Identities and the Media: Reading the riots
How did the language and selection of images in the coverage create a particular representation of young people?
The article states that the newspapers specifically used the word "riot" instead of "unrest or "protests" and therefore portrayed the youth as reckless and unrestrained. They were also referred to as the "feral youth" and "yobs". This representation was reinforced by the selection of images, especially one of a hooded man wearing a grey tracksuit, which "appeared on at least five front pages."
Why does David Buckingham mention Owen Jones and his work Chavs: the demonisation of the working class?
Owen Jones argues in his book that the working class "become an object of fear and ridicule" not just in newspapers but in tv shows such as "Little Britain". This is despite the fact that those who were convicted after the riots were in fact from "respectable middle-class jobs or from wealthy backgrounds."
Why does David Buckingham mention Owen Jones and his work Chavs: the demonisation of the working class?
Owen Jones argues in his book that the working class "become an object of fear and ridicule" not just in newspapers but in tv shows such as "Little Britain". This is despite the fact that those who were convicted after the riots were in fact from "respectable middle-class jobs or from wealthy backgrounds."
What is the typical representation of young people – and teenage boys in particular? What did the 2005
How can Stanley Cohen’s work on Moral Panic be linked to the coverage of the riots?
Cohen argues that the media portrayed the disturbances in an extreme way and therefore caused moral panic to arise. He uses the term "deviance amplification" to explain the role media played in the coverage(how it was reported) and how it expressed fear and outrage in a "respectable society."
IPSOS/MORI survey find?
The survey found that 40% of newspaper articles featuring young people focused on violence, crime or anti-social behavior and 71% could be described as having a negative tone. A study by the organisation "Women in Journalism" analysed 7,000+ stories involving teenage boys, published in online, national and regional newspapers during 2008. 72% were negative – more than twenty times the number of positive stories (3.4%). Over 75% were about crime, drugs, or police: the great majority of these were negative (81.5%) while only a handful were positive (0.3%). Many of the stories about teenage boys described them using disparaging words such as yobs, thugs, sick, feral, hoodies, louts, heartless, evil, frightening and scum.
How can Stanley Cohen’s work on Moral Panic be linked to the coverage of the riots?
Cohen argues that the media portrayed the disturbances in an extreme way and therefore caused moral panic to arise. He uses the term "deviance amplification" to explain the role media played in the coverage(how it was reported) and how it expressed fear and outrage in a "respectable society."
What elements of the media and popular culture were blamed for the riots?
How was social media blamed for the riots? What was interesting about the discussion of social media when compared to the Arab Spring in 2011?
Rioters used social networking sites e.g Facebook, Blackberry and Twitter to co-ordinate actions. The Sun, reported that "THUGS used social network Twitter to orchestrate the Tottenham violence and incite
others to join in as they sent messages urging: ‘Roll up and loot'." The Telegraph: "Gang members used Blackberry smartphones... to organise the mayhem." During the Arab Spring, many areas such as Tunisia, Egypt and Syria where social networking played a key part i gathering protesters.
- Rap music- Daily Mirror claimed rap music "glorifies violence and loathing of authority (especially the police but including parents)"
- Violent computer games
- Reality tv
- Advertising- Daily Mail said "it was like a supermarket sweep"
How was social media blamed for the riots? What was interesting about the discussion of social media when compared to the Arab Spring in 2011?
Rioters used social networking sites e.g Facebook, Blackberry and Twitter to co-ordinate actions. The Sun, reported that "THUGS used social network Twitter to orchestrate the Tottenham violence and incite
others to join in as they sent messages urging: ‘Roll up and loot'." The Telegraph: "Gang members used Blackberry smartphones... to organise the mayhem." During the Arab Spring, many areas such as Tunisia, Egypt and Syria where social networking played a key part i gathering protesters.
The riots generated a huge amount of comment and opinion - both in mainstream and social media. How can the two-step flow theory be linked to the coverage of the riots?
During the riots, politicians took the opportunity to promote their own agendas but were joined by the "commentariat" (a large group of journalists and other pundits). Some "experts" often have little or no evidence to back up their viewpoints. The issue/events that took place were discussed by "opinion leader" which allowed users to interact with each other and comment on some of the viewpoints on Twitter.
Alternatively, how might media scholars like Henry Jenkins view the 'tsunami' of blogs, forums and social media comments? Do you agree that this shows the democratization of the media?
