Analysis of language in MOJO and BBC Magazines

Make judgements and draw conclusions about how far the media language is used differently to fit different kinds of music. (15)

The media language in each magazine is used differently to the extent that they cater to different audiences expecting content and therefore matching themes of different music.

Mojo uses media language to convey the dramatic contrast of 'The Cure' to modern societal norms, using contrasting colour palettes and high exposure to exaggerate the bright, luminous white from the star's appearance, appealing to older generations in the familiarity of the difference and individuality rock-stars from MOJO brought to music. 'The Cure' appear as eccentrically iconic figures alongside their music - using contrary gothic makeup, paired with figured, dense black hair. Mojo circles this appearance with puffs and side-titles in complementary yet contrary colours to focus on the star's face, in order to bring attention to the distinguishably different look which makes up their appearing persona on the magazine - Mojo's trademark of framing the front-cover star in a serious, respectful light.

Whereas the BBC's classical music magazine uses media language to convey muted, traditional and simple tones that are associated with the genre of music, and may appeal to yet older generations than the audience of MOJO, who enjoy the appeal of soft palettes which don't overwhelm or overexaggerate the 'legendary legacy' of the subject. The layout does not circle the front-cover star, but is minimalist and informative, rather than anticipating and performative like MOJO - because the target also want familiar styles of music, but more for the content of the subject rather than the relatability and identity of the fandom surrounding the subject, like MOJO fans. However, the use of a younger musician adds diversity in the target audience, and represents a new generation of classical artists - allowing the reader to anticipate and expect new music, rather than hailing the legendary old music, again like MOJO fans.

In conclusion, MOJO and BBC magazines use media language to cater to different target audiences, and appeal to the expectation of the subject the audience is shown on the cover. It is used differently to the extent that MOJO uses the context of older stars to show them 'in their prime', and speak of their achievements, to install hope and relatability in the reader, whereas BBC music uses the context of the genre of classical music to bring newer faces and a new generation to install anticipation and expectation in the reader.

Social and Cultural Contexts in the Observer 1960's

 Representation of women:

Lingerie and clothing ads - representing the context of housewives caring about clothes and luxuries as men went out to work most of the day. Also represents women as sexual objects and as performers of beauty and pleasure rather than having actual thoughts, as the women presented in the ads are more mannequins than people - having less of an opinion, while the clothing would appeal either sexually our desirably to the reader.

The Queen herself in the paper is only valuable as 'the crown' - she may bring comfort and hope and is respected as royalty, but she doesn't offer solutions or have a political stance in media or as a royal power as represented in the newspaper.

Representation of ethnicity:

The representation of black Olympians reflects the changing of racial stereotypes in the coming decades, and was certainly a mark in history for racial equality. While racial slurs are used, they would probably be custom at the time - but no longer excusable in modern society.

The use of these slurs implies the newspaper was written and edited by white British persons, who wouldn't think twice with the racist societal norms to use such language, which complies with the context that Black persons at the time would not be allowed the education to get such a job, nor the money to pay for such.

Social Conditions:

The inclusion of the mining town disaster show the appalling social conditions the townsfolk had to live under - their land and occupation being sold away to a force that killed their next generation. The fact that none of the public had the money or influence to control this, while capitalists cashed in on cheap mining, shows the classism of the time - and how a visit from the Queen to the site of a tragic event caused by unbridled capitalist greed which she and other people in power were perfectly able to prevent would not be as appreciated by the locals compared to the media.