GQ lang and rep

 Complete the following tasks using Media Factsheet 252 - The Codes and Conventions of Print Magazines available in our Media Factsheet archive here. Answer the following questions:

1) What are the different magazine genres highlighted on page 2 and how do they link to our magazine CSPs?

General Interest: This category of magazine focuses on a wide range of topics and is published for a larger readership to deliver information in a general way.

Special Interest: These publications cater to certain interests and provide in-depth information on a particular subject.

Professional- A magazine for professionals. a magazine authored and published by a profession's regulatory body.

2) Look at the section on GQ on page 2. How do they suggest that GQ targets its audience?

GQ appeals to their audience (guys) by appealing to their intelligence and desires for cultural information, as well as by focusing on fashion and image. Politics, technology, and trends are all covered in the journal. It works with eminent authors and specialists on a wide range of subjects that appeal to activators, achievers, and seekers.

3) What does the factsheet say about GQ cover stars?

'GQ selects their cover stars very carefully. For example in the December 2022 edition, they chose Marcus Rashford, a Manchester United footballer, however they anchored him with the coverline of 'Campaigner of the Year' His high-profile criticism of the government about stopping free school meals during the pandemic and his charity work in this area would appeal to achievers because they value the “fruits of hard work.” The image has also been shot and styled to accentuate a stylish persona.'

4) Pick out five of the key conventions of magazine front covers and explain what they communicate to an audience.

-Puffs are placed in the left- or right-hand corners to draw the reader's attention, frequently inside a visual element (for example, "4 Easy, Sexy Spring Dos" inside a blue ball). The emphasis on sex, fashion, and appearance is typical for a magazine with a mainstream lifestyle interest. These resemble Pugs, also referred to as the magazine's ears, which are informational tidbits in the upper corners of pages that contain buzzwords.

-For maximum effect, the magazine name, or "Masthead," is shown at the top in a sans serif font style.

Language: CSP analysis

1) Write a summary of our annotations on the media language choices on the cover of GQ - e.g. colour scheme, typography, language, photographic codes etc.

Unconventional, subversive reputation of masculinity, punk rock aspect in the mise en scène. 

- The colour scheme of the backdrop and text is blue on black, which is often associated with masculinity.- Neale: "Repetition + difference" in genre theory. 

In order to produce a sleek, contemporary image, cover lines have traditionally used sans serif typography with an ink impression. 

Robert Pattinson, the actor well known for Twilight, is a cover star who embodies Will Welch's philosophy of a "New Masculinity": traditional masculine role (male lead, sex symbol)  

2) Identify three specific aspects/conventions/important points (e.g. cover lines, colour scheme, use of text, image etc.) from each page/feature 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: Robert Pattinson image - Art & Fashion issue

Inside pages: Jonathan Bailey feature and fashion shoot

 

3) Apply narrative theories to GQ - Todorov's equilibrium, Propp's character types, Barthes' action or enigma codes, Levi-Strauss's binary opposition. How can we use narrative to understand the way the cover and features have been constructed?

The opening establishes the mystery of the story and introduces Bailey as an example of GQ's 'New Masculinity' identity philosophy.Levi-Strauss' binary opposition demonstrates the various features featured in the GQ magazine. Although the magazine's front cover may have a much more punk-styled feel, you soon find sources that have a much more feminine feel.

4) Analyse the cover and inside pages of GQ. Does this offer an example of Steve Neale's genre theory concerning 'repetition and difference'?

According to Steve Neale, repetition and difference are crucial to the genre's economics. This is demonstrated in the GQ CSP by the magazine's front cover, which is out of character for GQ. 

Representations: applying theory

We have already covered many relevant theories in our work on Advertising and Marketing (for example, David Gauntlett's writing on Media, Gender and Identity). We now need to apply these theories and ideas to GQ and specifically the CSP pages allocated by AQA.

1) How can Gauntlett's ideas on masculinity, gender and identity be applied to the GQ CSP pages we have analysed?

One of Gauntlett's concepts was that things change over time, which is evident in the GQ magazine covers. The idea of "new masculinity" is reinforced on the pages of GQ, particularly in the Jonathan Bailey feature, with unconventional nature backgrounds, poses, and clothing, as well as the fact that when he was younger, he took dance lessons, which is an unusual hobby for a young boy. This might also relate to Gauntlett's concept that as men behave and appear less like stereotypical men, identities are becoming more fluid. 

