Dissertation Chapter: Young people representation in mainstream media

This dissertation chapter explores the representation of young people in mainstream media. It delves into the portrayal of young people and how society perceives them, examining the influence of religion and the specific case of Luton town. The chapter analyzes the challenges and issues faced by young people in media representation, offering insights into the impact of these portrayals. It also investigates the role of religion in shaping young people's identities and how it is depicted in the media. The chapter concludes with a discussion on Luton town's representation in the media. References are included at the end.

DISSERTATION CHAPTER –
LITERATURE REVIEW

Table of Contents
Theme: 1. Young people representation in mainstream media....................................................1
Theme: 2. How does society view young people.........................................................................2
Theme: 3. Religion can be a sense of identity.............................................................................3
Theme: 4 Young Muslim representation in mainstream media...................................................5
Theme: 5. Luton town representation in mainstream media........................................................6
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

Theme: 1. Young people representation in mainstream media
In the modern world, media has revolutionized the entire way in which people live and
they perceive & communicate with each other, making a huge impact over the society. In the
study of Bernier (2011), it is discovered that mainstream media portrays youth negatively, as a
result, public started forming an adverse and unbalanced perception towards their behavior &
attitude. The researcher viewed that media represent negative things instead of actual reality of
the reported concern which leads to foster stereotyping. It poses a greater fear and threat and has
a damaging effect on the image of young people in the community where they live. The research
evidence showed that adverse media stereotyping create moral panics for the young people.
Stereotyping and sensationalist media content leads to form an unbalanced perception among
people how they perceive young people.
However, on the contrary point, Bakker and De Vreese (2011), contemplated by stating
that media bring awareness in the society for grooming socially responsible citizens. TV,
newspaper, social media, internet and other media channels provide diversified knowledge to the
youngsters. Besides this, reporting violent activities of the young people is also necessary so that
it set an example for the other members to not involve in such illegal and disrespectful activities.
Likewise, Villani (2001), stated that youth led media gives information about enthusiastic young
people in the UK. Youth magazine, radio, digital media, newspapers inform reader about
talented and competent youngsters to wash the extreme negativity created by media by
celebrating their achievements.
Conversely, Clark and et.al., (2008), stated that in today’s period, the way and style how
media reports facts and sensationalize news have a wider impact over social life. Mass media
coverage through different channels i.e. newspaper, reporting channels, international radio
stations and other portrays young age people negatively and reflect them overall with a bad light.
Mainstream media are presenting more focus on youth problems and do not reflects a clear
picture stating that a vast proportion of young age people are well-behaved, disciplined and law
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abiding also. Evidencing it, in London, in 2010, a group of youth joined hands together and held
a student fees protest in really a peaceful way to stand up presenting their belief which have a
huge impact over their life. However, media represent the news in riots just because few
disrespectful and undisciplined younger age people joined the group and behave violently. Even
the members who were involved in violent activities were not belongs to the university and have
no effect due to high university fees, still, media reporters highlighted the protest among readers
in a totally different manner just to sell their newspapers for the commercial gain. Thus, media
did not report all the factual information that how youth have started peaceful protest and
developed negative perceptions towards youth.
Theme: 2. How does society view young people
Media has a strong influence over people’s perception how they view young people, their
attitude, acts and behavior. Stereotype is a way wherein people have a fixed perception towards
someone that may raise prejudice. According to the views of Jupp and et.al., (2011), research
evidence clearly showed that negative media reporting about the youngsters created adverse
image and they are stereotyped in the community where they live. People show a suspicion
towards young people whatever they do and wherever they go and consider them as bad
mannered and undisciplined citizen. It has a significant impact over their social lives. Besides
this, word of mouth publicity leads to spread negative perception and belief in the society
towards youth as a result, they are being forced away from the community just due to an adverse
perception which has no reasons & no factual base.
Similarly, in the study conducted by Fowler (2008), it is reported that due to unbalanced
image created by reporters, society perceive youth as hoodies, criminals, gang members and
yobs. People believed that young members of the society are bad mannered, lazy, disrespectful,
dangerous, abusive and involved in violence also. It leads to promote a self-fulfilling prophecy in
youngsters. Media biasness and published sensational reports formed an unbalance image
towards young members of the society for the objective to gain maximum commercial profit.
The study discovered that media presents youth in a negative manner
However, on the contrary side, Bakker and De Vreese (2011), argued that presenting
criminal acts and youth offenders does not means that it leads to bring negative image and
perception towards younger. Media present the news just to aware people what is happening in
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the nation so that they can be aware. Besides this, media reports, news channels, magazines,
reports not only publish the criminal offences, violent and other offensive acts, reporters also
publish news about commendable, outstanding and achievement of the youngsters which make
society feel really proud.
Clark and et.al., (2008), founded that media do not provide factual information in the
news published and reported to the audience. The investigation of workshop and project content
identified omission of including central information in creating news reports and presenting it in
a negative & condemnatory manner create negative perception, which in turn, society looks
young people as involved in anti-social behavior, violence, crime and other illegal activities.
