"This Girl Can (2015)" Analysis

Monday, September 28, 2015

The ways in which females are represented within the media and the affects that they have on social ideologies often receive criticism. The "This Girl Can" campaign is one that fights against gender stereotypes and roles, helping to redefine what it means to be a woman or girl through the use of positive representation of the female gender.



The television advert from January 2015 begins with a mid-shot which cuts to a close-up of a woman who's body does not perhaps fit the general conventions and beauty standards that the media depict. The causality in which the featured woman appears and the confidence that she seemingly possesses establishes the concept that a woman of similar appearance to her should be considered "normal"; that woman should not feel ashamed, regardless of how they look.

As well as mid-shots and close-ups, the advertisement contains a range of different camera shots, angles, and editing techniques (for example: the use of slow motion). This ensures that the advertisement remains interesting and keeps the audience engaged. High speed editing furthers this affect, especially when the fast tempo, synchronous music ("Get Your Freak On", Missy Elliot) which fits the editing is considered. The energy and excitement of the advertisement is not traditionally associated with females, a gender which is more often represented as being "weak" or "delicate". The narrative also reinforces this point by showing various clips of women participating in sports that are usually associated with the male gender.



There is little dialogue or diegetic sound used which ensures that, upon it's use, it is effective. The main reason for this is that images carries the narrative.

As for lighting and colour, the shots nearer the beginning of the clip are filmed with low-key lighting, causing the colours to appear darker, but, as the advertisement progress, the shots towards the end use high-key lighting and subsequently lighter colours. The bright colours connote positivity, one of the themes of the advertisement, which, in association to women, positively represent the female gender.

In terms of representation, women are positively represented in an empowering fashion. Likewise, it contradicts the usual gender roles and stereotypes that the media convey. As well as representing women, there is a variety of different ages and races shown within the advertisement.


As an entire piece, I believe that the advertisement effectively conveyed their intended message of positivity and achieved the destruction of gender roles through the use of the technical, audio and visual codes displayed within the clips.




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6 comments

  1. The analysis which, you have completed was very strong and interesting to read. You have been able to analyse the different visual, audio and technical codes as well as provide strong reasons to support your answers. In addition, you also made a very good use of technical media keywords and understanding of representation of women within the society. The pictures you included also helped to make the analysis much more interesting to read and easier to understand.

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  2. Vivid description of each point made backed up with examples and also explaining visual codes and how they can relate to the purpose of the video with things like emotions (positivity).

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  3. Thank you so much!! Great analysis

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