Analyse the Different Social and Cultural Representations in Source A and Source B. Apply Hall’s Theory of Representation in your Answer.

In source A, the Daily Mirror appeals to its more left-leaning audiences by representing Theresa May – a well-known Conservative prime minister – as a liar. Alongside this the image chosen is slightly unflattering with her ‘face of fear,’ these aspects of the page are all used to appeal to the typically left leaning, younger, middle to working class readers of the Daily Mirror. This can be linked to Stuart Hall’s theory of representation as the Daily Mirror demeans her as a woman to appeal to their audience, despite the fact that they are left leaning and Labour supporting as can be seen in the use of the slogan ‘for the many not for the few vote Labour,’ the Daily Mirror is still pushing the stereotypes that women in power are incompetent and unable to do the job properly, thus contrasting the typical opinion that the left is more open and defies stereotypes. On the other hand, the Daily Mail is appealing to a more right leaning, older working class/middle class audience by supporting May and depicting her as a powerful leader being supported by many, as can be seen in the image choice of Theresa May looking powerful with a group of people holding pro-Conservative signs behind her – this representation implies that she is a powerful female leader rather than the Mirror’s depiction of her as an incompetent liar.

However, it could be said that despite the Daily Mail defying the stereotypes that Stuart Hall’s theory of representation considers to be common like women being weak and incapable of anything but housework and similar tasks, the Daily Mail plays in to stereotypes in other ways, for example, the quote of ‘let’s reignite British spirit’ that is displayed most prominently on the page in a large, bold font is supportive of the common stereotype of British patriotism in the upper and working classes. The Daily Mail depicts the Conservatives as protectors of the right wing, capitalist British ideals while depicting the Labour party as left wing extremists fighting for a more communist society by describing Jeremy Corbyn as someone who will ‘tax your work, your garden, your home and your inheritance.’ In accordance with Stuart Hall’s theory it could be interpreted that the Daily Mail as a more right wing tabloid is only going against the stereotypes typically observed by the older working class generation when it is helpful to their cause as Conservative supporters, and they only ignore the stereotypes to help make their point.