What is the Text and Subtext of the Messages?
Objective: Students will be able to identify the text of media messages. Students will also be able to determine if messages have subtext, and what the message subtext is saying. Background: Media text is an important part of the message that is portrayed. Often media messages have a subtext. Subtext is the meaning behind the text; it is what the text is implying without directly stating. Procedure: • Give students sample media and ask them to identify media text, and subtext. For example: Media Message: “Trojan Magnum XL condoms offer increased size and comfort to the six percent of males who require an extra large condom.” 7 Analysis: This message is designed for the larger male consumer. The subtext of this ad is to boost the male ego by referring to large penis size.
