Identities and the Media: Reading the Riots

1. 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 image of the youth and teenagers in our head in that all the youth are like this and are described and seen as criminals. Most are with fire or dark back grounds connoting the danger and negativity that is described of the youth.

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

He speaks about how there is a new modern Britain and that the working class has become an object of of fear and ridicule within the media.

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

The survey found that 40% of articles featuring young people focused on violence, 71% of articles presented in a negative tone. This shows that young people are presented in a negative way and that most of the time violence is the best option for youngters.

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

Cohen's theory of moral panics can be linked to the coverage of riots as there was a sense of moral panic all across the country. At least this is what it was made out to be with the help of newspapers who presented the riots as a panic and that society as become uncontrollable.

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

The elements blamed were rap music, violent computer games and reality TV.

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 media was blamed for the riots as it was said that people were planning on rioting through social media and planning other riots with their friends as it was an easy way of communication. This is similar to Arab spring as the western media was used for this also in places such as Tunisia and Egypt.

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 linked to the coverage of the media as many people would believe what these big organisations are saying. Such as the Guardian if they were to say something like blame the youngsters many people would believe them as they are a big trusted company and therefore the guardians opinion would now be their opinion. Likewise on social media with verified accounts as people may feel these accounts are trusted or even with big name celebrities as they may be big in the media and may also feel as if they can be trusted. Also if the news was said more than once on social media it would become more believable.

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?

Yes I believe it does show a more democracy within the media as now people can present their own views with their own opinions through their own blogs. So there is now more freedom of speech.

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

The right wing response to the riots were very negative in which the youth were described as wild beasts who cannot be controlled and comparing them to dogs saying that their dogs are better behaved, downgrading them to the lowest in society and that they have no respect for elders.

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

The left wing response is that they weren't surprised to what has happened as there is inequality within society and many disturbances that occur such as cuts in youth services as well as removal of education maintenance allowance.

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

My view on the main causes of the riots was that I believe some people may have seen how easy it was to loot shops and stuff and may have found that they could easily do so. Also that it was summer some people may have been bored. Also some people may have been rioting for many different reasons and the Mark Duggan death was a reason to riot.

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

It says capitalism can be blamed in that even politicians can lie and cheat their way to the top and that there is a link between rioters and the bankers. The theory this can be linked to is pluralism and stating how society is classless and we are similar in many ways.

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

I do not believe people involved in the riots were given a voice in the media and were automatically conceived as negative people in the media. It shows that there is only one side to this argument and that young peoples voice have not been heard linking to maybe one of the reasons people rioted in the first place.

1. 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 believe the riots were bad and wrong. Some people may have been rioting for no reason what so ever and is something I believe is stupid however some people may have been rioting for purposeful reasons such as Uni costs being increased. Prison sentences may act as a deterrent in the future but it depends for how long and how severe the case may be. As for e.g. within the article I have just read these people got a prison sentence of four years for planning a riot on facebook in which this riot did not even take place, I believe a sentence for this is too harsh.