Xmas Task 5

Introduction:
In this paragraph, I intend to introduce the title of my Critical Investigation, and to briefly explain the concept behind it, and what I aim to find from it. I will also explain what a moral panic is. I will briefly touch upon the platform that I am going to be focusing my research on, and why I have chosen this platform. Lastly, I will briefly introduce the topic of black people and the extent moral panic has actually gone to.

1st Paragraph:
In my 1st paragraph, I aim to discuss the history of black people in more context, from its slavery days, to the civil rights. And its origins, throwing in a couple of qualitative data which will talk about different first hand encounters with moral panic, and how it may have shaped their life. Additionally I will be referring to several online articles which can be said to have caused moral panic over the issue, such as poverty and cultural deprivation being the main source and reason for violence amongst black teens in poverty stricken areas.

The Media Studies, Authors: O'Sullivan, Tim, Jewkes Yvonne(2004)
"Black people have been largely portrayed as part of the mainstream middle class, which does not accuratley reflect the lives of many blacks who find themselves excluded from such a life in advanced capitalist societies",

http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Students/mtw9403.html

"In the 1970s the image of the black mugger became a target of those wishing to instil concern in the minds of the public, a panic which was to lead to a great deal of prejudice and racism at every level of society and a fear which, to a large extent, remains today".
Matthew Wood
This is another useful quote, as it addresses how racism could have been created as a moral panic in the 70's as a result of a stereotypical picture published. The picture clearly caused conflict and anger where it were distributed, and given a bad name to those who were innocently targeted.

2nd Paragraph:
In this paragraph, I will elaborate further on the 1st paragraph, except I will use primary evidence and sources from books as they will give a more traditional opinion as to why there is so much negative representation of black people in the media. I will address the historical youtube clip of The Ministrels as the video is clearly provoking. The things i use in this paragraph, are there in order to be argued against in the next.

3rd Paragraph:
In this paragraph, I will contradict the previous paragraph, stating that the moral panic is not on the increase and is the fault of those who represent themselves in this way.

Black Demons: The Media's Depiction of the African American Male Criminal Stereotype. Author: Dennis Rome
"According to Stallworth (1994), young black men and women both continue to follow to patterns of slavery times".

I will use various websites and articles issued by the Guardian, Independant, and Daily Mail sites to support this. Additionally, I aim to discuss the similarities between the texts, and contradict this in the next paragraph.

4th Paragraph:
In this paragraph, I aim to assess using the view of masculinity, whether or not the moral panic is correct or not.

Branston,Gill,Stafford Roy(2003): the Media Student's Book.London Great Britain.Routledge.
"Many men feel that the most compelling advertising respresentations of masculinity are ones that produce real levels of anxiety and inadequacy, even if male culture, with its emphasis on 'strong' silences or loud camaraderie, makes it difficult to talk about or express such feelings".

Page: 382

From this, I aim to evaluate if it is harder being a black male citizen living with moral panics rather than a female, as being male carries more stigma due to knife and gun crimes etc. I will use various theories to support my argument such as the black liberation theory.

http://www.acton.org/commentary/443_marxist_roots_of_black_liberation_theology.php

Conclusion:
In this paragraph, I will summarise the rest of my essay, coming to my own rounded conclusion.

Xmas Task 4

The representation of black people in film

http://www.helium.com/items/766592-the-representation-of-black-people-in-film

"Sometimes it seems as if the character of colour dies simply for being a character of colour". Lemont Felton

This quote can be used to sum up the overall upset and anger felt by the black ethnic group. It is sometimes nice to see a positive black role model in mainstream movies such as those from the horror genre etc, who are not riduculed, made to be the villian, or killed off before the ending in a horror or thriller movie.

http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Students/mtw9403.html

"In the 1970s the image of the black mugger became a target of those wishing to instil concern in the minds of the public, a panic which was to lead to a great deal of prejudice and racism at every level of society and a fear which, to a large extent, remains today".

Matthew Wood

This is another useful quote, as it addresses how racism could have been created as a moral panic in the 70's as a result of a stereotypical picture published. The picture clearly caused conflict and anger where it were distributed, and given a bad name to those who were innocently targeted.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2003/nov/25/broadcasting.race

"Not enough black people in top media jobs".

