Freedom of the press v. incitement to hatred.
I often speak, in these blogs and elsewhere, about stereotypes and prejudice. And of course, being human, I have my very own prejudices. Whilst I’m all for freedom of speech (even there I’m not so sure, actually), I have a strong prejudice against those newspapers who report their opinions as if they were fact, with the clear intention of stirring up negative views of certain groups. Yes, I do mean the Daily Mail, but despite being the most obvious offender, they are, sadly, far from the only paper to do this.
Our stereotypical views of groups of people stem from a variety of sources – such as parents, family, school, friends, religion and the media. This blog looks at the way newspaper journalism might colour our views.
Take, for example, Eastern European migrant workers in the UK. The Daily Mail headlines based on a government report screamed:
“Influx of Immigrants costs Every UK Household £350 a Year”.
The Independent’s article on exactly the same report was headed:
“Home Office: Migrants Work Harder, Earn More and Pay More Taxes than Britons”.
Just this month a Daily Mail reporter sent out an email offering £100 “for anonymous horror stories of people who have employed Eastern European staff, only for them to steal from them, disappear, or have lied about their resident status.” So they are clearly looking for a balanced view, then.
Just some examples of headlines from the Daily Mail specifically on Polish immigrants include:
“Britain is Country of Choice for many “Feckless” Poles”
“Polish Borat claims Groping Women is Normal in Eastern Europe”
“Pole Chancers: Exclusive Fake Charity from Gdansk make a Fortune Ripping off Big-Hearted Scots”
“East European Influx could Trigger Race Riots in Villages”
“East Europe Migrants bring Surge in Pickpocketing Crime”
“Warning Signs go up to stop Poles Stealing River Fish for Christmas Dinner”
Having made it perfectly clear that Polish workers are clearly the cause of every problem Britain has ever faced, when these terrible people do go back (surely a good thing?) they are accused of desertion!
“Now Poles begin Mass Desertion of Britain as Soaring Prices send them
Home”.
I picked one publication and one issue to illustrate my point, but I could have chosen many. Here are just a few more examples I’d like to comment on.
The Daily Express ran the headline “Now Muslims demand: Give Us Full Sharia Law” last October. This implies that all Muslims are making these demands, as opposed to just the Islam4UK group, who represent approximately 0.3% of the British Muslim population. Many Muslims have spoken in anger about how headlines such as these completely misrepresent Muslims in general, and serve no purpose other than to incite further suspicions surrounding them.
Patronising headline of 2009 probably goes to the Daily Mail for their October headline of “Date-rape drug? No dear, you just had too much to drink” which points out that obviously women who dare to drink alcohol are to blame for being raped, not their rapists.
There is much homophobic reporting, with references to the “Gay plague” (Daily Mirror), and the recent Jan Moir reporting of Stephen Gately’s death. During her comments about Tiger Woods having numerous extra-marital affairs, she never said that this struck a blow for the happy-ever-after myth of heterosexual marriage in the same way that Gately’s death (of natural causes) clearly struck a blow for the happy-ever-after myth of civil partnerships.
Hate crime (against immigrants, asylum seekers, Jews, disabled people and gay people, for example) is far too high. It’s my view that the deliberate attempt to stir up that hatred by some publications is a contributing factor.
This view is further informed by reading the comments made on the Daily Mail website by their readers, which sometimes make BNP supporters look positively liberal.
What do you think?
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24 Responses to Freedom of the press v. incitement to hatred.
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There is no doubt that, that type of reporting can stir up strong emotions in the communities. I somehow suspect that the journalist would argue that it is all in the public interest.
I had a conversation the other day with a 24 year old who asked me where I was from. I told him and he said ooh we don’t hear about your country but get plenty of stories about starving Ethiopians and warlords in Somalia!
Twitter: ethnicsupplies
I’m sure journalists would justify or excuse their biased reporting, but I feel that the public interest is best served by giving a balanced accurate view, rather than looking for “evidence” to support prejudice and discrimination.
