Identities and the Media: Reading the Riots

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 language and selection of images created a negative representation of the youth and teenagers as one specific image was used on 3 different newspapers.

Why does David Buckingham mention Owen Jones and his work Chavs: the demonization of the working class?

David Buckingham mentions Owen Jones due to the fact Owen Jones states that there is a new modernised Britain and that the working class are slowly becoming people to fear within the media.

What is the typical representation of young people – and teenage boys in particular? What did the 2005 IPSOS/MORI survey find?

40% of any articles related with youths was to do with violence, crime or any anti-social behaviour. Also, 71% of these articles are in a negative tone. In addition, only 1% of the interviews were from those who are being spoken about i.e. the youth. Other than this, only 3.4% of the stories published in the news about the youth are positive

How can Stanley Cohen’s work on Moral Panic be linked to the coverage of the riots?

The theory of moral panic can be applied as the coverage of the riots constructed an overall consensus of fear and panic for young people whist it was occurring which undoubtedly has stayed with many individuals. 

What elements of the media and popular culture were blamed for the riots?

Elements such as rap culture, as it glorifies violence and hate of authority, as well as violent computer games and also reality TV

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?

Social media was used as it helped organise, advertise and spread the riots as its primary users are to a similar demographic of the ones involved in the riots. This is in contrast to the Arab springs in which social media was championed as being a new democratic format for oppressed individuals to voice their opinions on.

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? 

The Two step flow model is a theory on the messages in media, and how opinions are constructed by a minority, or opinion leaders. The news is something that is published to the mass media in a variety of methods such as the traditional newspaper, as well as news apps - that publish the most recent newstory's, reaching a large audience. this audience can be easily influenced into what is right and what is wrong and ''anti social'' - this is the hegemonic control.

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 democratisation of the media?

individuals can express their opinions and have freedom of speech without fear of backlash due to new and digital media being anonymous. They'll believe it's good that the media now gives an opportunity for everyone to participate, as well as challenge the typical and tradition hierarchy and hegemonic control.

What were the right-wing responses to the causes of the riots?

The right wing responses were negative as the youth were compared to beasts and dogs that could not be controlled and needed to be put on 'leashes'.

What were the left-wing responses to the causes of the riots?

The left wing blamed society and the inequality present in it and the continuous negative reprobation that has existed for a number of years and also cuts youth centres etc.

What are your OWN views on the main causes of the riots?

I think the riots happened due to two things. First of all, the shooting of the young male by police officers. Secondly, the materialistic society we live in today, meaning everyone saw  an opportunity to get “free” things and so they took it.  

How can capitalism be blamed for the riots? What media theory (from our new/digital media unit) can this be linked to?

Capitalism can be blamed as we now live in a materialistic society and many individuals believe their worth is characterised by their belongings.

Were people involved in the riots given a voice in the media to explain their participation?

People involved in the riots were not provided an chance to voice their opinion as it may have gone against the representation many media outlets provided its audience.

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?

I don’t have sympathy for the rioters but also don’t believe a strong sentence should be given as the youth are reacting to the several factors which are in society, and have effected them.