Huck - Teenage Utopia analysis Flashcards
TEENAGE UTOPIA - Positioning of headline, standfirst, pull quotes/sidebars, columns, images
The headline is to the left of the article and is vertical, defying the normalities of having the headline at the top and central of the article. It means that the audience absorb the image of the skaters sat at the skatepark, with the camera positioned behind them. This sets the tone for the article, one of which is inclusive and calm, as seen in this image. There are no pull quotes which could be symbolic of the lockdown and social media blackout, where the people in Brussels were not allowed to have an opinion, and where told what to do.
TEENAGE UTOPIA - Font size, type, colour etc.
Work utopia has links to communism and marxism which has links to Huck and their ideas of a peaceful loving mainstream society. The colour on the word Utopia has the normal font on the rest of the article but has a secondary layer which is hand written and a different colour. It fits with the whole aesthetic of graffiti which goes around skate parks fitting with their millennial target audience. Article is broken up into different paragraphs spread around the page. They have done this to show different stories from different people.
TEENAGE UTOPIA - Images/photographs (shot type, angle, focus)
- The images are large, impactful and depict the setting of the skate park - there’s multiple action shots within the article showing photographer integration within the community - brings more realism and feels less set up.
- The photos are quite obstructive and take up most of the pages.
- A variety of angles and shot types could reflect the wide variety of people who attend the skate park and come together through the medium of skating - a diverse hub where “minorities” within the community can be together in a place where they fit in
- The photos are at angles that make the subject of the photo look strong and bold
- A lot of wide shots used so both show the people who are focused on in the article and to show the urban location which they are situated and live in
- There is only one image of the soldiers in the whole article which could emphasise the little impact that they are having on the skating teenagers. The image is also slightly ironic as it shows a man crouching down in front and taking a photo of the soldier, further showing that the soldiers aren’t completely fulfilling their job and that there are people who are still going about their daily business.
TEENAGE UTOPIA - Mise-en-scene - colour, lighting, location, costume/dress as appropriate
In the photo of all the skaters sitting at the skatepark on top of the ramps is looking over their shoulders at the rest of the scene. The image looks like two different scenes from the skatepark to the rest of the city, its like you have the mainstream idea of brussels (mainstream society) and the skate park being defiance (the rebels and the people who go against social norms). This links to the who idea of the issue being about people who are defiant in society. The half of the image where they are sat in looks more creative and interesting (which links to the ideologies of the audience) VS the rest of the city which looks more dull and mainstream through the lack of people and the ‘normal buildings’ (unlike the skatepark which is covered in spray paint)
In all the different photo’s there are a variety of different colours used throughout. An example of this is the graffiti that is shown in most of the pictures. This creates are warm and welcoming atmosphere which is likely to be present in the skatepark as people of all cultures come along to have fun. This challenges the norm as in society these people do not always mix as people are often hostile towards other societies which is shown not to be present in the Brussel’s skatepark.
In the images the clothing of all of the teenagers is ‘edgy’ as they are part of an alternative subculture. This also links to the idea of defiance as they are going against the ‘normal’ mainstream clothing you would see day to day. However fatima matches the clothing for her culture but still associates herself with the skatepark culture.
TEENAGE UTOPIA - Anchorage of images and text
The wide range of images used within the article anchors the reader into read the text. This is because the images include the teenagers at a skatepark, military soldiers and as well as a hijab girl skating. This might anchor the reader in to read the article because these images divert the stereotypes set up by society. This article would not be seen in mainstream media as these people divert the stereotype of teenagers that skate which is the stereotype of white, lower boys associated with crime as where as in huck magazine they have been represented in a more positive way and are being shown to be defiant.
TEENAGE UTOPIA - Mode of address (direct/indirect; formal/informal)
Talks directly to the reader. This makes the reader feel more engaged and it’s as though they’re talking directly with them.
Written like a story because it is very descriptive e.g. ‘we watch the trains wind between the tall glass towers, like glittering snakes,…’ This brings it more alive to the audience as they know every little detail of what the reporter is looking at. Although it also makes it seem almost imaginary which contrasts to the fact that this is really happening in the world.
The language in the article is formal, which implies that the subject of the article is to be taken seriously.
TEENAGE UTOPIA - Specific devices e.g. emotive language, rhetorical questions, hyperbole, use of fact/statistics
There is a use of the rhetorical question, “ is a lack of integration leading to radicalised teens?” Could be suggesting that these teenagers want more freedom and have a different political views and are going against the government’s decision about having most places on ‘lock down’. They do this by going and and doing what they love by skateboarding and doing what they please by having freedom and not being controlled. The use of the fact and statistic, “ After November’s Paris attack in which 130 people died, Makes the public think about the political decisions the the government have made and why Brussels are deploying more military personnel to prevent more attacks happening.
TEENAGE UTOPIA - Narrative established
The combination of the text and images links to defiance and the overall narrative of the whole magazine. It covers people defying the norm, such as a muslim girl who is skating, going against the norm and defying stereotypes of religion. She also moved to Belgium to study at university, again not the social expectation to go and get further education. Furthermore, some think the hijab links to oppression, however she expresses that it is her freedom and her choice. The skaters are going against the oppression of the lockdown and are deciding to not be afraid. Defying lockdown culture- large military presence in the city giving us the idea that it isn’t safe and to stay indoor and the soldiers will protect them. However, they go skate and defy this. The soldiers look intimidating, however the muslims are warm, friendly and making connections with each other. Subversion of stereotypes. Rami’s parents are muslim however he is an atheist.- going against his family and how he was raised.
