Gilroy's Theory

Summary of theory: 

Gilroy believes that in media we still see the impact and subconscious reference to racism from post-colonisation, such as stereotypes and thinking British are better off than other countries. He argues that cultures constantly mix, creating hybrid identities, especially among people with roots in colonized regions. The “Black Atlantic” explains how African, Caribbean, American, and European cultures became connected through slavery and migration. It shows how shared music, art, and ideas created new cultures that still influence the modern world.

Gilroy's theory on 2 front pages 

                              

For both newspapers their main image is the same moment except one is a close up shot enabling us to see her happy expression, the other a long shot accompanied with the words " Emma storms into US open semi-finals" i don't know if this is meant in a positive way but the choice of "storms in" often implying anger and a sudden entrance that disrupts the situation, makes her sound out of control. This aligns with Gilroy's theory as stereotypical adjectives are used to characterise her.  

Assuming these covers were released on the same day, The guardian's headline concerns a PM gamble whereas The daily express focuses on Migrants, which is seen very often as their position of strong right. However you can still see The guardian's subheading on migrants as well. The contrast of both their descriptions showcases Gilroy's theory, as the Daily express uses definitive and controlling language. The certainty of " will " is almost threatening compared to The guardians choice of "could" which is much more uncertain than authoritative. This reinforces Gilroy’s argument that media often maintain binary oppositions between “us” and “them,” as The daily mail are 'othering' the "Migrants". 

Codes 

1. Written Codes​

Definition: The actual language used—words, grammar, punctuation, and style.​

Examples in newspapers: Headlines, captions, bylines, article text.​

Function: Creates meaning through word choice and structure (e.g., emotive language in a headline like “Shock as

prices soar”).​

2. Symbolic Codes​

Definition: Visual elements that convey meaning beyond words.​

Examples in newspapers: Images, colors, facial expressions, body language, layout choices.​

Function: Suggests tone or attitude (e.g., a politician photographed looking serious vs smiling changes

interpretation).​

3. Technical Codes​

Definition: How media is constructed—production techniques and design.​

Examples in newspapers: Camera angles in photos, lighting, font styles, column layout, use of bold or italics.​

Function: Guides reader focus and creates emphasis (e.g., a close-up photo for emotional impact, bold headlines

for urgency).

The daily express is a leaning midmarket print that exemplifies Gilroy’s theory to a great extent. The written codes demonstrate Gilroy’s theory because of words like 'will' showing control and authority. The symbolic codes such as the layout choice to put the header filling the page, and the female athlete to the side as a long shot also clearly show Gilroy’s theory because of the reference to Migrants being others and that people who aren't white british are only accepted through entertainment. As for the technical codes such as their title being in bold and dominating the page clearly follow Gilroy’s theory because it creates a sense of urgency making the message seem more important and threatenng. The visual dominance of the headline reinforces binary oppositions.

The guardian is a left-leaning quality newspaper that exemplifies Gilroy’s theory to a lesser extent. The written codes such as the word "could" demonstrates Gilroy’s theory less because it uses a softer tone making the migrants seem less dangerous and 'other'. For the visual code- the phrase is a subheading, less bold and a lot smaller than Daily expresses. This reduces its sense of urgency or dominance. As for technical codes their main image is a close-up shot showing the tennis player smiling. The smile conveys friendliness, success, and relatability which challenges the negative or stereotypical portrayals of ethnic minorities that is Gilroy's theory. However similar to the model paragraph you could argue that they are still only showing her while playing sports, referencing that mixed people are still only accepted through entertainment but i think the choice of a close up diminishes that idea since they are humanising her and creating relatability for the audience.