Comely challenge traditional gender roles? You should refer to both the cover and the selected CSP features.
The model on the cover photo has a very dominant pose and look to her that is not overly feminine and flirtatious, this changes the typical ideology of women being purely their for sexual reasons; This is significant as the this means that Oh Comely is actively trying to subvert the typical ideology of what beauty is that large media corporations have managed to form over the years.
8) Angela McRobbie explored the empowering nature of women's lifestyle magazines in the 1990s. Oh Comely seeks female empowerment in a different way. What differences can you find between Oh Comely and more traditional women's lifestyle magazines such as Cosmopolitan orGlamour?
Cosmopolitan or Glamour (and almost any other beauty or fashion related magazine) often focus on the look and body of their models; for Oh Comely although, they have managed to present women for their intellectual properties rather than their physicality.
9) David Gauntlett argues that identity is becoming more fluid, media representations change over time and that there are generational differences. Does Oh Comely support this viewpoint?
I do believe that Oh Comely does support this viewpoint, this is evident through their transgender feature that shows the fluidity of gender and how it can change over time. Along with that feature, Oh Comely further supports this viewpoint through their cover photo, the girl is androgynous, this also supports fluidity
10) It has been argued that Oh Comely is a far more open text (Stuart Hall - encoding and decoding) with more room for negotiation in interpretation. Do you agree with this view? Why?
When it comes to what Oh Comely represents and they promote I do believe that Oh Comely is far more open than other magazines. Throughout the magazine within the different features, a direct conclusion is never made, this lack of closure gives the audience the freedom to connect the pieces together to form their own beliefs and interpretations to what they have just read.
Men's Health - Industries and the impact of digital media
1) Hearst UK is part of Hearst Communications. What is Hearst Communications and where is it based?
Hearst communications is a large media and business information conglomerate located in Manhattan new York
2) What media industries and brands make up the Hearst Communications conglomerate?
Hearst communications own a large variety of newspapers, magazines, broadcasting companies and internet providers. Some of the brands hearst communications own include Men's Health, cosmopolitan, Food Network Magazine, House Beautiful, Seventeen, ESPN, eCrush, Kaboodle etc.
3) What was the global revenue for Hearst Communications (in dollars) for the most recent year on record?
$10.8 Billion
4) Focusing on Hearst UK, what other magazine brands are part of Hearst UK publishing? How many UK people do they reach in print and online?
Some brands include Bicycling, Elle Decor, Nat Mags, Womens Day, Womens Health. Hearst Communications reaches 30% of all women, 25% of men and sell roughly 4 Million copies monthly with roughly 17 million users digital readers in the UK.
Read this Campaign interview with Hearst UK CEO James Wildman.
5) What is James Wildman's plan for Hearst UK?
James Wildman's plan for Hearst UK is to increase marketshare, Accelerate digital growth and to diversify their revenue to events and partnerships and to also consider acquisitions
6) What percentage ad decline are consumer magazines facing?
10% decline.
7) What Wildman think about premium content and paywalls?
Wildman believes that hearst Communications should charge for premium content, but as of right now they have no plans of setting up paywalls.
8) How has Hearst used diversification to grow the business?
Hearst want to create more events on a yearly basis, they also want to create more merchandise deals with advertisers.
Read this Hearst UK press release for their late 2017 ABC figures.
9) Is Men's Health increasing or decreasing in circulation?
The circulation is increasing.
10) What explanation is provided by Hearst for the success of their magazines in a tough print market?
Hearsts distribution methods are effective, they place their products in places where they are most likely to be read.
The impact of digital media on the print magazines industry
Read this BBC website feature on the print magazine industry and then this Guardian feature on the demise of NME magazine and print magazines in general.
1) Why are traditional print magazines struggling?
The introduction of the internet weakened the magazine industry
2) What genre of magazines is currently bucking the trend and increasing sales? Why is this?
In recent times the political magazine industry has become more popular due to the rise of fake news, the public want to have a reliable source of news to understand whats going on.
3) In contrast, what magazine genres are struggling? Give examples of magazines that have declined or stopped printing altogether.
Celebrity, gossip, music genres have began losing sales e.g.