Yes, the impression given in the media of Africa is that it is all about war and famine. Seems a little narrow for such a huge diverse continent!
Twitter: evenbreak
There is no doubt that, that type of reporting can stir up strong emotions in the communities. I somehow suspect that the journalist would argue that it is all in the public interest.
I had a conversation the other day with a 24 year old who asked me where I was from. I told him and he said ooh we don’t hear about your country but get plenty of stories about starving Ethiopians and warlords in Somalia!
Twitter: ethnicsupplies
I’m sure journalists would justify or excuse their biased reporting, but I feel that the public interest is best served by giving a balanced accurate view, rather than looking for “evidence” to support prejudice and discrimination.
Yes, the impression given in the media of Africa is that it is all about war and famine. Seems a little narrow for such a huge diverse continent!
Twitter: evenbreak
A newspaper was writing an article on bullying. I approached them to see if they would be interested in hearing about our anti-bullying campaign, our work, the charity we are seeking to highlight and support etc… the published article contained a story which was negatively written – a piece of sensationalist journalism.
It saddened me as of course any bullying is dreadful, but in order to address this very emotional, sensitive issue we need to look at how we can make a positive change.
Many groups, charities … are trying to find ways of highlighting this issue for discussion, to help people talk about it, as many suffer in silence.
We need positive stories, of what has worked/ helped to stop, prevent … bullying on any level. Otherwise I fear that this will further prevent people from gaining the help they need.
I do know that it’s important to highlight cases, but like with all stories we shouldn’t just be made aware of a terrible case, we need to work together to stop it happening again.
This is just an example of how journalism needs to be responsible and accountable, as the effects can be wide spread and long lasting if not handled in a correct way.
As with a lot of stories, whatever it may be, a dreadful case can make us react with strong emotion saying ‘this must never happen again’ but soon the next story comes along …
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
Sadly you’re right Anita. The papers are only interested in selling papers, not fair and balanced reporting. And unfortunately they do influence perceptions and therefore actions.
It’s an eternal triangle – as long as the public want sensationalist stories (and are prepared to pay for them) the press will print them.
Twitter: evenbreak
A newspaper was writing an article on bullying. I approached them to see if they would be interested in hearing about our anti-bullying campaign, our work, the charity we are seeking to highlight and support etc… the published article contained a story which was negatively written – a piece of sensationalist journalism.
It saddened me as of course any bullying is dreadful, but in order to address this very emotional, sensitive issue we need to look at how we can make a positive change.
Many groups, charities … are trying to find ways of highlighting this issue for discussion, to help people talk about it, as many suffer in silence.
We need positive stories, of what has worked/ helped to stop, prevent … bullying on any level. Otherwise I fear that this will further prevent people from gaining the help they need.
I do know that it’s important to highlight cases, but like with all stories we shouldn’t just be made aware of a terrible case, we need to work together to stop it happening again.
This is just an example of how journalism needs to be responsible and accountable, as the effects can be wide spread and long lasting if not handled in a correct way.
As with a lot of stories, whatever it may be, a dreadful case can make us react with strong emotion saying ‘this must never happen again’ but soon the next story comes along …
Twitter: NitaJoyDesigns
Sadly you’re right Anita. The papers are only interested in selling papers, not fair and balanced reporting. And unfortunately they do influence perceptions and therefore actions.
It’s an eternal triangle – as long as the public want sensationalist stories (and are prepared to pay for them) the press will print them.
Twitter: evenbreak
I believe that the term ‘Freedom of the press’ has been hijacked
.
It used to sound very noble and imply the fearless investigation and publication of information that we, the public, should know about but weren’t being told.
Well THAT’s changed somewhat, hasn’t it?
The more sensationalist titles appear to decide what they can get away with, staying on just-the-right-side of the law as much as possible whilst satisfying what their readers want and have come to expect.
If there are strong feelings, they’ll play on them. Where none exist, they’re not above creating them.
