2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?

The music genres my magazine focuses mainly on are soul and R ‘n’ B. My magazine does include elements of other genres e.g. gospel and rap however, soul and R ‘n’ B are the key themes.

The models on my front cover are represented as typical males in the soul and R ‘n’ B industry. They are both wearing t-shirts that show off their arms and their abs. Thus conveying their strength, boldness and sexiness (women will be the ones who will tend to think this). The model on the right is wearing a white Bape G- shock watch which is popular in the rap, gangster community. Expensive looking Rolex watches are also famous too. Famous names like Kanye West, Drake, and Jay Z are amongst the countless artists that own some. The model on the right is also wearing chains ‘bling’ and an earring (which is not evident in the image) whilst the other model sports an arm chain. The jewellery the models are wearing connotes both affluence and status. What's more, the model also holds onto his belt drawing more attention to the fact that it is designer (the prestigious Dolce&Gabbana) and therefore most likely expensive. Valuables like this are common on artists featured in music magazines especially hip-hop, R ‘n’ B and other similar genres as these are the sort of accessories they tend to wear. Thus insinuating people that are followers of these music genres see wealth as important and aspire to get it.

The way my models are posing shows they are confident and certain of whom they are and this is how males in the R ‘n’ B industry tend to be represented as hard.

Noticeably, they are not as extravagantly and luxuriously dressed up as famous celebrities but I believe they do depict the genre of music I was going for. Also the overall simplicity of their dressing mirrors the subtle and simple look I was going for with my magazine.

On my contents page, I have also used the same models but they are striking different poses. I used the same models (the soulful, R ‘n’ B duo ‘Males II Men’) to communicate the idea that my magazine was a Valentine’s Day special but also a Males II Men tribute.

The picture at the top is of one of the pair leaning to one side, lifting his t-shirt up so that some of his packs are on show. This is a seductive pose that is clearly aimed at the ladies. This was done deliberately as some women will buy the magazine just to get a good look at the good looking guys’ body. The free posters inclusive were definitely aimed mostly at my female audience.  

                                     

The picture I placed in the centre was done as I like the image and the lighting. Also I included it to symbolise the togetherness of the duo (who are meant to be brothers). They are both pointing at the camera and this pose is quite ‘gangster’ but could also appeal to the females as well as it may be perceived as sexy.

This image at the bottom is of the second young artist. His pose is

different to his brothers however he also leans to one side (the

opposite side to his partner). He has on a black coat that he opens

and he also appears to be biting his bottom lip also in a manner that many females may find flirtatious.