Media Portrayals Research Articles

Enhancing China's image in Africa: The role of the Belt and Road Initiative

Growing distrust makes it challenging for countries to retain positive reputations and images worldwide. Employing data from the eighth round of the Afrobarometer and the multiperiod difference-in-differences (DID) method, this paper examines how China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) affects its image in Africa. This study reveals that the BRI can significantly improve China's image among Africans. It affects Africans' perceptions of China's image in a highly heterogeneous manner. The BRI boosts China's image by increasing foreign direct investment, foreign aid, trade, and cultural communication with Africa. Moreover, domestic mainstream public attention and public praise and criticism can mitigate the BRI's impact on Africans' perceptions of China. These findings highlight the importance of economic cooperation and media portrayal in forming a country's image. Additionally, the paper offers suggestions for both China and Africa to build a high-quality BRI, thus improving their bilateral economic cooperation.

Analyzing media valence shifts: The association between a U.S. PR firm's engagement and Kenya's portrayal in U.S. media

This study examines the association between the engagement of a U.S.-based PR firm by the Kenyan government and subsequent shifts in the tone of news coverage in four major U.S. media outlets. Through quantitative content analysis, the study identifies discernible shifts toward more positive reporting about Kenya during the period of PR firm involvement. By carefully delineating the association between PR engagement and changes in media portrayal without asserting direct causality, this research underscores the significance of strategic PR activities in influencing media narratives. The findings illustrate the intricate dynamics between international public relations practices and media framing, contributing valuable insights into the potential impact of PR efforts on national image cultivation in a global context.

The portrayal of Pakistan as whited sepulture against the Taliban: a case study of American media

The changing narratives and portrayal of Taliban in the US media has been a subject of much deliberation among the media connoisseurs ranging from their heroic portrayal during the Afghan-Soviet war to desperados in the post 9/11 world landscape. For this particular reason, the present study is an effort to locate how the proxy actor (Pakistan) has been linked to the Taliban by the US media in the post 9/11 world. This research takes Time magazine as a case study and articles related to Pakistan are selected encompassing the decade following 9/11. The corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis has been applied using Graph Coll and Wordsmith. The analysis has been done on three levels: (i) the time-specific pattern of the node linked with the Pakistani context, (ii) the most significant and strong collocates of the node, and (iii) the semantic categorization of the collocates. The analysis reveals that Pakistan has been linked with Taliban groups throughout the decade in some years more frequently than others. The second level of analysis reveals that the Taliban groups are statistically significantly and strongly connected with Pakistan. The third level of analysis reveals many aspects such as ambiguity pertaining to Taliban and associated groups, their ties with Pakistan, and Pakistan playing a dodging game with Taliban groups as well as the US government. Such media portrayal of Pakistan as being a white sepulture reveals a political world where binaries (Us vs. Them) in the case of Pakistan do not exist.

The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions of Women's Empowerment: Challenges and Opportunities for Change

This paper delves into the complex role of media in influencing perceptions of women's empowerment, highlighting the various obstacles and possibilities for transformation. Through a meticulous examination of the available literature, this study offers valuable insights into the impact of media on societal perceptions of women's empowerment. The paper thoroughly examines the portrayal of women in traditional media outlets and the changing landscape of digital platforms by analysing secondary data from various academic sources. The findings shed light on the intricate relationship between media portrayals and efforts to empower women, underscoring the importance of actively analysing media stories to promote substantial advancements. The study highlights the impact of media on shaping and reinforcing societal views on gender, which in turn can shape public opinion and policy decisions. Moreover, the analysis highlights the significance of digital media in offering fresh avenues for women's voices, while also posing novel obstacles like online harassment and misinformation. In conclusion, the paper highlights the significance of media literacy and advocacy in addressing gender stereotypes and advancing gender equality. There is a need for greater awareness and education to empower audiences to evaluate media content in a discerning manner, resulting in a more balanced portrayal of women in media stories.

What's in store for UK climate policy in the next five years? Reflections from environmental leaders past, present and future

AbstractIn light of the UK's 2024 general election and new government, UK policy on climate change is likely to see a shift in direction. This paper presents the proceedings of an event held at the UK Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) (RGS‐IBG) in February 2024, exploring the path ahead for UK climate policy. Four expert panelists were asked to reflect on the achievements and shortcomings of climate policy over the past five years and to provide insights into the future of climate policy for the coming five years. Presenting the transactions of this panel, this dialogue paper aims to highlight the interrelationship between research and scholarship, media portrayals, and political discourse on climate change in the UK, demonstrating how preconceptions and dominant ideas in each sphere will shape action and policy in the coming years.

