GQ: Language & Representation

 Language: Media factsheet

1) What are the different magazine genres highlighted on page 2 and how do they link to our magazine CSPs?

Cars are related to the CSP in that both magazine categories feature the aspect of style.

2) Look at the section on GQ on page 2. How do they suggest that GQ targets its audience?

They appeal to their audience through pictures and glamour while also sharing their cultural expertise. They work with writers who can speak to audiences who fit the psychographics activators.

3) What does the factsheet say about GQ cover stars?

Their major subject will be something that is now occurring in the present moment and world, and they will use taglines to connect that to what they are doing and their intended objective.

4) Pick out five of the key conventions of magazine front covers and explain what they communicate to an audience.

Numbers, Main Coverline, Masthead, Covellines, Pull Quotes.

5) What is a magazine’s ‘house style’? How would you describe GQ’s house style? 

The unique look of the magazine is called the house style. With diverse metallic colours like gold and silver, GQ's fashion would be incredibly clean and business like.

Language: CSP analysis

1) Write a summary of our annotations on the media language choices on the cover of GQ - e.g. colour scheme, typography, language, photographic codes etc. 

The main flash cover's sans serif line defies expectations by reflecting a niche or artistic style. This problem is the fashion problem, which is shown by Pattinson, a famous actor and artist, and his choice of clothing and makeup. The usage of gelled-up or unkempt hair conveys a rockstar vibe. 

2) Identify three specific aspects/conventions/important points (e.g. cover lines, colour scheme, use of text, image etc.) from each page/feature of the CSP that you could refer to in a future exam. Explain why that particular aspect of the CSP is important - think about connotations, representations, audience pleasures, reception theory etc.

The viewer gets drawn in by the rhetorical question and is compelled to read the magazine to get the answer. The reader will feel more of a personal connection to the publication thanks to the direct form of address. The audience will pay attention to the main topic image because of the odd wardrobe choice.

3) Apply narrative theories to GQ - Todorov's equilibrium, Propp's character types, Barthes' action or enigma codes, Levi-Strauss's binary opposition. How can we use narrative to understand the way the cover and features have been constructed?

We can use Todorov's idea of equilibrium, with the disequilibrium representing his past struggles and the new equilibrium representing his coming out and current state of extreme happiness.

4) Analyse the cover and inside pages of GQ. Does this offer an example of Steve Neale's genre theory concerning 'repetition and difference'?

Fashion, style, and the use of well-known celebrities define the genres of GQ and other magazines. Through the usage of Robert Pattinson and Jonathan Bailey and their outfits, they use repetition of the trend and celebrities.  

Representations: applying theory

1) How can Gauntlett's ideas on masculinity, gender and identity be applied to the GQ CSP pages we have analysed?

The fact that Jonathan comes out as queer might refer to both gender and identity, as well as how he eventually arrived to this point. Given that Jonathan recognised who he was, this can also help Gauntlett's the idea that masculinity is not in crisis. 

2) How could van Zoonen's work on feminist and gender theory be applied to GQ? Does the magazine challenge or reinforce these ideas?

According to GQ, males can adopt a more "new" masculine style attitude that has more feminist characteristics. Jonathan Bailey has a more metrosexual attitude, demonstrating how society has shaped his personality.

3) Does bell hooks's work on 'corrosive masculinity' apply to GQ? 

No, because GQ has adopted a "new masculinity" stance and portrays the feminised side of masculinity, such as heterosexual men, due to the fashion-related nature of the publication. 

4) How does the Jonathan Bailey feature represent masculinity and sexuality? 

Johnathan Baliely is also a man who has come out, which is uncommon in men since many feel the need to keep silent. This may give the impression that he is more manly because he has truly addressed the issue in public.

Representations: wider reading - GQ and the new masculinity

1) Which GQ issue is discussed at the start of the article and what was notable about it? 

The writer questioned whether GQ was still a man's magazine because of his long Moncler coat and his joined hands. 

2) How did Will Welch view GQ when he took over as Editor-in-Chief and what did he want to offer readers? 

He claims that he felt the need to "redefine the magazine and what it could be" and how we wanted the publication to support "personal evolution".

3) How has publisher Conde Nast responded to changes in the magazine industry and how did this impact GQ?

Conde Nast has moved their magazines on to more online platforms and they ended Glamours print publication.

4) What did the GQ New Masculinity edition feature?

It showed Pharrell Williams wearing a massive Moncler coat that, in their opinion, resembles a lily flower about to bloom, with the caption The New Masculinity Issue placed on it. 

5) What did journalist Liz Plank say about toxic masculinity?

She claims in her book For The Love Of Man that toxic masculinity was delicately transmitted and intentionally propagandised everywhere she went. 

6) How did Welch respond to suggestions GQ was responsible for toxic masculinity?

When questioned if GQ had contributed to the persistence of toxic masculinity, he swiftly rejected the idea, saying It's not like GQ was harmful until I took over.

Finally, read this short GQ feature on masculinity and answer the following questions:

1) What does the article suggest masculinity involved at the start of the 20th century?

All males were expected to possess characteristics like strength, independence, courage, confidence, and aggressiveness.  Men did all the labour work and were the primary providers of income.

2) What social change occurred from the 1930s?

The UK no longer maintains the industrialization heavy weight status that was once associated with the job description of manual labour.

3) What is suggested about masculinity today?

Men actively pursue self care and are more accustom to it. Men between the ages of 16 and 60 visit their doctors more often than women. There has been a change in how men behave when it comes to their mental health, but more men continue to commit suicide.

4) Why does it suggest these changes are important? 

Due to the fact that males aren't supposed to express their emotions, the suicide rate for men is higher than that of women, with 84 men taking their own lives every day. These changes are crucial in order to encourage both our hard and soft features as well as better health and happiness.