1.Who is being represented in this image?
Young, lower class British people are being represented in this image. And while it is not directly presented, it is assumed the representation also includes black people.
The presentation is of the stereotype. This is shown through the clothing, the stance and the smaller details. The clothing is a relatively cheap tracksuit, which is associated with lower class British people, typically in London, informally referred to as 'chavs'. The stance is rather threatening and close together, which makes him seem violent and unapproachable. Finally, the smaller details such as a hidden face and the fact the person is crossing in front of a burning car suggests he creates chaos wherever he goes and either doesn't want to be recognised, or is a metaphor for the amount of faceless people creating 'anarchy'.
3.HOW is this representation being constructed by the media language? – consider camera angles, choice of images, colours, size, mise en scene, etc.
The camera angle shows the whole scene, with careful choices to include the wreckage and flames, and the whole look of the person who 'caused' it. This image creates a sense of fear, that any regular person can cause mayhem, and it also sends messages of the sheer destruction in London at the time. The grey and orange tones of colour, it highlights the flames and evokes even more images of destruction.
4.How is the representation being constructed by the text? – consider word choices, size of text, tone, etc.
The words used are chosen to emphasise the rioting across London. The use of "spread, hit" symbolises the quickly moving violence in the area. On top of this, the "215 arrests, PM jets back", suggest everything is happening quickly and desperately needs the government to intervene. Finally, the use of "mindless violence" in large red text, with the large, dominant title of "anarchy" portray the idea that everything is horrible and going mad, (whereas it wasn't in reality).
5.Does this representation fit with the institutional codes and conventions? Explain your answer. – think about institution, audience, tabloid/broadsheet, etc.
The Sun is a red-top tabloid. This means that it relies on eye-catching front pages, done through colour, word choice, font etc. to attract buyers. This representation fits this ideology as the bright flame with "ANARCHY" dominating the page attracts attention to what the paper is covering. Similarly, the word choice used such as "hit, jets, riots spread" makes the scene sound worse than it is, continuing the trend that tabloids rely on gossip and fear-mongering.
