How does my media product represent social groups

How does my media product represent particular social groups?

My music magazine is focused on the indie/rock genre. Therefore my magazine should cater to the social attitudes and values of fans of those music genres. I believe I have achieved this in my magazine through numerous means. Firstly, the connotations of my images relate to the fashion of the rock/indie social groups – In particular the main image on my cover page which was meant connote the particular stereotypical fashion of metal bands (for example, the mask and studded leather jacket). This was to attract as wide of an audience as possible as it was designed to appeal to everyone who liked metal and would not cater to a particular niche group. This was further reinforced by one of the images in my contents  However, other images in my magazine do cater to the more casual indie/rock fans as the fashion worn are not particularly extravagant with the exception of the main feature image of my contents page which was made to connote the “solo” indie artist  stereotype.

My front cover was designed to have a cult appeal by having a front cover mimicking Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon (This is an example of Intertextuality). NME’s audience is extremely similar to my target audience, and NME’s audience has been likened to a “cult.” By having an album covers that only an audience with specific interest, “alternative music”, would be interested in buying, like NME, I secure my target audience of indie fans.

Positive views of indie/rock fans

“An Indie Kid is not, as many people seem to believe, a pretentious twat who will only listen to obscure bands and cusses anyone who dares to like anything in the top 40. An Indie is, in fact, someone whose heart lies with indie, rock, alternative, music like that.

Indie Boys tend to be skinny, shy, with messy hair and a fringe. The hair must not be confused with emo hair, which is styled using disturbing quantities of gel, wax, mousse and hairspray. Indie boys just can't be arsed to brush. Skinny jeans are more typical of the scene kid, Indie boys prefer fairly loose fitting denim. A plain t-shirt or shirts are very popular, along with ancient battered converse, in black or blue.

Indie Girls normally have wavy hair that looks bedraggled, and dress not a million miles away from the boys, just with more feminine styles. Indie Girls generally don't really care about their appearance that much, but scrub up pretty darn well, as opposed to a scene girl who is the scum off the earth. Indie girls wear any sort of jeans, comfy and casual t-shirts and the same footwear as the boys.

Indie kids are friendly, cheerful and actually surprisingly non-elitist”

 

-  http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Indie+Kid

 

 

 

Indie Scenesters are dedicated to finding the newest music, exploring all avenues to get there – online, print, record shops, club nights and word of mouth. Staying ahead of the curve is a must, but it’s borne out of a genuine love for music – and this is what separates them from those more fickle dabblers and dilettantes, the Hipsters. For Indie Scenesters, there’s nothing better than discovering new artists and spreading the love.

Guitar music has seen its cool usurped by the rise in electronic-synth based music in recent years, and Indie Scenesters have broadened their musical tastes as a result. It’s no longer just about indie rock bands like Vampire Weekend – Indie Scenesters have embraced experimental, genre-blending artists like Four Tet. Yet, the Indie Scenester approach remains the same – it’s about championing independent artists rather than a specific genre, especially before the masses get in on the act.

Potentially having their own music blogs and club nights (or at least dreaming of it), Indie Scenesters are more concerned with building up their vinyl collections than conspicuous consumerism. The sounds of the moment are ever changing, but currently include Youth Lagoon, Beach House, Animal Collective, Kendrick Lamar and John Talabot, as well as old favourites like Caribou and Thom Yorke.

Boys and girls are rocking similar looks – skinny jeans, vintage and Converse/Vans. Their high street staples focus around the functional and unisex – Uniqlo, Cheap Mondays and American Apparel.

• https://www.uktribes.com/tribes/indie-scenesters

 

The stereotypical view of indie fans are that they are themselves are independent. As one myself, I do not care that much for brands and would label myself and them as people who do not follow trends and music wise believe that lyrics are the most important part of the song and do not care about band image or popularity as long as the song sounds good to them. This is why my magazine focus on lesser known bands as it wishes to introduce them to a large audience

Negative views of indie/rock fans

http://freakytrigger.co.uk/ft/2001/01/indiekids/  

This link is a blog post ranting about the issues they have with indie kids. The article shows indie fans in an extremely negative light.

http://www.dontparty.co.za/uncategorized/know-your-scenesters-yourscenesucks-com/

This link shows a parody of the fashion worn by indie kids and the different “sub-scenes” of indie kids such as emos and steampunks.

 

The negative view of indie fans it that because they pride themselves on being independent and “away from the crowd” the fact they themselves are a social group is paradoxical. The stereotype of indie kids is that they present themselves as stuck up and dismissive of anyone who isn’t an indie kid themselves – which is also paradoxical as they want to be independent – not part of a group. They talk and brag about bands that people have never heard of.