The Headline
In the February 4th issue of Time Magazine, John McCain is prominently featured on the cover story, “The Phoenix: Can John McCain Keep Rising?”. When first analyzing this creative headline, the image of a phoenix comes to mind. A phoenix, a legendary bird, is most commonly associated with the attribute of immortality. McCain, a prisoner of war, a veteran in the presidential election, and an underdog for the Republican Party, is appropriately described as a courageous phoenix in this article. Many believed that as the oldest presidential candidate in United States history, McCain would not make it very far because of defeating obstacles. However, the visual image of the phoenix is a very effective way to communicate that McCain has not given up the fight quite yet.
References
Kellner, D. (1994). On cultural studies and society: Identity, politics and media culture between the modern and the postmodern. New York: Routledge. McCain Shaped by War, But Offers More. Retrieved February 4, 2008 from www.johnmccain/informing/news/newsreleases.com
Overall Effect
Time Magazine featured John McCain as a powerful, presidential candidate. The carefully selected photograph and headline for the cover story, allows readers to create connections and establish symbolic meaning that coincides with McCain’s presidential stance in the upcoming election. By critically analyzing the images and headlines presented by the media, consumers and avid citizens are given the tools to determine what our society stands for themselves.
The Image
Another image that is represented on the cover of this issue is the actual photograph of McCain. The cover story portrays John McCain confidently standing amidst against a muted, gray background. He is wearing his power suit, a blue suit and red tie symbolizing authority and American pride. His confident facial expression is complemented by an upward camera angle and strategically placed lighting. Also significantly visible on the cover, is the gold ring on McCain’s left hand. Americans value marriage and the importance of strong family ties, characteristics that McCain prides himself on. On his wrist he displays a bracelet that reads Matthew J. Stanley, a 22-year-old soldier who was killed last year in Iraq (www.johnmccain.com). The meaningful bracelet symbolizes McCain’s commitment to the war in Iraq and his ability to connect with American families who are grieving their lost sons and daughters. As a presidential candidate, a professional, appealing image is necessary to convince voters to choose one way or the other. McCain represents the stereotypical male in American society. According to Kellner (1994), media stories and visual images provide meaning and symbols that allow individuals to access who is powerful and powerless. This media story on John McCain obviously represents the stereotypical representation of those in power. He is characterized as a middle-aged, Caucasian, male who is a legendary prisoner of war and a committed married man.
Time Magazine Story
The highly anticipated presidential election of 2008 has been an influential topic of controversy among many concerned American citizens. The candidates that have stepped up to the plate are vastly different from each other, even inside political parties. On one side of the political spectrum, Hillary Clinton values affordable health care and is strongly against warfare in Iraq. On the other end of the continuum, John McCain supports our presence in Iraq and advocates appropriate treatment of veterans and those in the military. Time Magazine, a reputable news publication, recently focused on John McCain and his place in the upcoming presidential election. Time magazine is a publication geared to the demographic of older, educated professionals.