The only way to stop this is to STOP BUYING the culprit papers – yes, I know: In our dreams …
Twitter: Linda_Mattacks
I believe that the term ‘Freedom of the press’ has been hijacked
.
It used to sound very noble and imply the fearless investigation and publication of information that we, the public, should know about but weren’t being told.
Well THAT’s changed somewhat, hasn’t it?
The more sensationalist titles appear to decide what they can get away with, staying on just-the-right-side of the law as much as possible whilst satisfying what their readers want and have come to expect.
If there are strong feelings, they’ll play on them. Where none exist, they’re not above creating them.
The only way to stop this is to STOP BUYING the culprit papers – yes, I know: In our dreams …
Twitter: Linda_Mattacks
These papers have really become caricatures of themselves with their ridiculous biases and bigoted presentation of “facts.”
I was on a radio show a few years ago with a guy who had been working as a reporter for one of these papers for more than 12 years. During a break I asked him if he intended to have a go at writing fiction at some point and he said, “don’t be silly – I’ve been writing fiction for the last 12 years.”
At least he was honest enough to admit it.
Commercial interests being what they are, for so long as there is a market for this type of journalism no-one will ever succeed in stamping it out. The only thing that can be done to keep it under some sort of control is for us to continue bringing it to people’s attention and lampooning it for the laughable rubbish it is.
Twitter: SuzanStMaur
These papers have really become caricatures of themselves with their ridiculous biases and bigoted presentation of “facts.”
I was on a radio show a few years ago with a guy who had been working as a reporter for one of these papers for more than 12 years. During a break I asked him if he intended to have a go at writing fiction at some point and he said, “don’t be silly – I’ve been writing fiction for the last 12 years.”
At least he was honest enough to admit it.
Commercial interests being what they are, for so long as there is a market for this type of journalism no-one will ever succeed in stamping it out. The only thing that can be done to keep it under some sort of control is for us to continue bringing it to people’s attention and lampooning it for the laughable rubbish it is.
Twitter: SuzanStMaur
I always felt The Independent was a brave stab at more balanced reporting, when it first came out. But I have to say, I now never buy it because it is SO damn boring!
Actually, I like The Week, because it pulls in snippets from all sides of the spectrum.
I always felt The Independent was a brave stab at more balanced reporting, when it first came out. But I have to say, I now never buy it because it is SO damn boring!
Actually, I like The Week, because it pulls in snippets from all sides of the spectrum.
I often feel that if my blood is a little cool, its temperature is easily raised by the Daily Mail! I can’t believe you made no reference at all to property prices in this article!
The problem is that DM readers think they are perfectly reasonable and balanced human beings. And I say that as someone who loves to read it – I can’t bear the lack of content in “papers” like the Sun and the Express. Even BNP content is better than none, as long as you can read it for what it is.
To be fair to the DM, your award for most patronising headline seems a little unfair – I’d say a lot more unwanted sex happens as a result of too much alcohol than too much rohypnol.
(I always comment on facebook, but then it’s not part of the blog dialogue, so I’m copying it here)
Thanks Morag, I’m sure you are right – that Daily Mail readers think their views are balanced. It’s a case of we don’t know what we don’t know. If their reporting were true and fair, then the prejudices and discrimination which exist might be justifiable. I doubt that most people who read this, or any other, paper spend too much time questioning the accuracy or bias of everything they read. So the messages go in, and “inform” our opinion, either consciously or subliminally.
I felt the date rape headline was patronising, because it seemed to be putting the blame for rape on its victims (in the same way that women who wear low cut tops or high heels are “asking to be raped”). Who could blame someone for raping a woman who has had a drink or two?
Twitter: evenbreak
I often feel that if my blood is a little cool, its temperature is easily raised by the Daily Mail! I can’t believe you made no reference at all to property prices in this article!
The problem is that DM readers think they are perfectly reasonable and balanced human beings. And I say that as someone who loves to read it – I can’t bear the lack of content in “papers” like the Sun and the Express. Even BNP content is better than none, as long as you can read it for what it is.