Now - 21% 87,000
Look - 35%
Closer - 20% 200,000
Grazia 13% 110,00
Heat - 17% 120,000
4) Look at the Guardian article in detail. What statistics are provided to demonstrate the decline in the print magazines industry between 2010 and 2017? What about the percentage decline from 2000?
Uk print titles subscribers fell by 42% from 23.8 Million to 13.9 Million.
5) What percentage of ad revenue is taken by Google and Facebook?
65%
6) What strategies can magazine publishers use to remain in business in the digital age?
The guardian suggested that they begin to create and publish magazines for more niche audiences and to introduce paywalls.
7) Why does the Hearst UK CEO James Wildman suggest that the magazine industry is not dead?
He states that the magazine industry is diverse, and that Hearst Communications have events for their magazines.
8) What examples from the Guardian article are provided to demonstrate how magazines are finding new revenue streams? What is the Men's Health branding used for?
Men's Health create niche magazines that attract fan bases.
9) What signs for optimism might there be for traditional magazine brands?
With the recent issue of fake news, audiences are now looking for brands that they can trust.
10) How does Men's Health fit into this picture? Why do you think Men's Health has remained successful in the digital age? Do you think Men's Health will continue to publish for many years to come? Why?
I do believe that Men's health has remained successful in the digital age, they have diverse content that helps attract a loyal fan base, with how they're doing right now, I do believe that they have the ability to continue publishing for years to come.
The Men's Health website and social media
Visit the Men's Health website, Twitter feed and Instagram. You may need to complete this part of the case study at home if it is blocked in school.
1) What similarities do you notice between the website and the print edition of the magazine?
Both their print and digital magazines contain paid promotions, both mediums also contain the same type of content. Within both mediums, Men's Health still focuses on portraying physically fit celebrities as their main selling point.
2) What is the Men's Health daily newsletter and what does it include? How does this help Hearst UK to make money?
Men's Health daily newsletter provides its viewers with daily tips on physical fitness, along with this the newsletter also contains product placements that their audience may have already seen, incentivizing more purchases. The Men's Health daily newsletter makes Hearst UK money through advertisements and conversions.
3) Look at the menu bar along the top of the website. What are the menu options? What does this suggest about the representation of men and masculinity associated with Men's Health?
All the menu options are heavily focused on the physical appearance of men, this shows that Men's Health still represents masculinity in a very hegemonic way e.g. Muscle, Workouts, style and watches are all menu options while there is not any mentions of any psychological or emotional advice or guidance.
4) Choose one of the menu sections and write a list of the features in that area of the website. What target audience are these features aimed at?
Under the watches menu, there are two articles that show budget watches for their audience along with three articles recommending long lasting watches, this shows that Men's Health watches may be more middle class as these articles are recommending what watches are most worth it for the price, and are also recommending budget watches.
5) Do you think the Men's Health website is trying to sell the print version or simply build a digital audience? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a 'digital first' strategy?
I believe that Men's Health is trying to build a more digital audience instead of trying to sell more print magazines. The main advantage of doing so is that through building a more established website, Men's Health is making their content far more accessible to a bigger audience, this allows Men's Health to garner a more concurrent viewership, this higher viewership allows Men's Health to make more money through adverting. There are two disadvantages although, one being that they are sabotaging their own print products, making them less wanted, and second, Google takes a large cut out of the profit.
6) How does the Men's Health Twitter feed use 'clickbait' to try and get users to click through to the magazine's website? Give examples of tweets that are designed to get the audience to click through.
Some of Men's Health's tweets uses eye catching images that are an incentive to click on the article e.g." 10 exercises you need to get single-digit body fat" .
7) How does the Twitter feed uses images and video content alongside text and links?
The twitter feed uses eye catching images and video to attract new and old audiences towards their website, next to the website or image, Men's Health has the link of the article beside it in the caption, this allows easy access for the audience.
8) What does the Men's Health Instagram suggest about the Men's Health brand? Is this appealing to a similar audience to the print version of the magazine?
Instagram is an image based social media, Men's Health has taken advantage of this and use it to catch the eyes of new and old audiences. While I do believe that this has been done to attract a younger audience, I think due to the similarity of having a eye catchy image can appeal to a similar audience to the print version of the magazine.
9) Is the Men's Health social media designed to sell the print magazine or build a digital audience? Why?
