Week Four Magazine Deconstruction

1. What do you think about this person based on the cover of the magazine? How does he look? How does he make your feel?

I think that Arnold is tough because his face is cut up, he has his sunglasses on, a serious look on his face, and his arms are flexed as if he is waiting to pummel someone. He makes me feel like I'd be safe if he were my body guard, but scared if I ran into him in a dark alley.

2 What is the main purpose of this magazine?

I believe that the purpose of this magazine is to sell fitness and big arms to men who want to look like Arnold.

3. Describe who you believe is the magazine's intended readership.

Men from 18-40 would be the one to buy this magazine or anyone that may be into bodybuilding.

4. What lifestyles, values, points of view are represented or omitted? I think that the lifestyle that is represented is to be healthy, but in order to be healthy you have to have big biceps.



1. What do you think about this person based on the cover of the magazine? How does he look? How does he make your feel?

Arnold is not an actor, but a politician. He is a professional and dresses the part. He has on his navy blue powersuit with a red, tie. He's smiling and pointing playfully at the camera.(Although he seems to be one of those people who is a little creepy when he smiles.) He makes me feel like I am smarter than he is.


2 What is the main purpose of this magazine?

That Arnold has what it takes to be a governor when he puts on his suit.



3. Describe who you believe is the magazine's intended readership.

Professional, educated males in their 20s- 50's would probably buy this magazine.

4. What lifestyles, values, points of view are represented or omitted?

Middle to upper class lifestyle seems to be represented. It also seems to cover a little bit of everything from politics to music.





In a blog posting answer the following questions


1. What are the differences between the two covers? What techniques are used to attract your attention? Pay attention to body language, clothing, camera angle, lighting, color, eye contact ect. How do the difference influence what you think and feel about the person.

In the first picture Arnold is tough and ready to rumble. He is beat up,ready to fight, and looks like he is just stepping out from being in a fire. Dressed in a tank top and sun glasses. Don't mess with him. Arnold is looking away from the camera and he is in the center of the picture.
The second picture Arnold is sitting and looks like your typical professional man with his suit and tie. He is smiling and carefree. The background is blue, boring, and average. The camera seems to be angled above him.
I think that if you were to see the picture of Arnold coming out of the fire advertising him for governor,then you might be a little worried about what kind of trouble your state would get into. He looks like a man that likes trouble. The second picture is average and less intimidating. This looks like a man you would want to be your governor.


Consider the following questions in your response: (This is an exercise in identifying denotation)


1. What do you find appealing or not appealing about the cover of the magazine?
If I were to pick up one of the two to read while at the doctor's office it would be the Esquire. The blue is more appealing to me and there seems to be more to read then just about muscles.

2. What elements in the design make it appealing or not appealing?

The blue and font of the word Esquire. The magazine seems more organized.
The flames and the scratches on his face do not appeal to me and I am not really into gaining twenty inch arms, maybe a twenty inch waist.

3. What elements are included on the cover to sell this magazine? Consider title, imagery, sensationalized headlines, exclusive articles, secrets, gossip, free gifts, and celebrity news.

Esquire is a popular magazine.There are some articles about music and there is lady with her shirt lifted up, men would be drawn to her if not Arnold.

4. Describe the type of content in one issue. Music, John Lennon, a new governor

5. What products or services are advertised in the issue? American Music and science are being advertised in Esquire. Twenty inch arms and less time in the gym are being advertised in the fitness magazine.

6. What lifestyle, values and messages are being promoted by the contents in the issue?
Health and body image is the message in the fitness magazine. Politics, music, and beautiful women are the promotion in Esquire.

7.Describe the demographics for what you think may be the magazine’s intended target readership. Consider age, sex, interests and socioeconomic status

Both magazine are geared towards men. The fitness magazine would be men from 18-40 and the Esquire men from 25-50. I think the Esquire would attract more middle to upperclass than the fitness magazine.

8. What features of the magazine indicate to you that this is the intended readership?

Most women intended fitness magazines have a skinny, tanned woman on the cover and are geared at losing weight or getting nice buns. This fitness magazine has a big, bulky Arnold and a promise for 20 inch arms.

I would compare the Esquire to Cosmo. Cosmo features a female celebrity and articles that women would want as Esquire features men celebrities and articles geared towards men.

9. What personalities or celebrities are used to promote this magazine? Arnold Schwarzenegger

10. Are these personalities or celebrities promoting or challenging stereotypical messages? How?
Promoting. Arnold is promoting muscles and fitness in the fitness magazine and a professional, high class guy in the Esquire.