How did
the language and selection of images in the coverage create a
particular representation of young people?
The language
and selection of images, gave a negative representation of young
people. They did this by using words, that evoke a reaction from the
audience, or pictures that make young people look bad. An example of
this is through the word “Anarchy.” This word has a connotation
of lawlessness, meaning that the young people have no morals or
respect for their country.
Also, the
picture of the person in the tracksuit with a scarf covering his face
and gloves represents young people as “Chav”. This is because
wearing a hoodie or tracksuit is a shorthand that audience may use to
identify a trouble maker.
Why does
David Buckingham mention Owen Jones and his work Chavs: the
demonisation of the working class?
I think
David Buckingham mentioned Owen Jones and his book because it showed
the audience who are reading media magazine that there was a lot of
middle classed youth in the riots, as there was a lot of talk about
the riots being attended by working classed youth instead of the
middle classed youth that can hardly put a foot wrong.
What is
the typical representation of young people – and teenage boys in
particular? What did the 2005 IPSOS/MORI survey find?
The typical
representation of young people is negative. This can be backed up by
the stat 72% of stories in newspapers about youth are negative. This
shows representation of youth is not a good one. Also, a typical
representation of young people, especially boys could be that they
are drug takers and criminals, due to the amount of stories which
contain those things.
The 2005
IPSOS/MORI
How can
Stanley Cohen’s work on Moral Panic be linked to the coverage of
the riots?
A
moral panic is an intense feeling expressed in a population about an
issue that appears to threaten the social order. Moral panics are in
essence controversies that involve arguments and social tension, and
in which disagreement is difficult because the matter at its center
is taboo. This therefore can be linked to the riots as the riots
threatened social order.
What
elements of the media and popular culture were blamed for the riots?
The elements blamed for the riots in regards to the media were violent video games, rap music and 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 blamed for advertising the riots and giving people a platform to interact and organise the riots also. In regards to Arab Springs, they used social media to show us how bad they were being treated. This shows that social media can be used for good.
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?
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?
I think that it does show democratisation as people are able to express their opinions and have freedom of speech without fear of backlash due to new and digital media’s anonymity.
What were the right-wing responses to the causes of the riots?
The right wing compared them to animals that needed to be tamed, like a beast.
What were the left-wing responses to the causes of the riots?
The left wing believes that other factors are to blame such as unemployment and lack of youth clubs, and social places for youth to be.
What are your OWN views on the main causes of the riots?
In my opinion, I think the riots were caused by the shooting of Mark Duggan initially. However, I think the latter parts were due to greed.
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 for the riots because everyone in those riots wanted wealth. That is what capitalism is about.
Were people involved in the riots given a voice in the media to explain their participation?
People involved in the riots were not able to voice their opinion as it may have the things people in institutions had to say about them.
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?
