analysing bias and the construction of representation in The Times and The Daily Mirror

Reality is a fickle term. We have a pretty clear idea on what is real, and yet we are simultaneously aware of the fact that every media producer fights to put forward her ideology in every media product.

Therefore it is often argued, representation is not reality. Taking Donald Trump for an example, a man who I am certain Long Road Media students have never met or are ever likely to meet, we probably still have a very definite view of the man. Where did this interpretation come from? It is created through re-presentation.

However, we also need to take into consideration the possibility that representation constructs reality. Beliefs and attitudes are repeated, reinforced and legitimised. Audiences can often reach their own conclusion on media products, but there is generally a dominant ideology or 'right' way to think presented. As British citizens, our perception of other countries may entirely be created through carefully constructed representations. 

DAILY MIRROR

• Mise En Scene - Dark clouds ( 9/11 )
• Apocalypse look of the whole page
• Shows Trump's election as a very bad thing
• Representation of America on the whole here - it's shown to already be feeling Trump's election negatively 

 THE TIMES

• This is a wrap around page.(not done often )
• Trump is presented in a much more favourable light. Empathy in his eyes. His fist shows power, unity and friendship
• The American flag is spread across two pages. America is shown to be very important
• "You will be so proud of your president. You will be so proud" - someone you can trust in. Yellow contrasts with the red white and blue. Very positive
• The repetition could be used in a mocking way, could be taking the piss a bit.
• Very neutral front cover. Deliberately vague

AMERICA'S BREXIT

• This page - The representation of American's is constructed here as they are all presented as hooligans and out of control(almost like football fans)
• "America's Brexit" - trying to make it relatable for the target audience of British people. The lexis allows British audience to identify with this problem 
• Trump being voted in is shown to be a very bad thing.
• Presenting American's as silly, and making silly choices. There is a lack of political people on the spread. Gives the idea that these people didn't know what to do with their countries