OUGD501- Study Task 3

CONSTRUCTING THE OTHER Write an analysis of one media image of your choosing. This analysis should highlight how the intended reader/audience would construct their identity by a specific reading of the text which is based on the 'othering' of other groups or individuals.

The image above is from the newspaper 'the Daily Telegraph.' It shows Mo Farah holding a union jack, celebrating winning a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. 


In terms of difference, the image carries many meanings, the image is not just saying something about the people or the occasion, but about their otherness.

One way of interpreting the image is, a personal triumph, the greatest moment of his life. The powerful stance has an undercurrent of religion, referencing the cross, suggesting freedom and inner strength to over come his demons. His facial expressions foretell joy and a moment of pride and satisfaction. However it could be interpreted to be a celebration for black people everywhere. This is reinforced by the inclusion of the black athlete in the background suggesting the top competitors in the competition were also black.

Another way of reading the image is a moment of triumph for the British Olympic team and British people. The inclusion of the British flag expresses ideologies of patriotism by him holding it high above his head to represent the feeling of cultural belonging, being part of the majority. This enables him to signify his 'Britishness' with the flag while contesting 'Britishness' with the colour of his skin, the two sides of difference are needed to carry a message through dialog with the other.

Mo Farah is a Somalia-born Britton. Most definitions of 'Britishness' assume that the person who belongs is white, suggesting the image conveys a sense of triumph and celebration for black people and the British Olympic team; therefore showing you can be British and black. It is harder for black people no matter where they are born to be accepted as British. This is down to the security of our own fragile subjectivities depending on racial identity and ethnics.