focus on creativity, environment

femininity

The first issue of Oh Comely was published in 2010

woman as artists, athletes, entrepreneurs

editor is Lisa Sykes-used to work for hearst Uk

front cover- comely: old word meaning attractive. model- little makeup, modest clothing, radical haircut.

Institution

the dominant signifier can be seen to be the target audience of the magazine, with minimal makeup and modest fashionable clothing it is implied to the viewer that this product doesn’t follow common print conventions which attempt to maximise sales while minimising risk, by not following this Oh! doesn’t follow David Hesmondalgh’s theory. David Hesmondalgh said big media companies and conglomerates use tactics in order to maximise sales while also minimising risk of loss of sales. link to uses and grats

Representation

By looking at the front cover and page 15 it is clear that the magazine does not align with Laura Mulvey’s theory of the ‘male gaze’. The ‘male gaze’ is when media products attempt to appeal to a heterosexual male’s perspective. On page 15 the viewer can see a mid shot of a woman wearing a hijab, hijabs are not massively represented within mainstream media but with use of the bright colour in the background it is clear Oh! is representing Fahma Mohamed in a positive light, the article gives an insight to her academic past and her successful career.

Audience

With use of the empowering symbolic signs spread throughout the magazine, seen on page 14 and the front cover. It’s clear, using Katz’s, Gurevitch’s and Haas’ theory of uses and gratifications Oh!’s readers may read the product for social needs such as confidence and self-esteem

1st page- speaking out, revolution