Lenny Henry

This quote alone sums up the thoughts on every black british citizens mind. Black people are under represented, and mis-represented when they are represented. Additionally, there are hardly any black workers in the background for the BBC. Take Eastenders for example, where the overall impression of the Truman family is that they choose the wrong people to fall in love with; Debbie, who is shown to have left and abusive relationship, and entered anew one with a killer. This is a representation of black people which doesn't seem to leave the minds of those who create the pieces. This could ultimately create a negative view of black people to the viewers of the show, and others like it.

http://www.socialistworker.org.uk/art.php?id=12132

"Last week saw the publication of a House of Commons home affairs committee report into young black people and the criminal justice system. It reveals that black people are discriminated against at every stage of the justice system, yet the word “racism” is hardly mentioned in the report".

This is a quote taken from the website Sociology Worker Online, which is written in a third person view. It talks about the ways the police treat and target black people on the street, and how they should do their best to alter their approach. This is a good site to use in my case study as it speaks of these issues, and talks about how this can be seen as a moral panic. The news hyping over the arrest rates and black people being all over the news could be a form of esculating moral panic, as they always seem to be under the darkest spotlight.

Xmas Task 3

To what extent is the media to blame for the negative social view in Britain surrounding Black People



Historical Text

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zj6o_DZfSw

This text is known as the Black and White Minstrels, and was famous for causing vast controversy in the 1960's. The show was first aired on the BBC from June 4th 1958, and continued until 1978, making excesses of 18,000,000 viewers on average per viewing. Lenny Henry wasactually contracted to appear in the show, and as a result, it was the start of his career, although he admits to regretting his part in the show.

The contraversial aspects of the show, were the fact that white people were used to characterise and act as black people, which could instantly cause a mass ridicule of black people. Although its airing ceased due to embarassment, despite the BBC seeing it a disgrace, it still went on to become a stage show... And a sucessful one at that. It showed 6,477 times on stage in the space of 12 years, making it the most publicly watched and aired show in history.

This has relevance to my case study, as it makes reference to the ways which black people have been represented in the past. Although there seems to be no malicious quotes or 'stab' at black people, they have taken the most important aspect of the people (skin colour), and used it in a vile way. As this is the BBC additionally, it raises more public concern, as it means that they are not doing their part in staying mutual. They had aired shows which had offend people maliciously and harmed viewing exeriece, but ultimately, tarnished the view of black peoplee throughout media viewers.

Xmas Task 2

To what extent is the media to blame for the negative social view in Britain surrounding Black People


The Media Studies, Authors: O'Sullivan, Tim, Jewkes Yvonne(2004)

" Black people have largely portrayed as part of the mainstream middle class, which does not accuratley reflect the lives of many blacks who find themselves excluded from such a life in advanced capitalist societies", Page: 155

" Advertising has traditionally relied on the use of stereotypes to put across information in a format that is quick and easy for the viewer or reader to understand". Page 154

These quotes struck my eye as useful quotations to use in my Critical Investigation, as they talk about the experiences of black people in the media, and touches more upon the representations which could be connoted through this.

The Black and White Media Book. Handbook for the Study of Racism and Television. Revised Edition. Author: J.Twitchin 1992

This book concentrates on the representation of black people in the British media featuring quotes of racial biasness. An example of this can be seen in the article entitled "Black Mythologies: Representation of Black People on British Television" (Angela Barry).


Branston,Gill,Stafford Roy(2003): the Media Student's Book.London Great Britain.Routledge.

"Many men feel that the most compelling advertising respresentations of masculinity are ones that produce real levels of anxiety and inadequacy, even if male culture, with its emphasis on 'strong' silences or loud camaraderie, makes it difficult to talk about or express such feelings". Page: 382

This quote can show us the way men carry themselves and express thir emotions, which is an important aspect in modern society. Additionally it alliterates the stereotypical views of the masculne emotion and the ways where which males are represented, which could relate to my case study as it could also be looked at in a negative view, and the ways which this negative view could cause moral panic.

Black Demons: The Media's Depiction of the African American Male Criminal Stereotype. Author: Dennis Rome

"According to Stallworth (1994), young black men and women both continue to follow to patterns of slavery times".

