The Big Issue

THE BIG ISSUE - ESSAY PLAN

1. Uses an intertextual approach to racial issues on the cover. Visual, witty, alternative? Sophisticated audience (18+) University students. progressive/new approach to the topic
2. Politically active audience - more liberal view because this supports the sellers (homeless) and the charity. Looks at events critically - subverting, new views.
3. Neutral viewpoints shown as not to alienate audiences - open to everyone. Focuses on the fact that it is a historical event. Doesn't disadvantage certain street vendors
4. Visual intertextuality (films/actors/politicians)- makes it relevant to the current audiences and recognisable
5. Audiences will have accepting views (love/hate reference- opposites) Something that is still a problem now. Change is needed (blacklivesmatter) - marginalised groups. 

THE BIG ISSUE - ESSAY 

‘The Big Issue’ uses an intertextual approach with ‘Detroit’ on its front cover in order to portray racial issues in a way that is relevant to today’s society. The message of this cover is that nothing has changed in fifty years since the event, because the image used is similar to images we see on the news now. Using ‘The Summer of Love and Hate’ subtly references the contrast in societies happening at the same time fifty years ago – where black Americans were struggling with police violence and hatred whilst white Americans were allowed to freely express new ‘hippy’ culture and love.

The cover of ‘The Big Issue’ appeals to a sophisticated audience who are aged eighteen and over because the magazine is clearly politically liberal and therefore audiences are most likely going to be politically active. A liberal view on issues is shown because this supports the sellers of the magazine, who are homeless, and the charity itself. Those who are homeless would be more likely supported by those of left wing parties so they use this bias on their magazines.

The magazine also looks at world events more critically, introducing subverting views that are new and appealing to younger adults who are new to politics. Most covers of ‘The Big Issue’ are very visual and include witty comics or alternative ideas, whilst still being appealing to British citizens in city areas. Giving a new approach to a topic makes the magazine seem progressive and available to those who are working to make a difference in everyday life.

On the ‘Detroit’ cover itself, the viewpoints of the magazine are not necessarily apparent. It focuses on Detroit as a historical event and only subtly puts forward that it is still a problem now. This provides a neutral viewpoint that doesn’t put any of the street vendors at a disadvantage because of the political views in their area. This also doesn’t alienate certain audiences from buying the magazine simply because of these ideologies.

The cover clearly features intertextuality of other media by using Detroit – a film that has recently come out. This makes it relevant to modern audiences as well as helps people recognise the event and therefore be curious in what the magazine has to deliver. Using well-known actors or events alongside important societal issues helps promote the magazine through recognition and acceptance.


Audiences of ‘The Big Issue’ are most likely those with accepting views and attitudes towards marginalised groups, seeing as they are supporting those who are homeless by buying the magazine, therefore views on racial acceptance will be something the writer and audience share. The love/hate reference portrays opposites and that racism is still a major problem. The fact that nothing has really changed over the fifty years will be something the readers feel passionate about, being able to refer to more recent issues such as #blacklivesmatter, and would know that change is needed.