Robert Ferguson

SOME THOUGHTS ON ISSUES OF 'RACE' AND THE MEDIA FOR POSSIBLE DISCUSSION

Representation

It is difficult to summarise the complexity of the issues relating to the representation of 'race' in the media. The reason is that there is some (not that much) good news, a lot of bad news, and a need to recognise that the very term 'race' covers a multitude of representations which certainly cannot be reduced to matters of only skin colour. It may be more productive for all of us if we try to address issues of identity and the media in our future work. This must definitely not be seen as a means of pretending racism is not a major issue for all of us. It is simply that the concept of identity (or better identities) allows for much more flexibility in addressing and interpreting issues and representations in the media. It also allows for the contradictions which can arise in relation to individual or group identity when what is at stake might be as various as national identity, personal identity, or one's identity as a supporter of a football club! The latter point is very significant in terms of the possible breakdown of at least confusion of issues of prejudice based around 'race'. Much more has to be said, but this might provide a way in to discussion.

Political realities

There may be some sympathetic representations in the media concerning 'race' issues, with Black or Asian pop stars, the popularity of South African Music, some Black actors etc. There is also a harsh reality for ethnic minorities in many European countries where they are subject to abuse, physical violence and murder. The case of Stephen Lawrence in England is just one of many. In Sweden the situation is so difficult that teachers who teach about the Holocaust are being marked by extreme right wing groups. There is also the genteel but often pervasive racism which permeates so many of the more 'cultivated' in Europe. (some of these things I attempt to tackle in my book)

'Race' and the younger viewer

For the 10-12 year old there is a range issues to be considered. The first has to be the identity of that person (gender, age, ethnic and religious background etc). The second is the ways in which an individual or group is or is not represented in the media. The third is related to what used to be called 'positive images.' This is a dubious concept in my opinion, but it brings to the fore the question of showing positive identities in relation to the 'group' to which one belongs.

Possible educational strategies

If we are to develop non-conflictual models of media education and education more generally, we need to consider with great care how issues of identity are taught about. Essentialising arguments need to be avoided in favour of minimal universalising. What this means is that what it means to be a 'real' German (Pole, Swede, Italian etc,) is not as educationally productive for discussion as those characteristics which we all share above and beyond that which makes us all 'unique.' In other words, we do need to study questions of difference, but only and always against the backdrop of a shared humanity. In terms of work around the news and the media there is much that can be done. It is an enormous challenge, however, because studying the ways in which identities are re-presented in the news ands elsewhere requires us to question how identities come into being, how they are sustained, and sometimes how they are challenged. Some of these issues can be addressed in the classroom by asking questions. Such questions can then be developed and modified in order to provide possibilities for both practical (production, creativity) and analytical work (also creativity!). Questions might include: Who do the media say I am (we are)? Am I ever re-presented in the media? Who are the 'others' in my society? How are they (we) represented? Could we change the ways in which 'others' are represented? These questions look a little abstract here, but they can, without too much trouble, be converted into practical strategies for the classroom. I hope this will, at least, begin some debate about possibilities, potentials, pitfalls...