To be fair to the DM, your award for most patronising headline seems a little unfair – I’d say a lot more unwanted sex happens as a result of too much alcohol than too much rohypnol.
(I always comment on facebook, but then it’s not part of the blog dialogue, so I’m copying it here)
Thanks Morag, I’m sure you are right – that Daily Mail readers think their views are balanced. It’s a case of we don’t know what we don’t know. If their reporting were true and fair, then the prejudices and discrimination which exist might be justifiable. I doubt that most people who read this, or any other, paper spend too much time questioning the accuracy or bias of everything they read. So the messages go in, and “inform” our opinion, either consciously or subliminally.
I felt the date rape headline was patronising, because it seemed to be putting the blame for rape on its victims (in the same way that women who wear low cut tops or high heels are “asking to be raped”). Who could blame someone for raping a woman who has had a drink or two?
Twitter: evenbreak
The only place I read the Daily Mail, which always surprises me, is in the local Indian takeaway… and it never fails to get my dander up.
The casual racism is alarming – and the various health stories are just as shocking.
The date rape thing annoys me very much. Young women drink, and may sometimes drink too much. Is that so shockeing? I did too – but that didn’t make me fair game, any more than it makes men fair game for a mugging. A crime still is criminal act regardless of how vulnerable the victim is.
The argument always reminds me of that joke about running to get away froma bear – you don’t ahve to run faster than the bear, just than your friend.
In this case, does anyone really think rape will go away as a problem if all young women sign the pledge?
Even at this remove, the Mail can always send me into full rant mode
The only place I read the Daily Mail, which always surprises me, is in the local Indian takeaway… and it never fails to get my dander up.
The casual racism is alarming – and the various health stories are just as shocking.
The date rape thing annoys me very much. Young women drink, and may sometimes drink too much. Is that so shockeing? I did too – but that didn’t make me fair game, any more than it makes men fair game for a mugging. A crime still is criminal act regardless of how vulnerable the victim is.
The argument always reminds me of that joke about running to get away froma bear – you don’t ahve to run faster than the bear, just than your friend.
In this case, does anyone really think rape will go away as a problem if all young women sign the pledge?
Even at this remove, the Mail can always send me into full rant mode
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I think you’ve struck a chord here Jane!
One of the interesting recent developments is how traditional media like newspapers are dealing with the effect of the new interactivity Social Media is bringing to their work. These days it isn’t possible for journalists and their subeditors to publish an article and sit back and ignore letters complaining about it, these days people take to the internet to make their views heard.
A recent example is the huge number of complaints to the Press Complaints Commission about the Jan Moir article on Stephen Gateley’s death – over 20,000 people complained, and the PCC had to put up a special button on their homepage to stop the site crashing.
Though the PCC didn’t censure Moir and her editors on this occasion a number of advertisers on the Daily Mail website pulled their adverts and when I went to read the article there were no ads on the page at all. This sort of public pressure can only help to prevent media organisations from pedalling racist and homophobic claptrap.
So if you see articles that are factually incorrect, or just plain hateful, shout about it, and lets get them changed.
Twitter: Subutcher
I think you’ve struck a chord here Jane!
One of the interesting recent developments is how traditional media like newspapers are dealing with the effect of the new interactivity Social Media is bringing to their work. These days it isn’t possible for journalists and their subeditors to publish an article and sit back and ignore letters complaining about it, these days people take to the internet to make their views heard.
A recent example is the huge number of complaints to the Press Complaints Commission about the Jan Moir article on Stephen Gateley’s death – over 20,000 people complained, and the PCC had to put up a special button on their homepage to stop the site crashing.
Though the PCC didn’t censure Moir and her editors on this occasion a number of advertisers on the Daily Mail website pulled their adverts and when I went to read the article there were no ads on the page at all. This sort of public pressure can only help to prevent media organisations from pedalling racist and homophobic claptrap.
So if you see articles that are factually incorrect, or just plain hateful, shout about it, and lets get them changed.
Twitter: Subutcher