Counteracting Islamophobia through Strategic Media Narratives: A Multi-Case Study Approach

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, Islamophobia escalated rapidly in Western societies, challenging the integration and perception of Muslim communities. This rise in prejudice has often been reinforced by negative media portrayals, which have shaped public opinion and policy in profound ways. Contrary to this, certain media entities have endeavored to mitigate these negative perceptions through positive representation and constructive discourse. This study explores the role of media in combating Islamophobia, with a focus on how selected media outlets have leveraged their platforms to foster understanding and counteract prejudice against Muslims. Three distinct cases are examined: the documentaries and other programming by Qatar's Al Jazeera English network, the digital content of Islam Online, and the popular Turkish TV series "Resurrection Ertugrul." Al Jazeera English has been pivotal in providing a counter-narrative to Western media depictions of Islam and Muslims through in-depth documentaries that highlight the diversity and richness of Muslim cultures. Islam Online has used its digital presence to educate and bridge gaps between Muslim and non-Muslim communities by offering a platform for dialogue and understanding. Meanwhile, "Resurrection Ertugrul" serves not merely as entertainment but as a significant cultural and political tool that redefines and reshapes narratives around Islamic history and identity, presenting an antidote to stereotypical media portrayals. This study employs qualitative methodologies, including content analysis and literature reviews, to assess the impact of these media on Western perceptions of Islam. Expected results indicate that strategic media content can effectively counter Islamophobia by enlightening audiences, fostering cultural appreciation, and challenging ingrained stereotypes. This research underscores the media's power as a non-state actor in international relations and its capacity to influence social change and policy by reshaping narratives and improving intercultural relationships.

Representation of Therapy and Therapists in Indian Movies and TV Series: An Examination of Accuracy, Influence, and Perception

Film and psychology share a longstanding relationship with evolving depictions of therapy and therapists. While extensive research explores Hollywood's portrayal of mental health, a gap exists in understanding therapists in Indian media. This study addresses this void, examining how Indian movies and TV series portray therapists and their impact on audiences. Utilizing qualitative methodology, expert interviews provide insights into therapist perspectives. Bollywood often simplifies mental health, while regional cinema offers more authentic representations. Critiques target films like 'Dear Zindagi,' 'Atrangi Re,' and Tamil movies 'Beast' and 'Anniyan,' as well as the series 'The Family Man' for unrealistic therapy scenes. Positive examples include Tamil and Malayalam films like 'Kumbalangi Nights' and 'Irugapatru,' and the series 'Made in Heaven' for ethical therapist portrayals. Indian media tends to trivialize therapy, perpetuating misconceptions, and stigma. Experts stress the importance of responsible depictions, even in extreme treatments like Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). Therapists face challenges addressing misconceptions fuelled by media portrayals during sessions, underscoring the need for accurate and empathetic representations in Indian media.

THE SILENT FLOW: MENSTRUAL EXPERIENCES AND THEIR SUPPRESSION IN POPULAR DISCOURSE

Menstruation, a biological phenomenon experienced by half the global population, has historically been shrouded in stigma and silence across cultures. This paper examines the suppression of menstrual experiences in popular discourse, focusing on cultural taboos, media representation, and societal norms. It highlights how this silence perpetuates gender inequalities and restricts open discussions about health and well-being. The paper also explores emerging literature, film, and social media counter-narratives that challenge these taboos, advocating for menstrual equity and normalisation. Through a critical analysis of cultural practices and media portrayals, this study calls for reimagining menstruation as an integral, natural aspect of life.

Women’s Islamic Shariah Compliant Dress: An Overview

Fashion and religion are often said to be interlinked because of the rise of modest dress trends for Muslim women. However, many Muslim women dress in Muslim trends not dictated by religious requirements; as a result, the Muslim clothes they wear do not match the standards for appropriate Muslim attire. The reason is clothing has a purpose for a Muslim in that it is a tool that may be used to hide “awrah”, which are areas of the body that should not be seen by anybody other than members of the same family in line with religious orders. In short, Muslims may only wear clothes that are according to the Islamic dress code, which is a Sharia rule that determines what forms of clothing are allowed (i.e., Halal) and prohibited (i.e., Haram). Increases in the media's portrayal of important persons dressed in Islamic clothing and the size of the market for Islamic apparel have helped to elevate Islamic clothing to the status of a major fashion trend. Modern forms of communication, especially the Internet and social networking sites, have helped bring Islamic feminism into the mainstream. Since modesty is a maqasid al-shari'ah, one might achieve it by covering awrah.

