The Big Issue - Intertextuality Question

How does intertextuality create meaning in this source?

Use of Abba reference (Swedish pop group)

There could be many reasons to why they chose ABBA as the group they used to put political heads on. It could be the simple reason that there are four of them or that they are European. Or it could potentially have a slightly deeper meaning, like perhaps they think this type of politics is old school.
Also, having David Cameron and Boris Johnson as the lead singers represents how they have the main voice in the debate, whereas the other two are more like the backup.
They also used lots of references to ABBA's song titles for puns on the viewpoints of the different figures.

Use of Personality (Nicola Sturgeon, David Cameron, Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage.)

They have chosen these four political figures as they had the main voices in the debate at the time. However, they have the two figures, Nicola Sturgeon and David Cameron, on the left who are for remaining in the EU. Then they have Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage on the right side who are two figures who are for leaving the EU. But, the pictures used for these two are much more humorous than those of the two on the left. This could show that The Big Issue are more for remain and think that leaving the EU would be a stupid idea, which is represented through the use of their faces.

Use of images

Other than the use of enlarged heads and ABBA bodies, The Big Issue have also used a 70's disco background with a disco ball globe, which goes along with the ABBA theme. Again, this could show their opinion on the decision, that they think it is overly 'sparkly', because at the time everyone thought that the country would be all for remain, which was not the case in the end.
They also used some smaller and more discreet images like the ballot box and the ballot paper in the background. I think this was just a subtle reminder to the reader to remember to vote. Then again, it could represent how the actual decision does not really matter as it all covered by this 'glittery' verbal argument between over-the-top political figures.

Use of text

There is not that much text on this cover of The Big Issue, but all the text used is puns on ABBA's song titles and famous lyrics. For example, 'Knowing me, knowing EU'. Even the main headline is a pun on ABBA's song 'The Winner Takes It All. This again reinforces the idea that this debate is kind of a joke from The Big Issue's perspective.

Comments

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