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 paper's word of choice such as "yobs" or "rioters" to describe the riots which shows a negative portrayal compared to less harsh words such as "protests". The teenage community were mostly responsible for the riots which makes people view them as all of them being trouble makers.

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

"The working class has become an object of fear and ridicule", Buckingham states this as it is relevant to the riots as the majority were working class males took part in it and things like looting for technology resulted from long days of rioting highlighting the lack of resources and luxuary goods for them. 

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

40% of newspaper articles are focused on violence, crime or anti-social behaviour and 71% could be described as negative. Typically young people are seen as trouble makers who simply cause damage to society and have no manners; especially teenage boys who create lots of crime. 

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

The reporting of the riots shaped a moral panic in British society as classing the riots as a negative cause triggered panic amongst the public, making them suppose they were at risk and something needs to be done about youths rather than understanding their political belief.

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

Popular culture such as rap grime music, digital gaming was blamed for the riots as it influences "violent" behavior. Sportswear brand such as Nike clothing being inflamed by advertising was blamed for promoting looting.

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?

The rebels used social networking platforms such as Twitter to promote their actions, The Sun reported "thugs" used social network to arrange the Tottenham violence. The Arab Spring used technology and social media sites to document their uprisings in countries such as Tunisia and Egypt. However overall by the western world it was viewed positively.

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? 

Celebrities or high people of society which are called “Opinion leaders” may comment online about the impact of the riots. Fans of famous celebrities who commented may be encouraged to have or show the same reaction and opinion. Many opinions were shared from people defending to others exploiting the action of the rioters.

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?

Jenkins states the age of the big media- power, centralised cooperation multi-national institutions controlling the media is now over. Meaning power is placed in the hands of those with less authority and I don’t believe this is completely democratic but it has improved the audience’s influence on the media.

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

Conservatives identify young individuals as the criminals of social disorder, even when governmental aspects such as the police are meant to handle the situation in a better manner could of stopped the riots or even prevented it.

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

They had a symptomatic response to the disorderly rule of the upper-class. 

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

I believe originally the riots were triggered by the murder of Mark Duggan. However it also think the pressure on the youths increased more because of the university frees rising became more of a frustration for teenagers. And for the simple fact that during their holidays they had literally nothing to do. Due to the injustice shown towards teenagers they finally spoken of their opinions.

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

Capitalism is a factor caused which lead the riots too, this is also because of the inequality amongst social class. For the simple act of looting you can suggest those stealing the goods didn’t earn enough to go buy the products they stole. The rioters had no other way to express they frustration.

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

Socisl media was the main source of platform were rioters came out and voiced their opionions on the matter. 

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?

Looting was down to opportunity, gang members only played a marginal role, Social media wasn't used in significant way but BBM was used.