Elements of representation
Selection and combination of issues,
events, social groups and individuals
Choices about representation
The positive and negative use of
stereotypes
The Big Issue “Migrant British Icon, One Of Us”
• Issues: Migrants/migration (uses Paddington Bear to make us realise that fictional
migrants are accepted in films so why isn’t this the case in reality?)
• Events: the release of Paddington 2, UK leaving the EU and the affect that has on
immigration
• Social groups: Slight reference to the dominant group (Houses of Parliament is visible
in the background suggesting that politicians are accountable for the decisions
influencing the rules of immigration)
• Individuals: Paddington Bear
The use of political satire (as if Paddington Bear has visited London to talk to politicians
about immigration by making Paddington the centre of the image) suggests that The Big
Issue has chosen to represent Paddington Bear as a heroic figure which not only reflects
the appeal to the social and political interests of its audience (as if the audience should
act like Paddington Bear), but it also demonstrates the magazine’s values.
Paddington Bear is represented in a positive manner as he has direct address with the
audience which creates a welcoming environment. This notion is further emphasized
through his facial expressions as he is smiling which invites the audience to read the
magazine. He is also in the foreground whereas key London attractions, such as Big Ben
and The Houses of Parliament, are in the background which highlights his importance
however, this may distract the audience from fearing over what may happen surrounding
the issue of immigration within the UK.
Elements of representation
Social groups who are under- or
misrepresented
Impacts of industry contexts on
choices producers can make
How the media, through
representation, construct versions of
reality
The Big Issue “Migrant British Icon, One Of Us”
By focusing the front cover on Paddington Bear, it makes the magazine feel very
welcoming as if anybody can access it no matter what class, age, gender, ethnicity,
disability or sexuality. However, you could argue that due to the issue being focused on
immigration, disability groups are less represented (for example)
The puff being shaped as a label for a letter is quite old-fashioned which could not only
reflect the long running succession of the magazine but also, emphasise that this
business has evolved from the streets by vendors (without the use of online distribution).
Also, the use of an illustration in the background makes the magazine stand out from
mainstream magazines.
The use of Paddington Bear being in London constructs an unusual version of “reality”
(even though this is the normal reality in the Paddington films). In constructing this
version of ‘reality’, the producers can make Paddington look superior in comparison to
London (as a whole) which invites readers to question Parliament’s decisions on
immigration
Elements of representation
How representations make claims
about realism
The Big Issue “Migrant British Icon, One Of Us”
Through the use of the Paddington style typography of the main cover line “Migrant
British Icon, One Of Us” – it almost makes Paddington seem he has more power over the
government which almost makes them seem they are being belittled by him.
Furthermore, the fact the streetlamp is glowing above Paddington’s head creates a halo
effect suggesting he is hero-like.