2) How could van Zoonen's work on feminist and gender theory be applied to GQ? Does the magazine challenge or reinforce these ideas?

The blue and black colour scheme, the direct mode of address, the aggressive and challenging expression, and the fact that Robert Pattinson is best known for his role as the male lead and was viewed as a sex symbol in "Twilight" are all conventional masculine symbols that support van Zoonen's contention that the media plays a critical role in establishing gender roles and the dominance of patriarchal ideologies

3) Does bell hooks's work on 'corrosive masculinity' apply to GQ? 

Bell Hook's work on destructive masculinity cannot be applicable to GQ because they have a more feminist stance in their magazine, "new masculinity," where unusual methods are employed and men are portrayed as more feminine than hypermasculine. 

4) How does the Jonathan Bailey feature represent masculinity and sexuality? 

Bailey is an actor who is openly gay and stands for GQ's "New Masculinity." Bailey is introduced in the feature's start as a representative of GQ's 'New Masculinity' approach to identity. Natural background; non-traditionally manly appearance. Low-angle photography is typically seen as more masculine, although body language subverts this. The term "queer anthems" Stereotypes of traditional hypermasculinity are challenged by representations of sexuality and identity. Masculinity in popular culture; "you never really got behind the men"; "or know why they're avoidant and toxic"


Representations: wider reading - GQ and the new masculinity

Read this CNN feature on how GQ is redefining masculinity and answer the following questions:

1) Which GQ issue is discussed at the start of the article and what was notable about it? 

looking at a picture of Pharrell Williams in GQ magazine. A lemon yellow Moncler coat that extends way past the Grammy winner's feet is on him. It resembles a lily flower in bloom that is upside down. His face is softly expressionless, his hands are clutched at his chest, and the overlay text reads "The New Masculinity Issue."

2) How did Will Welch view GQ when he took over as Editor-in-Chief and what did he want to offer readers? 

He is struggling in his leadership position not only with the media industry's shifting terrain but also with fresh viewpoints on men and masculinity.

3) How has publisher Conde Nast responded to changes in the magazine industry and how did this impact GQ?

Condé Nast, the parent company of GQ and a magazine juggernaut, has been attempting to recover losses by slashing costs and reshaping its business for the digital era under the direction of former Pandora boss Roger Lynch.

4) What did the GQ New Masculinity edition feature? 

The actor Asia Kate Dillon, NBA star Kevin Love, rapper Killer Mike, and others are included in a package titled "Voices of the New Masculinity" that is hosted by journalist Nora Caplan-Bricker. There is a beauty area with pictures of Billy Idol and males wearing glitter cosmetics.

5) What did journalist Liz Plank say about toxic masculinity?

"Masculinity wasn't something that was instinctive or intrinsic, no matter where I turned," the author says. "It was meticulously learned, gently imparted, and purposefully propagandised. There were toxic masculinities all throughout the world. I noticed it all over.

6) How did Welch respond to suggestions GQ was responsible for toxic masculinity?

When asked if GQ contributed to the perpetuation of toxic masculinity, Welch quickly rejected the idea. It's not as if GQ was bad before I took over. That is clearly not the case, he declared.

Finally, read this short GQ feature on masculinity and answer the following questions:

1) What does the article suggest masculinity involved at the start of the 20th century?

'At the dawn of the twentieth century, the idea of masculinity was simple – it stood for all the solid, earthy expectations of boys and men: strength, independence, courage, confidence and assertiveness.'

2) What social change occurred from the 1930s?

In favour of a deindustrialized economy centred on offices, the UK lost its industrialization heavyweight status in the 1930s, along with the macho status associated with physical labour occupations. Naturally, conference calls, Post-it notes, and group huddle meetings didn't work with the traditional idea of what masculinity should be. But it served as a reminder to society that something needed to change. Change is also taking place.

3) What is suggested about masculinity today?

Anyone who believes they cannot express their feelings or even a tenderness, whether they are boys or men, needs to be re-educated on what it is to be a man. Having a vulnerable side is not a sign of weakness or shame. It is shrewd. 

4) Why does it suggest these changes are important? 

Suicide remains the leading cause of death in men under the age of 45 years. That’s three times higher than rates in women, with 84 men losing their life a week.