Elizabeth IbarrolaProjections of Independence Through YouthCMC 100Professor Ted GournelosContent Analysis

ThesisThis paper will focus on the images of independence created by the Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone magazines through a content analysis of the October 2010 issues of both magazines. I will argue that although the magazines are creating differing perceptions of independence and youth, Vanity Fair focusing on an image of perfection and Rolling Stone on an image of rebellion, that they ultimately use the same methods to portray freedom.

PerfectionVF – 65%RS – 32%

RebellionVF – 30%RS – 68%

Leisure

LeisureVF – 67%RS – 81%

WealthVF – 69%RS – 29%

Movement

SittingVF – 40%RS – 13%

Looking straight at cameraVF – 60%RS – 69%

Vivid color/black and white

Bold Text

Cool

Male to Female RatioVF – 73% female between 2:7 and 3:7RS – 67% male 2:1

Sexualized VF – 34%RS – 29%

Vivid color and bold text

Vintage

ConclusionAlthough the magazines are selling slightly different images of independence to two different audiences, they are built on the same essential qualities and are therefore equally unattainable. They create an image of youth as a means of freedom, however the dynamic, hip, and carefree nature of that youthfulness is inaccessible.