Abstract
AbstractThe collective memory of the colonial past still attempts to determine the relationship between the different ethnic groups in Latvia and also affects the identity problems of such groups. These effects are visible today in the new arena of public space, i.e. in relation to refugees. The flow of refugees into Europe in autumn 2015 was unexpected for many people. Local media reports that the large number of refugees and migrants are making the migration process uncontrollable, has signalled that there is an accidental and intentional crisis cluster here. Public opinion polls also confirmed the nervous state of the Latvian population crisis and dislike for refugee reception demanded by the management of the European Union. This research was conducted in order to determine whether such reaction of the society is rooted in xenophobia or has other reasons. Two groups of people were surveyed. One of them shows that post-colonial thinking is still present, if supported by post-colonially oriented mass me...
Highlights
The consequences of colonialism in Latvia’s modern society has so far undergone only limited study (Kelertas, 2006; Racevskis, 1998; Račevskis, 2001; Riekstiņš, 2015; Rudzītis, 2004; Vardys, 1964; Zariņš, 1999)
This study proved that public reaction in crisis situations cannot be explained and unequivocally
The aim of this study is to find out how the media presents information about the refugees and migrants to the audience as well as which rhetorical and linguistic tools it uses and how these tools influence the public opinion regarding refugees and migrants in Latvia
Summary
The consequences of colonialism in Latvia’s modern society has so far undergone only limited study (Kelertas, 2006; Racevskis, 1998; Račevskis, 2001; Riekstiņš, 2015; Rudzītis, 2004; Vardys, 1964; Zariņš, 1999). 2. Study background The media has so far explained this situation with a number of objective reasons: (a) limited experience in the reception of refugees; (b) bad experiences with immigrants after the restoration of independence, due to existing Russian-speaking economic migrants from the former Soviet Union, who currently represent around 42% of the population and do not want to integrate into the country (The measurement, 2013); (c) the economic crisis of 2007–2009, after which inhabitants have been suffering low living standards and have been taking part in mass emigration due to unemployment; (d) contributions to the refugee quota are higher than the average for Latvian senior citizens; (e) public fear of an unknown religion. It stems from the two post-colonial consequences above: (1) the need for a single leader, and (2) public distrust of the media (Ankrava, 2002; Havel, 1991; Račevskis, 2002)
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