Levi Strauss Analysis Task

 Levi Strauss Analysis Task

The cover of the Daily Mail effectively establishes a binary opposition between Queen Elizabeth and Meghan Markle, emphasizing their contrasting representations. The photos of both figures are strategically placed on opposite sides of the paper, with the Queen looking directly at the reader with a relaxed, friendly smile, while Meghan appears to look away with a “mocking” expression. This initial juxtaposition suggests a deliberate distancing between the two, thus reinforcing the narrative that the Queen is correlated to virtue and duty, whereas Meghan is depicted as arrogant and self-serving. The use of these images is utilized to guide readers to perceive the Queen as a benevolent figure and Meghan as someone whose words should be approached with caution.

The banner headline further confirms this division, presenting the Queen as the 'hero' and Meghan as the 'villain.' By stating that "Duty Means Everything," the headline implies a moral superiority for the Queen, aligning her with values of service and loyalty that strongly relates with a traditional British audience (justified in the sub headline “Queen tells commonwealth...”). In contrast, the framing of Meghan suggests that she doesn't give as much effort to these values, positioning her as disloyal to the royal family. This narrative structure not only captures readers' attention but also leads them to favor the Queen’s perspective over Meghan’s, meaning they would rather stick with their existing beliefs.

 

Again, the sub-headline plays a crucial role in highlighting the conflict within the royal family while simultaneously highlighting the Queen's unwavering commitment to duty. The word choice suggests that Meghan's experiences are invalidated, thereby painting her as 'fake' and lacking appreciation for 'real service.' The language used in the sub headline changes the readers' perceptions, making them more likely to sympathize with the Queen's message and view Meghan's claims as complaints (new generation) rather than legitimate grievances (old generation).Moreover, The anchoring text accompanying the images further distinguishes their approaches: the Queen is portrayed as formally addressing the public, while Meghan is described as merely "speaking out," which implies a lack of seriousness and responsibility in her stance.

 

Ultimately, the Guardian’s frontpages’ encodes the construction of binary oppositions through its banner headline, sub-headlines, and visual elements, presenting a clear narrative that aligns with the values of its right-wing audience. The simplification of complex issues into easily identifiable characters, where the Queen represents honor and duty and Meghan signifies disloyalty, encourages readers to side with the 'good person' in the story. This not only reflects the social and cultural beliefs of the readership but also underscores the media's role in shaping public perception through selective representation and language.

PRACTICE BRIEF TWO: CODES AND CONVENTIONS RESEARCH + USING FOUND IMAGES

 

https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/practice-brief-two-codes-and-conventions-research-using-found-images-5f1f/272249080

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