Deconstructing Media texts
All media messages – TV shows, newspapers, movies, advertisements, etc. – are made or
constructed by people. One of the most important media literacy skills is deconstruction –
closely examining and “taking apart” media messages to understand how they work.
Deconstructing a media message can help us understand who created the message, and who is
intended to receive it. It can reveal how the media maker put together the message using words,
images, sounds, design, and other elements. It can expose the point of view of media makers,
their values, and their biases. It can also uncover hidden meanings – intended or unintended.
There is no one “correct” way to deconstruct a media message – each of us interprets media
differently, based on our own knowledge, beliefs, experiences, and values. Just be prepared to
explain your interpretation.
http://www.21stcenturyschools.com/uploads/2/1/5/4/21542794/deconstructing_media_messages.pdf
Misenscene
Misenscene is everything that is in the media text such as:
- colour
-clothing
-objects/furniture
-model
-location
-written text/Typography etc.
My example of deconstructing a media text in class:
Deconstructing Magazines
The main conventions of a magazine:
- Masthead:the title/brand name of the magazine.
- Image: a photograph or graphic.
- Cover lines/features: list of contents in the magazine.
- Anchor: the text which links to the image.
- bleeding: when the image covers the text or vice versa.
- Angle of glaze:the angle in which the subject/artist is looking st the consumer.
- Puff: a'puff' of information. A small piece of text to help boost the status of the magazine e.g. a sticker shape.
- Plugs: information about the content of the magazine. it promotes whats inside.
- Pull quote: a quote from an interviewee inside the magazine.
- Caption: a small text which explains the image.
- Strap line: a cover line which spans to the width of the front cover.
- House style: common conventions used by a brand or make to make it easily recognizable to the consumers.
Examples of deconstructing magazines:
Teen vogues house style makes it easily recognizable to the consumers.
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The house style makes it easily recognizable to the consumers.
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The house style makes it easily recognizable to the consumers.