I believe that their social media is designed to build a digital audience; each of their posts on Instagram direct their audience towards their website, they also very rarely promote their magazine on their social media.
10) Evaluate the success of the Men's Health brand online. Does it successfully communicate with its target audience? Will the digital platforms eventually replace the print magazine completely?
Men's Health brand online has proven to be quite successful, due to this success I do believe that they have managed to successfully communicate with their target audience. If this success is to continue, they will replace their print magazines in the future
Hearst communications is a large media and business information conglomerate located in Manhattan new York
2) What media industries and brands make up the Hearst Communications conglomerate?
Hearst communications own a large variety of newspapers, magazines, broadcasting companies and internet providers. Some of the brands hearst communications own include Men's Health, cosmopolitan, Food Network Magazine, House Beautiful, Seventeen, ESPN, eCrush, Kaboodle etc.
3) What was the global revenue for Hearst Communications (in dollars) for the most recent year on record?
$10.8 Billion
4) Focusing on Hearst UK, what other magazine brands are part of Hearst UK publishing? How many UK people do they reach in print and online?
Some brands include Bicycling, Elle Decor, Nat Mags, Womens Day, Womens Health. Hearst Communications reaches 30% of all women, 25% of men and sell roughly 4 Million copies monthly with roughly 17 million users digital readers in the UK.
Read this Campaign interview with Hearst UK CEO James Wildman.
5) What is James Wildman's plan for Hearst UK?
James Wildman's plan for Hearst UK is to increase marketshare, Accelerate digital growth and to diversify their revenue to events and partnerships and to also consider acquisitions
6) What percentage ad decline are consumer magazines facing?
10% decline.
7) What Wildman think about premium content and paywalls?
Wildman believes that hearst Communications should charge for premium content, but as of right now they have no plans of setting up paywalls.
8) How has Hearst used diversification to grow the business?
Hearst want to create more events on a yearly basis, they also want to create more merchandise deals with advertisers.
Read this Hearst UK press release for their late 2017 ABC figures.
9) Is Men's Health increasing or decreasing in circulation?
The circulation is increasing.
10) What explanation is provided by Hearst for the success of their magazines in a tough print market?
Hearsts distribution methods are effective, they place their products in places where they are most likely to be read.
The impact of digital media on the print magazines industry
Read this BBC website feature on the print magazine industry and then this Guardian feature on the demise of NME magazine and print magazines in general.
1) Why are traditional print magazines struggling?
The introduction of the internet weakened the magazine industry
2) What genre of magazines is currently bucking the trend and increasing sales? Why is this?
In recent times the political magazine industry has become more popular due to the rise of fake news, the public want to have a reliable source of news to understand whats going on.
3) In contrast, what magazine genres are struggling? Give examples of magazines that have declined or stopped printing altogether.
Celebrity, gossip, music genres have began losing sales e.g.
Now - 21% 87,000
Look - 35%
Closer - 20% 200,000
Grazia 13% 110,00
Heat - 17% 120,000
4) Look at the Guardian article in detail. What statistics are provided to demonstrate the decline in the print magazines industry between 2010 and 2017? What about the percentage decline from 2000?
Uk print titles subscribers fell by 42% from 23.8 Million to 13.9 Million.
5) What percentage of ad revenue is taken by Google and Facebook?
65%
6) What strategies can magazine publishers use to remain in business in the digital age?
The guardian suggested that they begin to create and publish magazines for more niche audiences and to introduce paywalls.
7) Why does the Hearst UK CEO James Wildman suggest that the magazine industry is not dead?
He states that the magazine industry is diverse, and that Hearst Communications have events for their magazines.
8) What examples from the Guardian article are provided to demonstrate how magazines are finding new revenue streams? What is the Men's Health branding used for?
Men's Health create niche magazines that attract fan bases.
9) What signs for optimism might there be for traditional magazine brands?
With the recent issue of fake news, audiences are now looking for brands that they can trust.
10) How does Men's Health fit into this picture? Why do you think Men's Health has remained successful in the digital age? Do you think Men's Health will continue to publish for many years to come? Why?
I do believe that Men's health has remained successful in the digital age, they have diverse content that helps attract a loyal fan base, with how they're doing right now, I do believe that they have the ability to continue publishing for years to come.
