Co-Exist Newsroom
Content Module 4
Media Bias against Migrants – The role the media has played in promoting an image of migrants in Europe, and what can be done to challenge this media bias through citizen journalism.
Total: 18 slides
Media Bias against Migrants
Media Bias against Migrants – The role the media has played in promoting an image of migrants in Europe, and what can be done to challenge this media bias through citizen journalism.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After this lesson, you will be able to:
- Become aware of prejudices and stereotypes about migration in the media in order to better deconstruct them
- Participate in the media literacy process
- Develop your critical thinking and on the migration phenomenon
How does the media fuel your fear of migrants?
Serious analysis of contemporary racism demands a critical examination of the potential impact of media in its perpetuation and dissemination. In certain instances, media involvement aligns with a direct inclination towards producing or co-producing racism. This occurs notably when the pursuit of sensational news, the “scoop” becomes a driving force, potentially fostering an environment where racist elements gain amplified significance, visibility, and influence. This emphasis on sensationalism may inadvertently bolster the weight and effectiveness of actors espousing racist ideologies.
THE STIGMATIZING POWER OF WORDS
The portrayal of migrants and migratory flows is significantly shaped by the media, politicians, and opinion leaders. The influence is both conscious and unconscious, primarily mediated through the lexicon and the choice of words.
In discussions about refugees, certain words serve to protect, while others have the potential to condemn, denigrate, or dehumanise. It is crucial to recognise that behind these words lie human realities, encompassing challenges and profound moments of suffering. Maintaining awareness of this human dimension is essential when navigating the discourse around migration.
FIGHTING STEREOTYPICAL WORDS
Banish the words “clandestine” and “illegal”
No person is “illegal” by nature. It is always the situation of persons in the territory of a State that must be qualified, not the person. The questions of entry and residence are above all questions of an administrative nature: whether or not to have a document. Persons are therefore in a “legal situation” or in an “irregular situation” depending on whether or not they have the documents required by a State. Nevertheless, no one should be called “illegal.”
FIGHTING STEREOTYPICAL WORDS
- Asylum is not a competition or an exam: there is no “candidate”
The use of the term “candidate for asylum” paints a misleading picture of the migrant situation, suggesting a voluntary decision to leave one’s country in pursuit of better opportunities. However, for many migrants, leaving their homeland is not a matter of choice but an imperative driven by necessity.
- “Flow”, “waves”, “masses”: these terms that dehumanize
Refugees are frequently scapegoated and labelled as “invaders,” accused of exploiting the generosity of host countries. The terms commonly used, such as “flows,” “waves,” and “masses,” contribute to a dehumanizing narrative, reducing individuals to an indistinct, faceless whole often perceived as a threat. Employing verbs like “to take refuge,” “to flee,” or “to leave” offers a more compassionate and accurate portrayal, capturing the human essence of these individuals in their exile.
- Are refugees all vulnerable?
Conversely, refugees find themselves consistently in vulnerable situations. The act of leaving everything behind — jobs, studies, loved ones, entire lives — is a profound and courageous step. Constraining them solely within the narrative of victims obscures their resilient desire to rebuild their lives in a new environment and overlooks their earnest efforts to integrate into the host society. There is a certain indecency in perpetually casting refugees as victims, a perspective that inadvertently infantilises and diminishes the strength inherent in their pursuit of a better future.
SELF-REFLEXIVITY ACTIVITY: FINDING THE RIGHT WORDS
MATERIALS: a computer, papers, pens. DURATION: 15 to 30 minutes
Begin by selecting one or more press articles addressing the refugee issue through independent research.
Read the chosen article(s) attentively, noting any elements that surprise, shock, or particularly capture your attention.
Reflect on how the article(s) handles the topic of migrants. Consider whether the chosen terms tend to devalue refugees or, conversely, contribute to a positive portrayal. Evaluate whether the article is centered on individuals and their rights.
Substitute terms that appear demeaning to you with alternatives that you find more accurate and respectful.
The 5 most common stereotypes in the media:
Some individuals argue that migrants are a burden on society, perceiving them as taking advantage of social systems without making meaningful economic contributions, thus creating financial strain for the host country.
A prevailing stereotype suggests that migrants possess lower levels of education or lack job skills, a perception that can be seen as an economic burden.
Concerns about security are sometimes associated with migrants, with some viewing them as more likely to be involved in criminal or terrorist activities.
There is a common belief that migrants may resist integration into the local culture, opting instead to form isolated communities.
Stereotypes often oversimplify migrants by treating them as a culturally homogenous group, neglecting their diversity in terms of culture, education, and economic backgrounds.