This quote implys that it is not actually the media who create the negative label of black people, they just do their part in addressing the nation; as that is the job of the news. Instead it implies that the people who put themselves under the negative spotlight are to blaim for the negative view they the y inflict apon themselves. This quote could be useful additionally, as it takes a different angle as to why there is such media panic about black people, and who actually creates it.

Xmas Task 1.

To what extent is the media to blame for the negative social view in Britain surrounding Black People.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d7g8O_GHEw

Trident Soft Gum Ad.

I have chosen this text as it is a prime example of the negative views which can be portrayed about black people.

This text went through much scrutiny and questioning by the OFCOM regulation service, in relation to claims of racism. The ASA received 519 complaints of racism within weeks of the first airing of the advertisement, which hosts a young black man speaking in rhyme about his experiences of the gum, in a caribbean accent. The counts of racism included stereotypical gestures which were deemed offensive, and also insensitive as the metropolitan 'black on black' gun crime scheme was also named 'Trident'. This caused a negative view of blac people in the case where they were shown to be illiterate, and dim-witted in killing their own kind.

At the start of the advert, we can see the main character of our advert standing on stage at what seems to be a stand up comedy stage; making him the subject of the audiences enjoyment. Straight away as he starts to talk, we can see he has the caribbean accent and weird facial expressions when he talks as if eating something sour. This is something found in the black community alot when we talk, as we tend to put emphasis into alot of our speech, therefore overdramatizing this can sometimes be seen offensive.

Additionally, we can see further on when he is handed the packet of the branded gum, that he is owe-struck by its appearance, having almost a buffonish look on his face. This in itself could connote that this guy (and possibly black people as a whole) can be perceived as stupid individuals who have no real intelligence and are facinated by the littlest distraction, which could be the cause of so many complaints. Furthermore, the representation shown in this especially when considering the historical aspects of black people, can lead many to feel disheartened that after black presendents and many other great achievements we have strived towards, we still can not break off the stupidity stereotype. As a result of this, the company could lose publicity, and the advertisment could backfire and cause a reverse effect on the public.

Later (2009), Cadbury (the joint company) went on to advertise another contraversial advertisement, advertising free-trade in Ghana though music and dancing. This is illustrated however, in a manner where it seems that it is all Ghanains can do correctly. They are shown parading from left to right of the screen, singing and dancing. Perhaps the company choose to use such stereotypical images in order to stick in the audiences minds. Not suprisingly enough, they were the subject of more speculation in relation to racism. Although found not guilty of it, they did make a shorter version of the advert, in order to play safe. The 1.01 minute long ad cut down to around 40seconds.

Xmas Task 5: Essay Plan

"An investigation into the medias role in generating the ongoing moral panic in Britain surrounding knife crime"

Introduction:
In this paragraph, I intend to introduce the title of my Critical investigation, and to briefly explain the concept behind it, and what I aim to find from it. I will also explain what a moral panic is. I will briefly touch upon the platform that I am going to be focusing my research on, and why I have chosen this platform (Print Production)

1st Paragraph:
In my 1st paragraph, I aim to discuss the history of knife crime, and its origins, throwing in a couple of statistics as to when it were at its peak etc. Additionally I will be referring to several online articles which can be said to have caused moral panic over the issue, such as poverty and cultural deprivation being the main source and reason for violence amongst teens in poverty stricken areas.

2nd Paragraph:
In this paragraph, I will elaborate further on the 1st paragraph, except I will use primary evidence and sources from books as they will give a more traditional opinion as to why there is so much street violence. A quote I recently heard is that we have been this way for as long as caveman days, deemed survival of the fittest. As stated, I will touch more on the negative views on knife crime. The things i use in this paragraph, are there in order to be argued against in the next.

3rd Paragraph:
In this paragraph, I will contradict the previous paragraph, stating that knife violence is not on the increase and not such a big threat to the UK. I will use various wbsites and articles issued by the Guardian, Independant, and Daily Mail sites to support this. Additionally, I aim to discuss the similarities between the texts, and base the next paragraph on that.

4th Paragraph:
In this paragraph, I aim to assess fully the extent of how bad knife crime has become, and whether it is correct to cause a moral panic about it in order to publicise the full extent of he problem, or it is wrong, and that the media should handle things in a completely different manner. I will use various theories to support my argument (Marxism, Cultivation Theories etc).

