Representation

This picture was taken from Google, and is a picture of Steven Gerrard lifting the european cup. In this picture you see Gerrard connoting what he usually connotes, which is success and passion. This picture helps justify the success that Gerrard has had, and reinforces the idea that Gerrard is a successful person, and despite what peoples opinions of him may be, he is successful. The passion that Gerrard has shown throughout his, is connoted in this picture. The passion seen in his eyes and facial expression, is the sort of passion we associate with Steven Gerrard.

The encoders of this text in this case is the photographer, who has portrayed Gerrard here as a leader, captain and successful, passionate sportsperson. However, there isn't many other ways that Gerrard could have been photographed, considering the outcome of the game. For example, if the Milan would have won that match, then perhaps Gerrard would have been photographed in an entirely different manor. However the fact that the photographer has chosen to take a picture of Gerrard holding the cup, with his Captains armband still on despite the game being over, helps demonstrate the passion and leadership Gerrard shows throughout everything he does in his life.

The audience of this text would most likely be Liverpool fans, and therefore would be expected to take the preferred reading, as I have done, that Gerrard clearly is a passionate and successful person.




















This image is the front cover of 'HELLO!' magazine, which is a magazine that talks about all different types of celebrities, from Kanye West, to Kate Middleton, and of course, Steven Gerrard. In this magazine Gerrard is perceived as a family man. We see him with his wife, Alex Gerrard, and three daughters. He is represented with the girls as a person who cares about his family, not just football. There is a quotation mark by Gerrard, in which he states 'Alex is the captain at home'. This demonstrates the sense of humour that Gerrard has with his family, and that he isn't serious all the time, much like he is portrayed on the football pitch. The open collar shirt helps reinforce the idea that when he is with his family, he's layed back and relaxed.

The encoders of this magazine are the editors, and they have represented Gerrard as family orientated, who cares very much about them. The editors have stated that Gerrard is going to be talking about 'making England proud'. This demonstrates how much of a national legend Gerrard is perceived as, and how patriotic he is. The target audience for this magazine is young-middle aged woman, so this magazine is really focusing on Alex Gerrard, and not Steven, as we see her in the very centre of the picture, like she is apparently the centre at the home, as it states 'Alex is the captain at home'. Hello magazine also suggests that the only three things Gerrard is known for is his family, his football, and his success for England.

This image is a screenshot of the BBC News from 2009, and talks about him being cleared from a charge of affray. Gerrard has been represented in both positive and negative light. It is described that he has been involved in a brawl, which suggests to us that he has acted in a rather aggressive manor. We are made to believe that Gerrard is a violent person by the use of the word brawl, and perhaps the passion and determination seen on the football pitch has been channelled in the wrong way. Gerrard is still represented however as the star footballer; the website quotes him saying how he is looking forward to the season ahead. This helps remind us that he is still the footballer that is adored by many. It also states how he left the court to 'applause from Liverpool fans'. This helps remind us that although he may be behind controversy, he still has a massive fan base and will always be adored.

The encoders of this are the editors, who have don't really have a choice as to whether they can portray him in a positive or negative light, as it depended on the verdict. However, the fact the BBC have used the words 'bar brawl', suggests that Gerrard can be an aggressive person, that also perhaps turns to a different person when he drinks. This representation of Gerrard is entirely different to that of what we see him as everyday, of a leader, captain and role model.

This image is a screenshot from the Daily Mail, and depicts an image of Gerrard in a children's hospital. The headline states 'Liverpool star Steven Gerrard donates half a MILLION pounds to children's hospital'. The word 'star', used to describe Gerrard, isn't unusual, as it is used to describe him all the time. The word is used to help us remind us that although talking about his charity work, we can't forgot about what he is truly recognised for, which is his footballing skill. The fact the word 'MILLLION' is all in capitals helps highlight and demonstrate the amount of money that he has given. It as also used to describe Gerrard in way, stating how he is as big of a man that the money is.

This article appears on the Daily Mail, who are the encoders. This is surprising as it is predominantly a right wing newspaper, talking about the good things that, a probably most likely a left-wing ideological person. The photographer is the other encoder here, and has chosen to take a picture of him with his teammates. This is fairly surprising, as the article is solely about Gerrard's donation, however it helps remind us and connotes that he is a team player, both off and on the pitch.