The Royal Family

Something interesting in the country in Spain that appears quite a bit in the media and other communication sources, is the royal family. Unlike other monarchies in Europe (i,e England) the Royal Family holds no actual power, in fact the king is the one spaniard who can not vote. More about concerning themselves with diplomacy and international affairs, they do not dictate or rule any power of the state. Yet this past year has been quite temultous for the royal family and spaniards have had enough.

El Pais, the socialist left winged paper of Madrid with the largest circulation, is quite critical and always monitoring the happenings of the royal family. Most recently, it was El Pais who published the stories of the King and his infamous trip to hunt elephants, but they also included an interesting twist for rthe people; the rey was with his lover. Spain, which was also the country who made a big deal about Obama shelling out thousands for one his beloved to go to Mexico with a team of over 10 security guards, are known for keeping powers in check without fear of publishing the truth.With an impressive list of freedom of speech laws in the constitution the spanish press is sure to publish the truth and dispell the ugly truth.

This month was not the best for the spanish royal family, from a scandal with a son in law, to a nephew shooting himself in the foot, to finally the romantic get away affair of the king, they have surely kept themselves in the spotlight this month.

Lets look at some cover pages they made this year.

Delay

It is odd that in the United States some fads seem to be fading as they are only just beginning in Spain. Take for example Abercrombie & Fitch. What has become a teen brand not really used after the 8th grade, is now something of a phenomenon in Madrid. The giant and beautiful stored that is adorned with toned men with flat abs and gorgeous faces, is now taking over the shopping world for young Madrillenos. The topless men has become their biggest marketing and advertising scheme yet. Here, the brand has become a status symbol, as the clothes are expensive and over priced for what they are. But hey, people are willing to pay for class and style. Or are they paying for the image that is associatedwith the brand?

Here are some examples of there advertising.


the store in Madrid....

More then just a magazine...

Ever notice how filling the kiosks of the busy Madrid streets are lovely fashion and women magazines that not only have a full issue, but a gift? For me, buying a magazine in the US is around 3 euros and its just that. Here you get a gift, anywhere form an umbrella, nailpolish, a tshirt, lipstick, a PURSE! That is just madness but oh so cool.

(Example- a Cosmo plus a tshirt. amazing)

Let's talk about Tabloids...

Tabloids have become a huge part of American daily life. Each day we are bombarded by the latest celebrity scandal, affairs, and weight loss at the supermarket, doctors offices, and television. The number of channels and broadcasts dedicated to celebrity life is growing rapidly and we cannot get away from it. In the US, tabloids tend to focus of sensationalism journalism, or scandals, crime and gossip, which can be true and untrue, followed by some unflattering pictures on the beach and then the "Celebrities, they're just like us" section which pictures them doing ordinary things like grocery shopping or going to the gym. This is annoying, especially is you have half a brian and are beyond reading about the lies and want to focus on bettering your own life. Todays top story, mother found guilty of bringing 6 year old to a tanning salon. No wonder people have such a bad image of us...
Interesting who makes the cover in the US...

In Spain, tabloids are different. One of the biggest and most widely read "tabloid" magazine is Hola, or the spanish version of the UK magazine, Hello!, is not so much a tabloid as it a very nice, glossy magazine portraying celebrities in their best light.

After visiting the spanish Hola headquarters last week, the editor made a point to say they do not publish scandals or sensationalism stories, if they must report on something of the sort, they wait untill it has past. Rather, they have become so favored by the stars for the flattering photos, the positive writing, and the good reputation that celebrities will sell them breaking news stories for the cover and center story. Since they tend to publish a lot on Kate Middleton and the royal family, the stories are very conservative, factual, and sweet for the public. While there do happen to be some "prensa rosa" magazines on the kiosks (not in supermarkets like the US) the general spanish public of taste tends to stay away.

some examples of Hola, note the difference in colors, shots, family, and top stories.

Real Madrid- CAMPEONES!

To be studying abroad in Spain is to be studying abroad in one of the most futbol crazy countries around. Arguabely the two best teams in professional futbol, Real Madrid and Barcelona, harbor a deep hatred towards each other as the compete for the crown and title of winners every season. This season, Barcelonas domination was brought to an end and Real Madrid has won the Spanish league!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(foto de 20minutos.es)
If you were to google, "Real Madrid Campeones" you would find that every top newspaper and press outlet has a story, if not a front page, of the results of last nights game.
Coming from a country where american football and baseball dominate our sports airwaves, we are used to seeing sports results in the sports section of the paper and of the news, not mixed in. Maybe when someone wins the Superbowl and the World Series, they make the front page, but generally that space is reserved for world breaking news. In Spain, The Real Madrid head coach gets more airtime then the presidents, and everyday Ronaldo's good looking face can be found on any given newspaper. I must say, I will miss the team spirit that exists in Madrid. Where everyone takes off to watch a game and supports their team.

(Champions. Foto de ABC.es)