The Men's Health website and social media
Visit the Men's Health website, Twitter feed and Instagram. You may need to complete this part of the case study at home if it is blocked in school.
1) What similarities do you notice between the website and the print edition of the magazine?
Both their print and digital magazines contain paid promotions, both mediums also contain the same type of content. Within both mediums, Men's Health still focuses on portraying physically fit celebrities as their main selling point.
2) What is the Men's Health daily newsletter and what does it include? How does this help Hearst UK to make money?
Men's Health daily newsletter provides its viewers with daily tips on physical fitness, along with this the newsletter also contains product placements that their audience may have already seen, incentivizing more purchases. The Men's Health daily newsletter makes Hearst UK money through advertisements and conversions.
3) Look at the menu bar along the top of the website. What are the menu options? What does this suggest about the representation of men and masculinity associated with Men's Health?
All the menu options are heavily focused on the physical appearance of men, this shows that Men's Health still represents masculinity in a very hegemonic way e.g. Muscle, Workouts, style and watches are all menu options while there is not any mentions of any psychological or emotional advice or guidance.
4) Choose one of the menu sections and write a list of the features in that area of the website. What target audience are these features aimed at?
Under the watches menu, there are two articles that show budget watches for their audience along with three articles recommending long lasting watches, this shows that Men's Health watches may be more middle class as these articles are recommending what watches are most worth it for the price, and are also recommending budget watches.
5) Do you think the Men's Health website is trying to sell the print version or simply build a digital audience? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a 'digital first' strategy?
I believe that Men's Health is trying to build a more digital audience instead of trying to sell more print magazines. The main advantage of doing so is that through building a more established website, Men's Health is making their content far more accessible to a bigger audience, this allows Men's Health to garner a more concurrent viewership, this higher viewership allows Men's Health to make more money through adverting. There are two disadvantages although, one being that they are sabotaging their own print products, making them less wanted, and second, Google takes a large cut out of the profit.
6) How does the Men's Health Twitter feed use 'clickbait' to try and get users to click through to the magazine's website? Give examples of tweets that are designed to get the audience to click through.
Some of Men's Health's tweets uses eye catching images that are an incentive to click on the article e.g." 10 exercises you need to get single-digit body fat" .
7) How does the Twitter feed uses images and video content alongside text and links?
The twitter feed uses eye catching images and video to attract new and old audiences towards their website, next to the website or image, Men's Health has the link of the article beside it in the caption, this allows easy access for the audience.
8) What does the Men's Health Instagram suggest about the Men's Health brand? Is this appealing to a similar audience to the print version of the magazine?
Instagram is an image based social media, Men's Health has taken advantage of this and use it to catch the eyes of new and old audiences. While I do believe that this has been done to attract a younger audience, I think due to the similarity of having a eye catchy image can appeal to a similar audience to the print version of the magazine.
9) Is the Men's Health social media designed to sell the print magazine or build a digital audience? Why?
I believe that their social media is designed to build a digital audience; each of their posts on Instagram direct their audience towards their website, they also very rarely promote their magazine on their social media.
10) Evaluate the success of the Men's Health brand online. Does it successfully communicate with its target audience? Will the digital platforms eventually replace the print magazine completely?
Men's Health brand online has proven to be quite successful, due to this success I do believe that they have managed to successfully communicate with their target audience. If this success is to continue, they will replace their print magazines in the future
Mens Health Language and representations
1) Write an analysis of the media language choices on the cover of Men's Health - e.g. colour scheme, typography, language, photographic codes etc.
Colours:
Language:
2) Identify three specific aspects/conventions/important points (e.g. cover lines, colour scheme, use of text, image etc.) from each page 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:
Editor's Letter and contents page:
Feature - True Grit - 'The Marathon Man':
Editors Letter + Contents page
The editor's letter and contents page has direct quotes which play into psychographic groups and also into their intentions as a publisher e.g. "It's from Anglee who says that he has never seen the actor unhappy. I don't know about you but to me that's a real goal" is a clear example of not only an attempt to attract a younger demographic but also an attempt to seem more contemporary.
The marathon man:
Direct connection to men's health through fitness
3) Apply narrative theories to Men's Health - Todorov's equilibrium, Propp's character types, Barthes' action or enigma codes.
