You will create an essay:
You will analyse the media language and media representation of the xxx 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
magazine Article is based upon the story of a cat called Bob who had warmed the
nations hearts. The story was about James Bowen, a struggling musician who had
turned to drugs in his downfall. However, when a cat showed up one day injured
in his hallway, it suddenly changed Bowens life and the two became inseparable.
Bob managed to set James on a straight and narrow path, which led him to
finding a job at the big issue and writing a book called “A Street Cat Named Bob”
The Big Issue Foundation is a financially
independent charity, who believe in a ‘hand up and not a hand out’ policy. This
means they recognise that earning an income is a key step in a person’s journey
towards stability and a better life. They work exclusively with Big Issue
vendors, people who are excluded from mainstream society, financially
impoverished and disadvantaged in multiple ways. 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. Therefore it is vitally important that buyers take their copy of
the magazine when they pay for it. This meant James found a way to start
earning money and slowly fix his life.
He became
a writer for the big issue and then wrote the article “In Bob We Trust”. This magazine I feel supports
the political views of the left wing and depicts the homeless as people who
should be noticed and helped too not just ignored. By having Bob on the front cover wearing a
scarf, looking clean and smart it suggests that he represents how if people
fall down a dark path, they can still get back up again and improve themselves
for the better. The front colour also has a saturated Title, which can draw the
reader in and possibly symbolises the light instead of the dark. The cat Bob is
a symbol of hope and a totem, which can reflect the homeless as he too was
living on the street and did not have a home. The title ‘In Bob we Trust’ can be a play on word from the
phrase ‘In God we trust’ implying that Bob is a god to
the homeless community and they al look up to him as a leader. By having a
direct mode of address, the friendly feline looks like he can be a strong and
powerful leader.
By our
country being strongly lead by political views it can create certain
stereotypes of minorities and groups. This means that many look upon the
homeless as people who are described to be ‘scum’ ‘drug abusers’ and ‘violent’ when in most cases they are
actually just searching for someone to help them. By these views being cast
upon them, many people are afraid to help and afraid of what they might do so
therefore they become in worsened conditions where for some its too late to
help.