Thus, it leads to develop a negative mentality among the citizens towards young members.
Use of emotional language, overestimation and presentation of numbers of young people
involved in the violent activities via exaggeration leads to create moral panic, which in turn,
people form unnecessary prediction about youth that they are bad, stereotyped and undisciplined.
Deviance amplification which is regarded as a way to represent a minor issue or matter into an
over-reacting manner and over-reported just to grab human interest which creates trouble for the
youth lives.
Theme: 3. Religion can be a sense of identity
Figure 1 Islamic identity
(Source: Wright, 2015)
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Wright (2015) studied the importance of religious identity among Muslims. In the
findings, it is being discovered that majority of the Muslims replied ethnicity and ancestry as
their identity. Muslims highly inspired from their religion and religious identity is extremely
important for them. Islam has a great influence over the second & third generation Muslims’
behaviour and personality. The research study specifically targeted Muslims in Britain and the
results reflect that undoubtedly, Islam is highly important for them and it have a strong impact
over their daily routine i.e. eating habits, shopping behaviour, living standard and others. Islamic
religion distinguishes them from the other community and everyone feel proud of it. They react
irrationally when their religion is targeted by anyone. At the same time, they also respect for the
other religion (non-Muslims) and have immense tolerance as dictated in their holy book, Quran.
Similarly, it was supported by Jaspal and Cinnirella (2010), stating that in Britain,
Muslims protest vigorously if their religion Islam is attacked or misrepresented by the media
reporters, still, they done it in a peaceful manner. Although Muslims do not have any problem
adjusting in a democratic nation, still, they encountered several difficulties in living in a
multicultural society. They give absolute superiority to their own religion, Islam and believe in
Quran. They are anxious and wish that other people learn Islam and respect their principle;
however, they have no interest in other religion.
However, in contrast to this, Reed (2005), argued that over the period, British Islam is
changing and now, it seems more open than previously intercultural dialogue & genuine
interreligious. However, still, it will take a long time to encourage Muslims to actively
participate and engage in the multicultural society with open mindedness, curiosity & humility.
On the other hand, younger Muslims absorb Western Liberal Culture and they have a favourable
attitude towards multiculturalists’ society. Western Muslims not only considered as a good
democratic citizen but also have a strong impact over other Muslim.
On the critical note, as per Nayak (2003), although no doubt, religion is of great
importance for a significant proportion of UK Muslim citizens, still, a considerable size of
younger Muslim people who born in UK consider “Britishness” as their self-identity. However,
in the study, survey of older people of Muslim community reported that British government do
not give respect to their religious custom and take little initiatives to protect their religious rights.
With the growth of education system, it tends to develop a “multicultural identity” among
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Muslims. Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) also reported that a extreme proportion of Muslims
reported their national identity as British.
Theme: 4 Young Muslim representation in mainstream media
Figure 2 Muslim population in Britain
(Source: Muslim Council of Britain, 2015)
As per the latest census report, The Muslim Council of Britain, (2015), reported that the
total Muslim Community in Britain is 2.8 million. Britain is the nation which have diversified
Muslim Community and Islam seems second biggest faith group in UK. Therefore, the
community has occupied a key role in the media coverage. Allen (2011), founded that
mainstream media coverage tends to represent young Muslims negatively. It is because, media
publish sensationalize, xenophobia and insensitive news about Muslim population. In UK, press
figure out Muslim citizen with an Orientalist lens wherein Muslim and their religion Islam are
continually contrasted with the West. Such divisional framework seems Muslim as problematic,
incompatible, dangerous and oppressive. Following 9/11 along with the subsequent attacks,
publishing sensational as well as Islamophobic news surrounding British Muslims shows an
increasing trend.
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Likewise, Richardson (2004), said that Muslims are often marked out with the
multiculturalism issues, forced marriages, immigration, criminal activities and racialised in the
press. It leads to form a disadvantaged position due to unfair scrutinisation, terrorism,
stereotypical and unbalanced speculation as well. The research findings of Sian, Law and Sayyid
(2012), highlighted that major British newspapers covering “The Sun”, “The Independent” and
“The Daily Mail” spot negative light on the Muslim and consider them as problematic and
enemy. Hostile representation and negative news surrounding Islam & Muslim remains still
hegemonic and continue to misrepresent Muslim people through reinforcing antagonistic and
sensational narrative and fabricated stories with a distorted speculation and racial & cultural
stereotype contributing to moral panic.
However, on the contrary note, Nayak (2003), argued that Muslim Media’s basic function
is to contribute towards constructing a better informed Muslims, therefore, investment in
Muslim media along with mainstream media helps towards building a better society. Media
provides a platform to the Muslims where they can share their opinions and raise their voices
which are considered as a positive step towards building a responsible society. MCB work for
Muslims, value their religion and release press reports. Recently, Eid Mubarak press was
released to wish all the people a joyful Eid.