They argue that "hierarchical...communications have been replaced by a more egalitarian approach." This does show democratization to some extent as users now have the power to engage with the news and comment on significant events in society, however ultimately major institutions (news organisations ) still have the final say.
They argue that "hierarchical...communications have been replaced by a more egalitarian approach." This does show democratization to some extent as users now have the power to engage with the news and comment on significant events in society, however ultimately major institutions (news organisations ) still have the final say.
What were the right-wing responses to the causes of the riots?
Max Hastings of the Daily Mail, "They are essentially wild beasts... because it seems appropriate to young people bereft of the discipline that might make them employable; of the conscience that distinguishes between right and wrong. They respond only to instinctive animal impulses"
Max Hastings of the Daily Mail, "They are essentially wild beasts... because it seems appropriate to young people bereft of the discipline that might make them employable; of the conscience that distinguishes between right and wrong. They respond only to instinctive animal impulses"
Katharine Birbalsingh, blame schools for failing to instill discipline and respect for authority
What were the left-wing responses to the causes of the riots?
Cuts in youth services (Haringey, the borough in which Tottenham is located, recently closed 8 of its 13 youth clubs), rising youth unemployment (which is now over 20% in the 18-25 age group) and the removal of the Education Maintenance Allowance. While these are valid arguments, they also appear to look only to youth as the cause.
What were the left-wing responses to the causes of the riots?
Cuts in youth services (Haringey, the borough in which Tottenham is located, recently closed 8 of its 13 youth clubs), rising youth unemployment (which is now over 20% in the 18-25 age group) and the removal of the Education Maintenance Allowance. While these are valid arguments, they also appear to look only to youth as the cause.
What are your OWN views on the main causes of the riots?
I agree with the left wing responses to the causes of the riots- I think that the cuts in youth services and essentially capitalism were significant. Young people at that time felt that they were neglected and being treated unfairly. It was the idea that those in power only care about themselves and their property and were unwilling to help those who are struggling (lower working classes). Therefore this built up frustration led to the 'riots'.
I agree with the left wing responses to the causes of the riots- I think that the cuts in youth services and essentially capitalism were significant. Young people at that time felt that they were neglected and being treated unfairly. It was the idea that those in power only care about themselves and their property and were unwilling to help those who are struggling (lower working classes). Therefore this built up frustration led to the 'riots'.
How can capitalism be blamed for the riots? What media theory (from our new/digital media unit) can this be linked to?
Peter Oborn- Daily Telegraph (which is rw) "It has become acceptable for our politicians to lie and to cheat... the sad young men and women, without hope or aspiration, who have caused such mayhem and chaos over the past few days... have this defence: they are just following the example set by senior and respected figures in society."
MARXISM
Peter Oborn- Daily Telegraph (which is rw) "It has become acceptable for our politicians to lie and to cheat... the sad young men and women, without hope or aspiration, who have caused such mayhem and chaos over the past few days... have this defence: they are just following the example set by senior and respected figures in society."
MARXISM
Were people involved in the riots given a voice in the media to explain their participation?
No, not particularly as the people portrayed in the media were seen as reckless and violent- they were not given a chance to explain their actions. I think that the lack of a rioter's POV, allowed the hegemonic values an and ideologies to thrive, which also led to moral panic.
In the Guardian website's investigation into the causes of the riots, they did interview rioters themselves.
Read this Guardian article from their Reading the Riots academic research project - what causes are outlined by those involved in the disturbances?
Many rioters took part in the riots as they believed it was an opportunity to "aquire goods and luxury items" they couldn't afford. The article claimed that (of those who were interviewed)
No, not particularly as the people portrayed in the media were seen as reckless and violent- they were not given a chance to explain their actions. I think that the lack of a rioter's POV, allowed the hegemonic values an and ideologies to thrive, which also led to moral panic.
In the Guardian website's investigation into the causes of the riots, they did interview rioters themselves.
Read this Guardian article from their Reading the Riots academic research project - what causes are outlined by those involved in the disturbances?
Many rioters took part in the riots as they believed it was an opportunity to "aquire goods and luxury items" they couldn't afford. The article claimed that (of those who were interviewed)
What is your own opinion on the riots? Do you have sympathy with those involved or do you believe strong prison sentences are the right approach to prevent such events happening in future?
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