Todorov:
starts with disequilibrium - readers unhappiness/lack of fitness
turns into equilibrium through reading Men's Health
Propp:
Reader- Hero or Princess
Bad habbit- Villain
Men's Health - hero or helper or donor
Barthes:
Enigma codes would be the tips and tricks that are mentioned on the front cover, the mention of them may incentivize readers to continue reading the magazine
4) Read the cover lines and the Editor's Letter. Does Men's Health offer a cure for male insecurities or does it create male insecurity?
I believe it actively makes male insecurity by insisting that they are trying to help you solve those insecurities, creating things they need to worry about
5) How does the 'Marathon Man' feature page offer an example of Steve Neale's genre theory concerning 'repetition and difference'?
The only real example I can think of this being an instance of repetition and difference is the nature of the story, the figure is very familiar to us, a fit individual and his experience; but the difference is the fact that he's uniquely old
1) Why is Men's Health defined as a 'lifestyle magazine'?
Men's health is considered as a lifestyle magazine due to the wide variety of topics, each of which concern men, discussed in the magazine.
2) Why is advertising significant in helping to shape masculine identity?
Advertisements help shape masculinity by informing men about what their lifestyle should be and how to achieve that lifestyle through products or services. Advertisements help men understand what it means to be attractive in society.
3) The article suggests that the representation of masculinity in Men's Health is not fixed or natural and is subject to constant change. What media theorists that we have studied previously can be linked to these ideas?
4) What does the article suggest Men's Health encourages its readers to be? What examples and statistics are provided to develop the idea of men as consumers?
The article suggests that Men's Health encourages their audience to make sure they care about their appearances and social lives while also making sure to care about their personal and professional lives; Men's Health also encourages their audiences to active with Men's Health.
5) What representations of the male body can be found in Men's Health?
There are multiple representations of the male body found in Men's Health
6) What does the article suggest regarding the objectification of men?
The article suggests that men are now being objectified for the sole purpose of the "female gaze". Men are also being objectified to sell products to a wider male and even female audience.
7) What is 'metrosexuality' and how can it be applied to Men's Health?
metrosexuality is when a heterosexual often takes place in certain activities that are often linked with heterosexual men or females. Men's Health often takes a metrosexual look at masculinity and tries to promote this ideology with its audience.
8) What representation of men in Men's Health is discussed in the section 'Homogenous bodies'?
Within the Homogenous bodies section, it is discussed that while MH attempts to promote a new masculine ideology, MH does till put extra emphasis on the physical aspect of men and masculinity.
9) What are the conclusions drawn by the article with regards to the representation of masculinity in Men's Health?
The article concludes that Men's Health represents multiple forms of masculinity and tries to promote a brand new, more liberal form of masculinity that can be emotional, that can care about their appearances and use products to help them achieve their wanted appearance.
10) What is your own view of the representation of masculinity in Men's Health? Is it a positive representation that encourages men to the best they can be or is it a hypermasculine, consumer-driven representation designed to undermine men's confidence and objectify their bodies?
I believe that Men's Health encourages metrosexuality through their multiple articles about both mental and physical health, but through these articles I do believe that they have increased insecurities within adults through the objectification of male bodies to help sell products, making them believe that their bodies are not up to par to what society expects from them. Overall I do not believe that their main goal is to promote hypermasculinity, but instead, they are trying to promote a new form of masculinity, but indirectly Men's Health has done the opposite.
Colours:
- Typical masculine colours, blacks, blues and reds
- Combination with the white to try and make a professional look to the magazine
Typography:
- Bold text used often
- Strong text
- Headmast is quite clear
- Title is partially hidden behind Vin diesel
Language:
- Very aggressive language
- Slay etc
- Masculine language
- language helps to reassure readers masculinity
Photography:
- Dominant stance
- Muscles shown, emphasis on masculinity
- Well known actor - Creates familiarity
- Good looking - male/woman gaze
- Medium-long shot
- Shows whole body (apart from feet)
- Done to further show physique
Front cover:
- Main figure: Vin Diesel
- Dominating pose, very masculine
- Cover writings
- Mostly consisted of masculine and authoritative wording, the font used was also very simple but bold, showing the kind of vibe/aesthetic that men's health was going for
- Colour scheme
- Most prominent colours (including background) were white, blue and black; What this showed was an added emphasis to make the magazine as masculine as possible.
