You will analyse the media language and media representation of the issue of the Big Issue “In Bob we trust”. To what extent does the Magazine diverge from mainstream/rightwing depictions of the poor/homeless. Why is the magazines remit an important factor in the way the magazine represents homelessness? Discuss the social and political context of homelessness…Discuss the impact of homelessness in Britain today from your research.
Word count minimum 750
The Big Issue magazine, which was launched in 1991,aims to decrease poverty
by creating opportunities for the less fortunate, through social trading and business solutions. It
was made in response to the growing number of rough sleepers on the streets of London, by
offering people the opportunity to earn a legitimate income through selling a magazine to the public.
Vendors buy The Big Issue magazine for £1.25 and sell it for £2.50, meaning each seller is a
micro entrepreneur who is working, not begging. The fact that they are making money of their own is an aim to encourage them to stay sober or drug free in order to make money.
The tag line for the magazine is "a hand up, not a hand out". This is important because its not just charity as the vendors are working for their money.
On the front cover, Bob is in the centre of the magazine which shows his importance, he uses direct mode of address to catch the audiences attention and draw them into the magazine, it also looks like he's directly addressing everyone, which makes it more personal. The way Bob is presented by his demeanour shows authority and strength. Along with this, Bob is presented as very clean and shows to be wearing a scarf. This goes against the typical stereotype that homeless people are scruffy addicts who wear baggy and unwashed clothes. It could also highlight how the upper class or the rich can help the poor.
The front cover of the magazine has a saturated yellow main cover line, in a bold san serif font, which says "In Bob We Trust". This is used against a dark blue background which makes it stand out even more as it pops out, which catches people's attention and attract them into looking at the magazine. The title is a play on words, "In Bob We Trust" is a reference to "In God We Trust" which is written on every dollar bill, This could represent to the audience that this is a representation that Bob should be looked up to as he's a source of hope and faith to those who are struggling. It could also mean he is worthy and strong enough to help those who cant help themselves, showing how the smallest things of hope can mean a lot to people. This is presenting how, even though England isn't a religious country, god and the hope of people will be the thing that changes the society we live in.
On the front cover, Bob is in the centre of the magazine which shows his importance, he uses direct mode of address to catch the audiences attention and draw them into the magazine, it also looks like he's directly addressing everyone, which makes it more personal. The way Bob is presented by his demeanour shows authority and strength. Along with this, Bob is presented as very clean and shows to be wearing a scarf. This goes against the typical stereotype that homeless people are scruffy addicts who wear baggy and unwashed clothes. It could also highlight how the upper class or the rich can help the poor.
The front cover of the magazine has a saturated yellow main cover line, in a bold san serif font, which says "In Bob We Trust". This is used against a dark blue background which makes it stand out even more as it pops out, which catches people's attention and attract them into looking at the magazine. The title is a play on words, "In Bob We Trust" is a reference to "In God We Trust" which is written on every dollar bill, This could represent to the audience that this is a representation that Bob should be looked up to as he's a source of hope and faith to those who are struggling. It could also mean he is worthy and strong enough to help those who cant help themselves, showing how the smallest things of hope can mean a lot to people. This is presenting how, even though England isn't a religious country, god and the hope of people will be the thing that changes the society we live in.
The Big Issue is very much a left wing magazine as it wants to support those who aren't as fortunate and have to sleep rough. It opposes Right wing newspapers and magazines. The right wings parties consist of conservatives, nationalists and fascists, whereas the left wing supports social equality and egalitarianism, often in opposition to social hierarchy and social inequality. People get negative opinions of homeless people from right wing papers, like the Daily Mail, as they only ever show them in a negative light and state that they're violent drug addicts and alcoholics, which isn't the case most of the time. Due to this people see homeless people as being beggars and problems for society. This connects to Shildrick and McDonald's theory that the poor do not deserve sympathy.The big issues shines a more positive light on homelessness, as they show that they can be rehabilitated and pulled away from their bad habits with just a little bit of help and faith, showing how they're just like everyone else, yet fell into a bad lifestyle. The magazine wants to change these negative stereotypes by allowing people who are homeless to prove themselves by selling the magazine and sharing their story.
Homelessness is a issue that people struggle with around the country. For example, One in 25 people in the borough of Newham are homeless. However, this can be expected when the average income in Newham is £24,000 a year, but the average house price, following the Olympics boost, is now more than £400,000.The waiting list for social housing stands at 25,729, with 44 applications for every property that becomes available. Research shows that, according to the latest figures, collected in the autumn of 2017 and published in January 2018, 4,751 people are estimated to be sleeping rough on any one night.
Homelessness is a issue that people struggle with around the country. For example, One in 25 people in the borough of Newham are homeless. However, this can be expected when the average income in Newham is £24,000 a year, but the average house price, following the Olympics boost, is now more than £400,000.The waiting list for social housing stands at 25,729, with 44 applications for every property that becomes available. Research shows that, according to the latest figures, collected in the autumn of 2017 and published in January 2018, 4,751 people are estimated to be sleeping rough on any one night.
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