Conclusion:
In this paragraph, I will summarise the rest of my essay, coming to a rounded conclusion.

Xmas Task 4: Additional Web Research

http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Students/hrb9701.html

MORAL PANIC
"If we do not take steps to preserve the purity of blood, the Jew will destroy civilisation by poisoning us all". (Hitler, 1938)

Famous quote made by Hitler in 1938. Important relation to my chosen case study as it shows the impact and levels of moral panic which can be broadcasted to audiences. This quote had inevitably caused the whole of Germany to despise and hate jews; later resulting in the acceptance of the holocaust.
If on person can justify the use of a knife upon another being, and get away without being proseecuted, it can therefore be acceptable for another to find a way out.. Therefore making the sheer cruelty of stabbings being numbed, and contrast in a wave of social acceptance.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1034621/Revealed-The-truth-knife-crime--soared-35-cent-parts-Britain.html

MORAL PANIC ON KNIFE CRIME

Revealed: The truth about knife crime - it has soared by 35 per cent in some parts of Britain

This isn't actually a quote, but a newspaper heading, which is obviously eye-catching in order to gain the public eye, but can tend to cause a mass moral panic in the process. Stating the truth about knife crime tends to suggest that what is in this issue is new exclusive statistics which have'nt been mentioned in past editions or other newspapers. Lastly, because of the statistic included in the title (soared by up to 35% in some parts of Britain) the paper may come across more believable as a result; however generalised it actually is (soared by 35% in SOME PARTS of Britain). Therefore a moral panic can be unintentionally created, just by the wording used to publicise the paper.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article4269818.ece

MORAL PANIC ON KNIFE CRIME

Knife crime to replace terror as police priority (July 5th, 2008)

"Knife crime has overtaken terrorism as the No 1 priority for the Metropolitan Police, one of Britain’s most senior officers said yesterday".

This is another newspaper title which had caught my eye, and the main reason for this is the date where which it were issued. This were published almost exactly a year after the 7/7 bombings took place in London, so we'd presume that the main concern in London and Britain as a whole would be to try and prevent any more of these happenings from taking place; therefore it is quite suprising to see that one Britains most senior officers can announce this on behalf of the London police.

This can ultimately cause a widespread of panic, because of the sheer volume of knife crimes committed, and further emphasise this in the way which terrorism has been 'replaced' in the number one concern of he Met.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1159766/Cartoon-violence-makes-children-aggressive.html

ARTICLES ON CHILDHOOD AGGRESSION
'There is ample evidence that physical aggression on TV is associated with increases in aggressive behaviour, but there was little until this study that has shown a link between televised aggression and resulting aggression among children.'

I found this an interesting debate; courtesy of The Daily Mail website. Reporter Laura Clark states that there is too much violence found in children, and that it is a result of violence in children shows such as cartoons. She argues that cartoons are said to be rated 'fantasy violence' which can make the parents of these viewers feel that it is acceptable for their child to view these shows without their guidance. Additionally, in the article there was a survey on the most popular cartoons viewed amongst 95 10year olds. The results received were shocking, stating that the shows aimed at younger viewers were infact the most violent, having near 26 acts of violence whereas those aimed post14 were 5. This can cause a moral panic, because it can portray that perhaps we are the reason to blaim for knife crimes acceptability amongst teens.

http://www.ehow.com/about_4570679_does-poverty-cause-crime.html

Poverty and its influence on violence

'Realistic and reachable role models are far and few between, if any exist at all, which causes the children of those who live in these areas to look up to more unsavory figures who are living the high life through low living'.

I found that this was the most touchy and awkward topic to research, as it had very little quotes or articles touched upon by the major newspapers. From what i did find however, and from what we'd expect, violence in rural areas are mainly influenced or as a result of poverty; whether it be street muggings or gang killings for money. This quote drew my eye as it states that there are no real role models in an estate or 'neighbourhood', and as i have lived in an estate, i can say that this is relatively true. The role models are either the gang leaders who inflictpoverty on others for they're own benefits, or the drug dealers who become successful in what they do and gain respect from it. This as a result can come across to children as correct and acceptable, making them aspire to be like this. 'Why make money legally, when you can make it tax-free?'.