Vogue - Representation Flashcards
1
Q
How is Malala represented in the cover?
A
- Muslim woman wearing a headscarf on the cover is seen as highly unusual (usually models & celebrities)
- Historically, editors claimed that featuring ethnic minorities on the front cover reduced sales however there wasn’t enough evidence to support this due to the amount of underrepresentation
- Naomi Campbell challenged this systemic racism
- Red outfit, headscarf, nail polish, red lipstick (red = joyous. Muslim cultures, red = celebration, love + marriage)
- Headscarf —> important symbol of her cultural identity (challenges the idea that Muslims are oppressed by the headscarf)
- The soft fabric of the headscarf is gently folded around her shoulders —> elegant + classy look that is iconic and gives it a mythical status, linking with the caption “legend”
- Red lipstick, nail polish & gold jewellery —> comfortable with her new Western British culture
- Graceful positioning of her hands + flow of fabric = expression of femininity and a gesture of modesty. Could suggest the importance of hand gestures in traditional Indian dance
- Light catching her eyes + eye contact with reader = personal, direct & honest connection (Malala is to be trusted) —> encourages us to aspire to be like her