Media Coverage of Mediation: Before and During the Russian–Ukrainian War

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: This study’s objective is to examine how mediation is presented in the news media stories before and during the outbreak of war. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The research problem is an attempt to answer the question if in stories, whereas their headlines introduce the word “mediation” or “mediator,” respond to the concepts of mediation, peace, or war journalism. This documentary research analyzes 100 news published in Spanish, where we examine how the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is presented to the readers. In addition, three experts in culture of peace (from Spain, Mexico, and Colombia) were interviewed regarding the media portrayals of war and mediation. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: This investigation begins with a recapitulation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine; before and after the outbreak of the war, different personalities offered intervention as a possible mediation. Despite the intentions to mediate, the war broke out, and the international community continued to search for a mediator. Thus, the influence of the media using specific words like “mediation” deserves to be explored. RESEARCH RESULTS: The study’s findings reveal that 85% of the analyzed media used a vocabulary whose style responds to war journalism and contradicts the idea of mediation in the bodies of the news stories. As a result, four categories emerge: self-proposed mediators, requested/expected mediators, mediating countries, and mediation experts. CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This research demonstrates that the sense of mediation in media does not provide clarity but rather confusion. Even if the intention of mediation is covered, mostly, it is accompanied by a binary perspective of the conflict, which is the opposite of what mediation implies. The findings indicate a need to create spaces for training on culture and peace-building in the newsrooms to improve journalistic practices about armed conflicts.

Polish borders: media polarization and the representation of the refugee crises at the borders with Belarus (2021) and Ukraine (2022)

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: This paper examines how specific media outlets (Polityka, Sieci) have portrayed the crises on Poland’s borders with Belarus and Ukraine. It focuses on refugees during the period of border crossings by capturing reactions, emotions, and decisions highlighted in the media during that period. Utilizing media polarization theory, the authors analyse similarities and differences in selected media outlets’ coverage of the crises. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The following research questions were asked: What is the media portrayal of the refugees on the Belarus and the Ukrainian borders? Does the structural level of MP (media polarization) impact the behavioural level? The authors conducted qualitative media content analysis, following Pisarek’s (1983) research process and Mayring’s (2014) Inductive Category. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: The theory of media polarization is presented, followed by an analysis of the literature examining this phenomenon in the context of the refugee crises at Poland’s borders with Belarus and Poland. Qualitative content analysis of over 100 articles published in two strategically selected structurally polarized weeklies was carried out using the nVIVO software. RESEARCH RESULTS: The structural level of media polarization is reflected in the behavioural one. This study reveals that the main thematic focus is the refugees at the Belarusian border, who are described via political, social, and religious themes. The crisis at the Ukrainian border also exhibits polarizing elements, primarily centring on evaluating or criticizing the authorities and addressing or ignoring uncomfortable and problematic issues that emerge in connection to these refugees CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATION: This study constitutes a significant contribution to the theory of media polarization, addressing it also in relation to issues of diversity, tolerance, inclusivity, and humanitarianism.

The Impact of Media Coverage of Performance Information on the Budget Spending Intentions of Government Officials and Citizens in South Korea

This research investigates the impact of media coverage of performance information on the budget spending intentions of both public officials and citizens. It delves into the mechanisms through which media coverage shapes government performance assessment and explores how negative media portrayal affects budgetary decisions, distinguishing between budget inefficiencies, policy design flaws, and budget shortages as key content categories. The findings elucidate divergent budget spending intentions between public officials and citizens, emphasizing the intricate interplay between the tone and content of media reports and their influence on budgetary intentions. This study highlights the pivotal yet often neglected aspect of news content in molding public and official perceptions of government performance. Furthermore, it accentuates the essentiality of proactive government communication strategies in managing public perception, advocating for the institutionalization of performance information dissemination to effectively address the nuances of both successful and unsuccessful policy measures.

