On magazine covers and media literacy

To model cover discussion, Baker presents Esquire’s cover of Donald Trump, comparing it to two recent Time covers of Sanders and Clinton:

Do you think the image [of Trump] or the words compliment the candidate? Notice the candidate’s expression – what adjective would you use to describe it? Might this cover reveal any bias on the part of the magazine’s owners or publishers? If so, what makes it biased?

Now consider, TIME magazine’s recent cover images of Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders:

Here’s some brief advice on how to get started and what to notice. Look at the lighting on Senator Sanders: can you tell that it’s warm. Notice also the headline: it does not use his last name. Notice also his expression and his body language.

Now consider how TIME chose to portray former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. She is seated, as opposed to Senator Sanders, who is standing. Why might that be? On first read, did you notice the American flag in the upper right hand corner? Instead of a large font headline (like Bernie in white letters) they’ve used a quote and it’s in black. Why do you think TIME used that quote on the cover? What previous time(s) do you think she is referring to in the quote?

What do you notice about Mrs. Clinton’s body language and expression? Would your students describe this image as warming and welcoming? While Bernie is smiling and looking at “us,” she is looking off camera. Who might she be looking at?

Baker also points to examples to use from our K12 publishers.

He notes that New York Times Upfront’s headline “The Race for The White House” makes it clear which sport is represented and the illustration supports the headline. (For a long time, much of politics has been compared to sports, with the phrase “horse race” still very popular with broadcasters and journalists.)

Junior Scholastic’s montage cover amplifies the role of social media in the election process. He asks: Can your students identify the candidates (by name) as well as each of the symbols on this cover?

The article, “Use Political Covers to Teach Media Literacy,” proposes that students research and construct their own covers as a creative, group activity demonstrating their understanding of visual literacy.

Baker recommends Secrets of Magazine Cover Design and the Center for Media Literacy’s webpage to help students better understand how to deconstruct visual media messages.

Check out Frank Baker’s website website for many of examples of cover images, for a list of downloadable questions, and for far more inspiration on teaching media literate citizens.