Language & Images
Media Studies: Eduqas GCSE, topic 2.11.3
Language and Images
The Guardian uses language and images to connect with the readers and create viewpoints.
Work-based sitcoms
- The images on the left-hand side of the skyline show scenes from work-based sitcoms:
- The IT Crowd.
- The Office (UK).
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
- The images show iconic moments from the respective series.
Relatable factor
- The images from the work-based sitcoms display an array of situations.
- For example, office troubles, office romances, and office friendships.
- The display of office situations makes The Guardian seem relatable.
- The images attract the audience's attention by reflecting their tastes.
Unflattering images
- It is a common trope in newspapers that they will select unflattering pictures of individuals.
- Newspapers often select unflattering pictures of individuals they disagree with.
- The unflattering images can unconsciously make the reader pre-judge the individual before reading the article.
Image of Boris Johnson
The Guardian featured an unflattering image of Boris Johnson to cast him in a negative light.
Boris Johnson
- Accompanying the splash is a long shot of former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.
- In the picture, Johnson is out on a jog in the early hours of the morning with his dog.
Clothes
- Boris Johnson is wearing an assortment of mismatched clothes:
- A Network Rail beanie.
- A dark blue jumper.
- Multi-colour, spotted shorts.
- Dirty trainers.
- Boris Johnson is facing toward the left-hand side of the frame, moving away from the photographer.
- The photo caught Boris Johnson in a candid moment.
Bias
- The picture of Boris Johnson is the greatest demonstration of the paper’s bias.
- The picture was taken on 17th January 2022.
- The mismatched outfit draws connotations that Boris Johnson himself is uncoordinated.
- This is relevant to the fact that he was being accused of mishandling aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Everyday person
- The picture of Boris Johnson puts him on the level of an 'everyday person'.
- The picture draws connotations that Johnson's status can’t protect him.
- The picture is taken in the early hours of the morning while it is still dark.
- The low-key lighting casts Boris Johnson in a negative light, as though he is ‘evil’.
Test yourself on Language & Images
What situations do the work-based sitcoms display?
What type of TV show does the skyline in The Guardian feature?
What is Boris Johnson wearing in the picture accompanying the splash?
What activity is Boris Johnson doing in the picture accompanying the splash?