Tomboy feelings: a reparative reading of tomboy trauma

ABSTRACT Tomboys are often viewed as pioneers of socially accepted gender-nonconformity, and while ostracization and isolation were understood as an underlying consequence of tomboyism, it is hardly elaborated on in tomboy research and literature. Tomboyism can be regarded as a choice, but for many tomboys (especially those who were tomboys since they were young), tomboyism is an unconscious inclination. This article will discuss the negative emotions felt by tomboys that have not been given much emphasis in media portrayals of Western tomboyism. It is informed by the experiences and insights of my 11 international research participants, scaffolded by Ann Cvetkovich’s work on affect theory. The aim of this article is to perform a reparative reading on the trauma and distresses faced by my tomboy participants, focusing on the nuances of how their cultural and gendered intersectionality have shaped their experiences. This will add to the multidimensional view of contemporary tomboyism, and the trials and tribulations of modern gender-nonconformity.

Exploring barriers to care home research recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic: The influence of social media recruitment posts and public sentiment.

Recruitment of care home staff to research studies is recognised as challenging. This was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated negative media portrayal of care home workers. Social media use has surged since the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns, offering a plausible approach to understanding the barriers to care home research recruitment and gaining insight into public perceptions of care home workers. To utilise comments from two Facebook recruitment posts to: 1) gain an understanding of potential barriers to recruitment of healthcare workers (HCWs) in UK care homes, and 2) explore public sentiment towards care home research and care homes in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study analysed comments from two Facebook posts (available June-October 2021) advertising a separate study on psychological support for care staff during the pandemic. This study was situated within a larger investigation into the mental health and wellbeing of care home staff and employed both qualitative analysis and quantitative methods (word count and correlations between words used and between posts). Three themes were identified from the qualitative analysis: support, mistrust and blame. There was a greater use of words associated with support and negative emotive words in post 2. Post 2 comments featured significantly more choice words and first-person singular pronouns than post 1 which indicated a resentful sentiment from those who advocate freedom of choice and control. Discussion of mistrust towards researchers was most prominent in post 1 indicating the importance of relationship building between researchers and HCWs in UK care homes. With attribution to blame, there was a larger range of negative emotion words than positive emotion words. Taken together our findings offer novel insights into why recruitment to care home research during the pandemic including the use of social media might be problematic. Social media is a useful tool for recruitment but should not be considered as a one-time input. Researchers should pro-actively engage with the study population from the start using co-design with resident and public groups to support recruitment and ensure these populations are accurately represented within research.

Polska szkoła archeologii śródziemnomorskiej w audycjach Polskiego Radia (1971–1980). Nowe źródła w studiach nad historią dyscypliny i jej społeczną recepcją

The article provides an overview of radio programs dedicated to Mediterranean archaeology broadcast on Polish Radio during the 1970s and 1980s. This analysis represents the first such endeavor in Polish literature and aligns with the public archaeology trend, which examines the political, cultural, and economic dimensions of archaeological practice and its societal reception. By exploring this category of sources, the text offers a historical perspective on radio broadcasts, presenting them as a novel and previously untapped resource for studying the history of archaeology. Drawing from these sources, the article discusses the dissemination of knowledge concerning the activities of Polish researchers, the media portrayal of the archaeological profession, and the unique phenomenon of the Polish School of Mediterranean Archaeology in the context of Polish scientific history. It delves into the distinctive features and historical background surrounding its establishment. Additionally, attention is given to Kazimierz Michałowski, the visionary behind this initiative, and the strategies he employed to promote public awareness of the research conducted within the Polish School of Mediterranean Archaeology.

It's not just a movie: Perceived impact of misportrayals of dissociative identity disorder in the media on self and treatment

BackgroundHollywood has demonstrated an interest in dissociative identity disorder (DID), but unfortunately, films and television series have portrayed DID in captivating storylines at the expense of individuals living with DID. These representations of DID are often stigmatizing, stereotypical, and inaccurate. ObjectiveThe present study aimed to explore the impact of media portrayals on patients’ views of themselves and their treatment. MethodA total of 377 individuals with DID completed an online survey about their perceptions of the impact of DID representations in the media, and 151 of those participants reported that media portrayals of DID had an impact on their mental health treatment. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. ResultsOf those participants who reported an impact on their treatment, an overwhelming majority (n = 129) reported the impact to be negative. Five superordinate themes emerged: 1.) portrayals are inaccurate and perpetuate myths among clinicians, 2.) portrayals impact patients’ experiences of themselves and access to treatment, 3.) lack of clinical training and influence of media portrayals lead to negative outcomes, 4.) portrayals lead to maltreatment by clinicians, and 5.) importance of specialty treatment not based on media portrayals. ConclusionsThe present study found that inaccurate, stigmatizing media depictions of DID perpetuate misconceptions about DID and contribute to delays in seeking treatment and getting accurately diagnosed, and increased shame and self-loathing among individuals with DID.

