Muslim Representation
In the examination, you will be required to respond to one of two questions:
1. The media mediates our opinions on groups of people and events. Using an area you have studied and a minimum of two media, how far do you agree with this statement?
2. Using an area you have studied, how are a group of people represented through a minimum of two media?
1. The media mediates our opinions on groups of people and events. Using an area you have studied and a minimum of two media, how far do you agree with this statement?
2. Using an area you have studied, how are a group of people represented through a minimum of two media?
Media marginalisation
and audience positioning
Media representation of minorities and minority group issues – or indeed the lack of representation – is a key factor in determining how majority audiences think about minorities in their societies. Whilst on the one hand media creates the ‘invisibility of minorities’ by marginalising their voices, on the other, actual portrayals more often than not fall into restricted and negatively stereotyped contexts (Campbell, 1995). The media today occupies a pivotal position in society and its ubiquitous presence signifies the enormous potential it has for informing people about everyday issues.
The media is seen not only as transferring information and ideas but also as shaping opinions and presenting particular versions of reality (Gurevitch, et al, 1995). Though different media forms, ranging from traditional press to new electronic sources, are qualitatively different from one another, their overall impact is evident through their widespread presence and the reliance placed on them as authentic purveyors of news and information.
Furthermore, the media holds a central position in articulating particular discourses and defining frameworks within which we come to understand issues relating to minority groups (Cottle, 2000). An important aspect of Campbell’s work is that the “dangerous ignorance about people of colour and a continuance of discrimination and injustice”
is not unconnected with their treatment in the media. Similarly Van Dijk (2000) states that media discourse is the main source of people’s knowledge, attitudes and ideologies.
When this discourse is specifically about minority groups and additionally the audience has limited ‘contact’
with these groups, the role of media as the sole provider of information becomes even more critical.’
The media is seen not only as transferring information and ideas but also as shaping opinions and presenting particular versions of reality (Gurevitch, et al, 1995). Though different media forms, ranging from traditional press to new electronic sources, are qualitatively different from one another, their overall impact is evident through their widespread presence and the reliance placed on them as authentic purveyors of news and information.
Furthermore, the media holds a central position in articulating particular discourses and defining frameworks within which we come to understand issues relating to minority groups (Cottle, 2000). An important aspect of Campbell’s work is that the “dangerous ignorance about people of colour and a continuance of discrimination and injustice”
is not unconnected with their treatment in the media. Similarly Van Dijk (2000) states that media discourse is the main source of people’s knowledge, attitudes and ideologies.
When this discourse is specifically about minority groups and additionally the audience has limited ‘contact’
with these groups, the role of media as the sole provider of information becomes even more critical.’