Editor's Letter and contents page:
Feature - True Grit - 'The Marathon Man':
Editors Letter + Contents page
The editor's letter and contents page has direct quotes which play into psychographic groups and also into their intentions as a publisher e.g. "It's from Anglee who says that he has never seen the actor unhappy. I don't know about you but to me that's a real goal" is a clear example of not only an attempt to attract a younger demographic but also an attempt to seem more contemporary.
The marathon man:
Direct connection to men's health through fitness
3) Apply narrative theories to Men's Health - Todorov's equilibrium, Propp's character types, Barthes' action or enigma codes.
Todorov:
starts with disequilibrium - readers unhappiness/lack of fitness
turns into equilibrium through reading Men's Health
Propp:
Reader- Hero or Princess
Bad habbit- Villain
Men's Health - hero or helper or donor
Barthes:
Enigma codes would be the tips and tricks that are mentioned on the front cover, the mention of them may incentivize readers to continue reading the magazine
4) Read the cover lines and the Editor's Letter. Does Men's Health offer a cure for male insecurities or does it create male insecurity?
I believe it actively makes male insecurity by insisting that they are trying to help you solve those insecurities, creating things they need to worry about
5) How does the 'Marathon Man' feature page offer an example of Steve Neale's genre theory concerning 'repetition and difference'?
The only real example I can think of this being an instance of repetition and difference is the nature of the story, the figure is very familiar to us, a fit individual and his experience; but the difference is the fact that he's uniquely old
1) Why is Men's Health defined as a 'lifestyle magazine'?
Men's health is considered as a lifestyle magazine due to the wide variety of topics, each of which concern men, discussed in the magazine.
2) Why is advertising significant in helping to shape masculine identity?
Advertisements help shape masculinity by informing men about what their lifestyle should be and how to achieve that lifestyle through products or services. Advertisements help men understand what it means to be attractive in society.
3) The article suggests that the representation of masculinity in Men's Health is not fixed or natural and is subject to constant change. What media theorists that we have studied previously can be linked to these ideas?
4) What does the article suggest Men's Health encourages its readers to be? What examples and statistics are provided to develop the idea of men as consumers?
The article suggests that Men's Health encourages their audience to make sure they care about their appearances and social lives while also making sure to care about their personal and professional lives; Men's Health also encourages their audiences to active with Men's Health.
5) What representations of the male body can be found in Men's Health?
There are multiple representations of the male body found in Men's Health
- exposer of the male anatomy to be observed, admired and consumed.
- Their body should be a machine which needs to be taken care of.
6) What does the article suggest regarding the objectification of men?
The article suggests that men are now being objectified for the sole purpose of the "female gaze". Men are also being objectified to sell products to a wider male and even female audience.
7) What is 'metrosexuality' and how can it be applied to Men's Health?
metrosexuality is when a heterosexual often takes place in certain activities that are often linked with heterosexual men or females. Men's Health often takes a metrosexual look at masculinity and tries to promote this ideology with its audience.
8) What representation of men in Men's Health is discussed in the section 'Homogenous bodies'?
Within the Homogenous bodies section, it is discussed that while MH attempts to promote a new masculine ideology, MH does till put extra emphasis on the physical aspect of men and masculinity.
9) What are the conclusions drawn by the article with regards to the representation of masculinity in Men's Health?
The article concludes that Men's Health represents multiple forms of masculinity and tries to promote a brand new, more liberal form of masculinity that can be emotional, that can care about their appearances and use products to help them achieve their wanted appearance.
10) What is your own view of the representation of masculinity in Men's Health? Is it a positive representation that encourages men to the best they can be or is it a hypermasculine, consumer-driven representation designed to undermine men's confidence and objectify their bodies?
I believe that Men's Health encourages metrosexuality through their multiple articles about both mental and physical health, but through these articles I do believe that they have increased insecurities within adults through the objectification of male bodies to help sell products, making them believe that their bodies are not up to par to what society expects from them. Overall I do not believe that their main goal is to promote hypermasculinity, but instead, they are trying to promote a new form of masculinity, but indirectly Men's Health has done the opposite.
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