Sunday 26 February 2023

Adbusters analysis: the 'feet and legs' double page spread

Task 1 - feet/legs double page spread analysis [50 minutes-ish]

You can find the set edition of Adbusters by clicking here. For this first task, you only need to look at the feet/legs (red soles are so in season) double page spread. For task 2, you will also be looking the front cover, with the shouting man

Copy paste these rambling questions and then answer them in your blog with reference to media language. Why? Because it will get you marks in your mini mock...

  • How are representations of ethnicity constructed? List at least three aspects of mise en scene that construct representations of ethnicity. What messages about ethnicity are constructed? How are black people represented? How are white people represented? How does this make you feel?
  • How do these representations reflect the industry context/ ideology of Adbusters? Adbusters is an unconventional magazine, targeting an audience who are interested in political activism. What can audiences DO with this double page spread?
  • How is the audience positioned in relation to these representations? Where ARE we? Do we want to be there? What aspects of media language (THINK: SHOT TYPE!) position us? How does this make us feel?
  • What are Loubitons? Google it! What do you think this brand will feel about having their brand name and logo featured in this way?
  • How can Stuart Hall’s ideas be applied to these pages? What function do stereotypes play?

Task 2 - mini-mock - to what extent does the set edition of Adbusters construct complex and challenging representations? [25 minutes-ish]


Write three point, evidence, argument paragraphs about the front cover feet/legs double page spread using all the information you have, answering the above question

HINT ONE - There are two main ways to answer this one:


1) Adbusters presents complex, troubling representations of ethnicity and gender in order to challenge it's audience

or

2) Adbusters presents a simple and straightforward representation of ethnicity and gender in order to shock it's target audience

HINT TWO - The following theories are very helpful:


1) Semiotics (codes)

and

2) Structuralism (binary oppositions)

and 

3) Van Zoonen (feminism)

and

4) Hall (representation and stereotypes)

Please note you don't need to use ALL these theories. It depends on your answer!

HINT THREE - you can find some exemplar answers by clicking here!

HINT FOUR - use media language. Media language gets you marks. It's that simple!


Remember, as long as you make reference to media language, you can present your own point of view in the exam. And Adbusters is absolutely begging you to come up with a point of view! So use this mini-mock as an excuse to discuss your own opinion of Adbusters so far!

[Instructions for Michael's classes: this VERY short exam task will be used to help me form a progress grade. I will grade your answer directly from your blog on Monday 6th March at 9am. I cannot find your response you will receive a U. Because we've just started Adbusters I will be very lenient. So give it a go, and see what happens!]