Theme: 5. Luton town representation in mainstream media
As per the report published by Beckford (2010), Luton always is a part of media
spotlight, more importantly, after the emergence of a man, Muslim extremist in Stockholm who
blew himself. The town is considered as a terrorism hotbed and boom town. Evidencing it, it is
stated that a major facilitator of the terrorism group, Al-Qaeda, living in Luton with his family
for many years. Politicians also said that British Muslims must challenged extremists in the
midst, Luton;s university totally denied and said that extremism is never tolerated, still, some
private group said that it happens secretly. Findings of Qureshi (2014), stated that in Luton town,
Luton Women’s network constructed a narrative leaflet on extremism & radicalization which
was criticized by Somali women arguing that the leaflet only target extremism within Muslim
community instead of focusing right extremism.
The Economist (2010), demonstrated that over the past decade, Luton is considered as a
synonymous for racial tension & Islamic extremism because British Intelligence seeks town as
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the most important concentration of extremists. Evidencing it, the famous fertilizer bomber
caught at Luton which resulted July 7 Bombers in West Yorkshire. Thus, it becomes clear that in
the news release, Luton Town often surrounded with terrorism issues.
Copsey, (2010), mentioned that in the Luton, an anti –troop protest named “Respt our
troops” and “No sharia law in the UK” declared which later became English Defense League
(EDL). The members have links with the football hooligans. The organization claims towards
extremists Muslims which emphasizes more focus on Luton Town in comparison to the other
towns. EDL is not just about holding protest to minimize social cohesion but also to adopt a
more pro-active stance in order to challenge hostile attitude towards Muslim people.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Allen, C. (2011). Opposing Islamification or promoting Islamophobia? Understanding the
English defence league. Patterns of Prejudice. 45(4). pp.279-294
Bakker, T.P. and De Vreese, C.H. (2011). Good news for the future? Young people, Internet use,
and political participation. Communication research. 38(4). pp.451-470.
Bernier, A. (2011). Representations of youth in local media: Implications for library
service. Library & Information Science Research. 33(2). pp.158-167.
Clark, C. and et.al. (2008). Media Portrayal of Young People–impact and influences. National
Children’s Bureau, London.
Copsey, N., (2010), The English Defence League: Challenging Our Country and Our Values of
Social Inclusion, Fairness and Equality, Faith Matters: London.
Fowler, D. (2008) ‘Youth Culture: In Modern Britain, c. 1920 – c. 1970’ London: Palgrave
Macmillan.
Jaspal, R. and Cinnirella, M. (2010). Media representations of British Muslims and hybridised
threats to identity. Contemporary Islam. 4(3). pp.289-310.
Nayak, A.N.O.O.P. (2003). Race, place and globalization: youth cultures in a changing world
Berg. New York.
Reed, J (2005). Young Muslims in the UK: Education and Integration. In A briefing paper for
the FES/ippr seminar. December2005.
Richardson, J.E. (2004). (Mis)representing Islam: The Racism and Rhetoric of British
Broadsheet Newspapers. John Benjamins Publishing.
Villani, S. (2001). Impact of media on children and adolescents: a 10-year review of the
research. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 40(4).
pp.392-401.
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Wright, H., 2015. YBMs: religious identity and consumption among young British
Muslims. International Journal of Market Research. 57(1). pp.151-163.
Online
Beckford, M. (2010). Stockholm bomber and problem with Luton. [Online]. Available through:
< http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/8199838/The-
Stockholm-bomber-and-the-problem-with-Luton.html>. [Accessed on 4th September
2017].
Jupp, E. and et.al. (2011). Unbalanced negative media portrayal of youth. [Online]. Available
through: < https://www.hertsmere.gov.uk/Documents/08-Parks--Leisure/Children--
Young-People/Final-Report---Unbalanced-negative-media-portrayal-of-youth.pdf>.
[Accessed on 2nd September 2017].
Nayak, A. (2003). ‘Race, Place and Globalization: Youth Cultures in a Changing World’.
Dawsonera [Online]. Available at:
https://www.dawsonera.com/readonline/9781845205683 [Accessed on 4th September
2017].
Qureshi, A. (2014). From Multiculturalism to Integration: The Role of Muslim Women in the
Implementation of Ethno-Religious Minority Polices in the UK. [Online]. Available
through: <
http://www.academia.edu/30105301/From_Multiculturalism_to_Integration_The_Role_o
f_Muslim_Women_in_the_Implementation_of_Ethno-
Religious_Minority_Policies_in_the_UK>. [Accessed on 4th September 2017].
Sian, K., Law, I. and Sayyid, S. (2012). The Media and Muslims in the UK. [Online]. Available
through: < http://www.ces.uc.pt/projectos/tolerace/media/Working%20paper%205/The
%20Media%20and%20Muslims%20in%20the%20UK.pdf>. [Accessed on 4th September
2017].
The Economist, (2010), ‘Extremism in Luton: What went wrong’. The Economist [Online], 16
December. Available at: http://www.economist.com/node/17733504 [Accessed on 4th
September 2017].
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The Muslim Council of Britain, (2015). British Muslims in Numbers: A Demographic, Socio-
economic and Health profile of Muslims in Britain drawing on the 2011 Census.
Available through: https://www.mcb.org.uk. [Accessed on 4th September 2017].
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