Read the Media Magazine extended feature on the media coverage of the UK riots (MM38 page 5)
Go to our Media Magazine archive, select MM38 and read the WHOLE eight-page feature. Answer the following questions on your blog with as many references to media theory and examples as possible. Refer to specific aspects of the Media Magazine article too
1. How did the language and selection of images in the coverage create a particular representation of young people?
2. Why does David Buckingham mention Owen Jones and his work Chavs: the demonisation of the working class?
David Buckingham mentions Owen Jones book: Chavs where he points to the concept that the working class has become an 'object of fear and ridicule' which means that it was inevitable that the working class were going to be the ones mainly to blame for the riots. This divide is also shown in media products such as Little Britain and Am I Bovvered.
3. What is the typical representation of young people – and teenage boys in particular? What did the 2005 IPSOS/MORI survey find?
The 2005 IPSOS/MORI survey found that 40% of newspaper articles featuring young people focused on violence, crime and antisocial behaviour. 71% were said to have a negative tone. The typical representation of teenage boys in particular is exactly that, violent and anti social. There were twenty times negative stories that included teenage boys than positive which may influence them.
4. How can Stanley Cohen’s work on Moral Panic be linked to the coverage of the riots?
Stanley Cohen's work on moral panics can be linked to the coverage of the riots as there was an overwhelming amount of coverage on the violence of the youth, which would have alarmed the upper/middle class adults. They would then be led to believe that the riots had no real aim and the main intention was to just be violent and unrulling.
5. What elements of the media and popular culture were blamed for the riots?
The media and popular culture can be blamed for the riots. Popular culture created violence, through rap and video games provoking the youth to riot. The pictures of people looting resulted in free advertising that encouraged others to go outside and steal things for themselves.Blaming the media is also an aspect of moral panics.
6. 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 Networks can be blamed for the riots, there are reports that riots are 'orchestrated' on twitter. It is linked to the Arab Spring in 2011 where social networking was believed to have a major impact on the revolution.
7. 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 theory can be lined to the coverage of the riots because there is a exchange of information which people create their own opinions on. For example there was an accusation made against Mark Duggan that he fired a gun at police, there was not evidence for such action and there were two responses. Some were angered others created a bad view towards Duggan and His family
8. 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?
Henry Jenkins celebrates 'participatory' media. and says that blogs e.t.c. are and example of democratisation. I agree because pareto's law is being undermined. People have the ability and independence to create/view things however they like.
9. What were the right-wing responses to the causes of the riots?
The responses were that it was all the teenagers' fault, thy have no respect for people and/or the authority.
10. What were the left-wing responses to the causes of the riots?
It was pointed out that the disturbances occurred in areas of poverty, there were cuts in youth services, rising in youth unemployment and the removal of the Education Maintence Allowance.
11. What are your OWN views on the main causes of the riots?
I think that the main causes of the riots was the media and certain representations, images of Mark Duggan were cropped and taken out of context, people involved in the riots were demonised so broadly that it included others not even involved. Things are also being constantly taken away, there is nothin for them to do or support them anymore
12. 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 and linked to hegemony the elite have the power. people are not able to challenge views, if they of they are wrong and that is it. The powerful aren't using their power the way they should to benefit the people that they are supposed to be protecting.
13. Were people involved in the riots given a voice in the media to explain their participation?
The people were not given their voice to explain, again linking back to the control of the elite, if the views weren't shared those not involved aren't exposed to alternative views.
14. 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?
O Opportunism
O Materialism
O Unemployment
O Political Grievances
O Economic
O Unemployment
O Gang Culture
15. 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 personally think the that there is a fine line between people whom had an actual aim, an those who just wanted to get involved. The actual aim was valid, but it doesn't validate extreme violence. Rather than strong prison sentences, proper sentences should have been put in place harsh sentences were implemented for crimes that should have had such a lengthy sentence. To prevent issues like this in the future, something has to be done on the other side, the reasons that caused the riots in the first place need to be addressed properly. Until then it'll just repeat.
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