GQ - Language and Representation

 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, Special interest and Professional, They link to GQ as they also offer generic fashion advice.

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

Their statement of inspiring men to look modern and attractive would generate a large audience. This audience is targeted through fashion and images which appeal to the male audience who wish to seek status and success.

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

They carefully select their stars in order to ensure that they are relatable to the audience and can carry important messages.

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

Coverlines as they show whats in the magazine at a quick glance, Numbers as they also allow for people to look inside at a quick glance, Puffs which catch the readers eyes, Pull quotes which give inside knowledge and sensationalism which is done on purpose to create a response from the audience.

5) What is a magazine’s ‘house style’? How would you describe GQ’s house style? 

House style refers to the conventional look of magazines and how they are constructed ie their tag lines, cover images, style ect. GQ is written at the top in two contrasting colours which normally slightly overlap the cover image of the person and the tag lines are quite short and snappy.

Extension tasks: Look at the final pages of the magazine factsheet that focus on creating magazine pages for coursework. What can you take from this to help future coursework projects? 

The style of font, size of font and arrangement of tag lines.

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. 

GQ uses black, white and blue throughout the cover which is conventional and consistent with their other magazine covers. The sans serif main flash cover breaks conventions and stereotypes of magazines helping to create a niche look. The use of gelled hair creates a "rockstar" look and feel.

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

 The model Pattinson is a well known established actor and this would attract his fan base who idealise him. The colour scheme reflects gender stereotypes of a male audience and the use of text (sans saerif) targets a niche audience.

Inside pages: Jonathan Bailey feature and fashion shoot

 The low angel shot reveals his dominance and also his confidence and how he has overcame his queer identity. His style is also targetting a niche audience and a classy one at that.

 

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?

Todorov- Starts with a new equilibrium as Pattinson is presented as hyper masculine and aggressive but Bailey would be opposite as he is presented as weak and emotional.

Propps- Pattinson can be seen as the hero but also a villain as shown through his style of punk.

Barthes- Action code of strength and violence through the punk style but also enigma codes through the use of Baileys questionable clothing choice.

Levi-Strauss- Hyper masculinity vs new masculinity.

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

They use the repeated theme of fashion which can be seen throughout the various costume choices.

 

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?

Gauntlett suggests that there is not a decline of masculinity and this can be seen through Pattinson being portrayed as masculine, strong and powerful. Bailey on the other hand would go against this as he would provide a more feminist trait showing how media changes over time.

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

Gender is a construction is Van Zoonens main theory and this can be seen through the use of costume for Pattinson as he is presented in a punk styled outfit which reinforces the idea of hyper masculinity.

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

GQ would subvert this idea as GQ shows Baileys masculinity to be in crisis and reveals him to be quite feminine and insecure.

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

His style and choice of clothing is quite modest, modern and upper class reflecting his masculinity and sexuality as they are unique and special/ he has his own takes on masculinity. The camera angle does place him at a dominant position however the way he poses reveals him to be quite submissive.

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? 

"The new masculinity" is discussed with Pharrel Williams as the main subject. His long coat creates unconventional meanings of masculinity.

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

He wanted to redefine what it meant to be a man and to redefine men's magazines. He didn't  see the existing masculinity as broken but old instead.

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

Conde Nast moved their magazines to a more digital online platform in order to diversify but this meant that they hat to end their Glamours print publication.

4) What did the GQ New Masculinity edition feature? 

It featured the non-binary actor Asia Kate Dillon, NBA player Kevin Love and a rapper Killer Mike.

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

She wrote a book called "For the love of man" and throughout the book masculinity was stated as toxic and was called propagandised.

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

He stated that it he thought it was not a big deal and instead emphasised on a new form of masculinity. He states that previously there were other pictures in which men were having pedicures.

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?

It suggests that masculinity in the early 20th century is much different to how it is now, it sates that back then men were the breadwinners and that emotions were discouraged.

2) What social change occurred from the 1930s?

The UK lost its industrial status and that the status of masculinity severely changed. 

3) What is suggested about masculinity today?

Men are more in tune with their mental health and physical health and men from 16-60 now see more doctors than women do. Even though men still commit more suicides due to the idea that men are not allowed to talk about their emotions.

4) Why does it suggest these changes are important? 

These changes are crucial as mens suicide rates are at an all time high due to the fact that men feel silenced and not allowed to communicate with their feelings.