Representation, Bias and Stereotype

The World's Perception

After reading the Chapter of Representation, Bias, and Stereotypes I realized that there are two main sides that create our judgment: media representations through images and information presented and our own point of view. Both of these have an enormous weight on our world perception and both can trick the nature or reality of the place, situation or characters involve in a certain representation.

The example I selected is an article in National Geographic, of the orca whales in  “Investigating a Killer.” This is a clear example of stereotype.  The first thing you see is a black and white picture that dramatizes even more the features of an orca whale and the word "Killer" in the title, which is set up in the bottom of the page; in a large font that makes it seem like they are validating that the while is an extreme murderer. In the back and in the full page of the article, you see two whales jumping out of the water that seem to have strength and power. At first sight came to mind, images of these whales in documentary videos on YouTube and images on Google of killing or attacking other animals or humans and this is a clear example of stereotyping the personality of an animal. After I made this clear judgment, I saw that in the upper right side corner it had more information; where they highlight other features and characteristics of the personality of this specie. The manner of speech in which the information is presented of the orca gives the audience a chance to learn more about its characteristics, features and personality. After skimming over the article, another image came to my mind; the Movie Free Willy that displays a kind whale in society. So this proves that we do stereotype and use our biased judgment to verdict what we see.

 The second image I selected is a clear example of representation in an ad from Adidas in a sports magazine “Balance, Fits sin Excusas.”  They show the typical image of a tennis shoe, somebody exercising and a logo but you make your own inference with few images of a certain idea of what a shoe can do. The first thing that calls your attention is the slogan of the campaign, “light you up,” which to me it assures me that this bright red tennis shoe will bring out the energy in me to resist and to be fit. On the left side the same lady of the add is exercising and to me she is showing that she is fit and can resist any training along as she uses this fabulous shoe. She doesn’t look so young but they don’t write her age but to me she seems a middle age woman kind of like me and that means I can do it too. Few images in a certain setting with bright elements and the correct slogan have made me make up a story  that can fit my own one with expectations. Wow!

 The third image I selected is a biased example of an ad on A&E Real Life, Drama on the Cleaner series. Personally, I haven’t seen this series so I don’t know what is it about. My biased visual impression was to see a man that is wearing a leather jacket with a heavy standing strong attitude with a tough face gesture. I presume he is the bad one of the story because at the top of the image it has this wording, “Now I’m clean, who’s next?” Even though the words leaded my interpretation of this character, if the words were not placed I would still judged him this way.

Dogs & Tales

Publisher: Doggy, Care and Love Org.

Audience: People who have pets or would like to have one, animal associations or foundations and pet store owners.

Audience Response: The layout design of the magazine is fresh with a modern image of a puppy with headphones and that will represent new trends for animal life style. The words added in the cover page will invite the audience to want to read the articles inside, which vary. I do believe that animal lovers will be interested in seeing this magazine on line or purchasing it.

The cover: The color of the font of the text (yellow and white) are balanced colors that provide clearness in the different items of interest written in the cover and the image is fun.

Headlines: Describe interesting things to learn about animal care.

Two adjectives that describe the cover: Fun facts and interesting!

Communication message: This magazine presents updated and reliable information about the care of animals.