Disinformation about MIGRATION
The provided definitions and evidence-based arguments serve as valuable tools to challenge preconceptions. Always remember: facts and raw data are your most effective resources in combating stereotypes!
“The influx of migrant arrivals in Europe has surged.“
Stereotype or truth?
(That is a stereotype. The majority of migrants are situated in the Global South. Moreover, UNHCR data reveals that 86 percent of the 21 million-plus identified refugees predominantly reside in developing countries, often neighbouring nations in crisis. To illustrate, taking the case of Syrians, with a clear numerical perspective, more than 12 million had to flee the conflict within borders or to neighbouring countries, in contrast to just over a million seeking asylum in European countries from 2011 to July 2016)
“To open the borders is to let yourself be invaded by criminals and terrorists.”
That is a stereotype. The individuals boarding makeshift boats are predominantly fleeing life-threatening situations, with many being the primary victims of terrorism, especially in regions such as Iraq and Syria. The arduous and perilous routes taken by migrants are not convenient pathways for potential criminals or terrorists. The latter often resort to air travel, even employing false documents if necessary. However, it is crucial to note that recruiting individuals directly from within Europe is a more efficient method for these illicit activities)
“Migrants are costing us dearly.”
(It’s a stereotype. In Belgium, for example, and more broadly in Europe, while the reception of an asylum seeker costs an average of 40 euros per day, a large part of these costs is reinvested in our economy thanks to the creation of several hundred jobs to ensure the reception of these people. It is the attempts to block our borders that are costly, including the construction of walls and investment in state-of-the-art surveillance equipment. For example, the budget allocated to the EU’s external border control agency, Frontex, has been €845 million in 2023)
“The country with the most departures in the world is an African country.”
(That is a stereotype. As of 2023, the global migrant population has reached 281 million. India, in particular, stands out with the largest number of emigrants, boasting 17.9 million of its nationals residing abroad)
An Inspiring Case Study: Migration as Told by Those Who Experience It
Engaging as a “citizen journalist” entails empowering those directly affected. The online realm has provided migrants with a platform to share their voices, notably through blogs and social networks. This avenue allows migrants to narrate their own stories first-hand.
The case of the renowned French newspaper, Le Monde: The online platform of Le Monde has presented a feature titled “The Journey of a Syrian Migrant through her Whatsapp feed.”
This feature captures a real-time conversation between two “Syrian migrants en route” to Germany and their families and friends back home. The migrants, using the Whatsapp application, meticulously update their loved ones on the progress of their journey, hour by hour, depending on the availability of internet connection. Le Monde, with the consent of all involved parties, chose to translate and publish this intimate conversation online. The presentation is strikingly authentic, as the application’s interface has been faithfully reconstructed on the web page, allowing users to scroll through the messages. By bringing this conversation to an online platform, the migration experience is personalized. Unlike traditional third-party narratives, these intimate exchanges with family and friends serve as genuine traces of the migrants’ experiences. Originally intended for a select few, the authenticity of the testimony is preserved through this unique portrayal!
WHAT EXACTLY IS A REFUGEE, AN ASYLUM SEEKER AND A MIGRANT?
is a person who leaves his or her country to live in another territory for multiple reasons, either temporarily or permanently. Some migrants move voluntarily, others are forced to do so because of war or persecution.
is a person who has fled his or her country because he or she has a well-founded fear of persecution if returned, because of his or her identity (ethnic origin, nationality, membership of a particular social group), religious beliefs or opinions
is a person who has left his or her country in search of international protection, but has not yet been granted refugee status. He cannot be forcibly returned to his country while his asylum application is being examined. In addition, a person cannot be forcibly returned to his or her country if his or her life or freedom is threatened (principle of non-Refoulement under international human rights).
RESOURCES TO GO FURTHER
DATA & MIGRATION: Putting an end to preconceived ideas. To access encrypted and reliable resources:
Amnesty International
https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/refugees-asylum-seekers-and-migrants/
- The London School of Economics and Political Sciences
This report encapsulates the key discoveries from a cross-European analysis of the press, encompassing eight European countries, along with the two principal European Arabic-language newspapers
Migration Observatory informs debates on international migration and public policy.
FUCCOAMARE: A documentary made over 8 years and selected for the 2017 Oscars entitled “Fuccoamare” tells us about the daily life of the inhabitants of the island of Lampedusa and migrants. The director demonstrates that the inhabitants and the migrants never meet each other and lead a parallel life. A visual source that teaches us to reconnect with images that are neither from the media nor from the Internet!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Project Number: 2022-2-IE01-KA220-YOU-