Suicide contagion and psychosocial risks among Nepali youth through a near-hanging case study.

The phenomenon of suicide contagion: some individuals, especially vulnerable young people, exhibit increased susceptibility to suicidal ideation when exposed to the suicide of other people. Significant research suggests that exposure to media portrayals, suicide groups and peer suicides may lead to suicide contagion. Prevalent psychosocial and cultural factors in Nepal such as interpersonal conflict, domestic violence, gender inequity and social exclusion probably contribute to suicidal behaviour. This case study investigates a high school student in a rural mountainous community in Nepal, who attempted suicide by hanging following his girlfriend's suicide, and demonstrates how peer suicide exposure prompts imitative behaviour in a vulnerable young person and confirms suicide grief as an underrepresented risk factor. Prompt, supportive interventions for high-risk grievers and societal prevention strategies tailored to adolescents are essential to curb imitative deaths.

Border controls and (im)mobilities: experiences from a public transport node

The Öresund Bridge between Sweden and Denmark was opened in 2000, allowing both road traffic and fast commuter trains to travel between Malmö and Copenhagen. Various agreements have long facilitated passport-free travel. However, at the end of 2015, temporary border controls were first introduced. This paper aims to provide a deeper understanding of portrayals in the news media and everyday mobility experiences relating to border controls, with a special focus on Hyllie Station in the city of Malmö, in southern Sweden. The article is based on a compilation of the way Hyllie Station has been depicted in the news media for a deeper contextual understanding combined with a public participation GIS dataset focusing on the safety and security experiences of public transport nodes. Hyllie station, border controls and the presence of security personnel are depicted in different ways and at different levels. The complexities of life are intensified due to the daily cross-border commute and extra time required by border controls. The issue of mobility justice is raised, and the interrelationship between power and mobility becomes more and more tangible. Hyllie is a traffic node wherein the barriers of mobility and immobility become blurred, and power is displayed on different levels.

Self-fulfilling Prophecy and Muslim Radicalization: Cases of France and the United States

This paper investigates the relationship between radicalization and self-fulfilling prophecy, focusing on the Western contexts with case studies from France and the United States. In France, historical marginalization and "symbolic ghettoization" of Muslim immigrants created an "in-group" versus "out-group" dynamic, intensified by political actions and media portrayals, leading to alienation and radicalization among young Muslim men. Similarly, in the United States, conservative media narratives post-9/11 have portrayed Muslims as threats, influencing public opinion and policy decisions, and setting the stage for potential future radicalization. The paper emphasizes the formation of these restrictive identities pushes marginalized individuals towards radicalism, underscoring the need to reject prejudices for effective radicalization mitigation. It warns of the dangers of symbolic segregation, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing self-fulfilling prophecies in political and media discourse to combat radicalization in contemporary societies.

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Issues During the COVID-19 Period Using Topic Modeling

This study investigates media coverage of cosmetic surgery in South Korea from 2014 to 2023 using text mining techniques applied to news articles from BigKinds. It focuses on assessing the prevalence of objective information and the societal impacts of capital-driven misinformation. The research methodology involved optimal topic modeling through perplexity, likelihood, BIC, and similarity measures, identifying five themes within the cosmetic surgery news corpus. Further analysis included quantitative topic recognition via fuzzy clustering by period, sentiment analysis, and network analysis utilizing n-gram techniques to explore relationships between key terms. Findings reveal five main topics covered in cosmetic surgery news: Consumer Psychology, Cosmetic Surgery Market, Cosmetic Companies and Technologies, Side Effects and Incidents, and the Tourism Industry. The period from 2014 to 2016 saw significant coverage, particularly on medical tourism and surgical side effects, while in 2017, attention shifted to the surgical process and market stability. From 2018 onward, news coverage expanded, especially in May, focusing on cosmetic technology and related industries amid increased outdoor activities. With the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there was a resurgence in coverage of the cosmetic surgery market. In 2023, post-pandemic, there was an uptick in articles related to cosmetic surgery technology industries and support funds. The core words in cosmetic surgery news were spreading around "plastic surgery," "China," and "Botulinum". The study sheds light on the potential influence of capital on media portrayals of cosmetic surgery and the resulting societal consequences of misinformation.