the big issue - representation

Question 1

front page representation

Answer 1

the inclusion of special thanks to the ‘Thousands and Thousands of Vendors!’ acknowledges the part they have played in the success of The Big Issue - represents them as hardworking - recognizes the importance of vendors more boldly (they are highlighted in all capitals and in bright yellow) than the list of celebrities and politicians above them

Question 2

how are the homeless represented?

Answer 2

in a positive/sympathetic light - personal stories
but honest (not idealised) - discussing struggles, but how they have overcome them

Question 3

grayson perry representation

Answer 3

• representation is countertypical as it shows man comfortable with expressing his more feminine creative side by wearing dresses and makeup
• more diverse rep of masculinity not seen in mainstream media

Question 4

grayson perry representation in interview

Answer 4

painted as a plain, working class family man, and the interview almost nonchalantly normalizes his behaviour which other publications may have positioned as ‘othering’ or bizzare - does not focus on Grayson Perry’s transvestitism

Question 5

how is gender represented?

Answer 5

creates the idea of celeb man being role models and top of their field - ‘legend’ ‘modfather’ powerful

Question 6

donato (vendor rep)

Answer 6

he represents the homeless in a different light to how the media normally present them - contributes to the subversion of stereotypes of the homeless, as the expectations are of young males inexperienced in life, and unwilling to work

donato is happy and thankful of the opportunities afforded to him by The Big Issue, his ‘triumph over adversity’ tale truly personalizes the larger plight of the magazine

Question 7

moving on & representation

Answer 7

multitude of representations of ex-vendors who have carved out careers for themselves since their period of selling The Big Issue adorn this 3 page feature – all subverting the associations usually attached to the stereotype of the homeless or the impoverished, that they are lazy etc

Question 8

marvina newton representation

Answer 8

CEO of a Youth Charity dressed to impress in a red sleeveless dress (connoting assertiveness, raw energy and passion), wearing a range of brightly coloured jewelry (neckless & earrings) perhaps reflecting her heritage, whilst reinforcing her confident demeanour which is supported by a colourful mise-en-scene – reflecting the youthful emphasis of the charity she promotes

Question 9

‘no soggy bottoms’ representation

Answer 9

dispelling any myths generated by the misrepresentation or under-representation of the homeless this image firmly positions the two vendors in the workplace - subverts work-shy stereotype

Question 10

gauntlett identity theory

Answer 10

varied and diverse issues of tranvestism, females of all colours and ages, representation of vulnerable males, etc - many people can relate and construct their identities from those represented

Question 11

van zoonen feminsit theory

Answer 11

women are presented as strong, independent and promoting equality, rather than objectified/domesticized

Question 12

bell hooks feminist theory

Answer 12

marvina - CEO
evidence of challenging of sexist norm throughout the magazine – in relation to homelessness not discriminating gender
evidence of the diversity in intersections between class (politicians/impoverished), race and age in articles and adverts