The Representation of Muslims in the Media

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Introduction

1.1.2 Purpose of the Study and Research Question

1.1.3 Rationale behind the Study

1.1.4 Background Information

1.1.5 A Stereotyped Image of Muslims?

1.1.6 Conceptual definition of Muslim(s)

1.2 Literature Review

1.2.1 Islamophobia

1.2.2 Media Representation of Muslims

1.2.3 Gap in the Literature

1.3 Sequence of the Study

Chapter 2: Theoretical Framework and the Media

2.1 Introduction

2.1.1 Priming and Agenda Setting Theory

2.1.2 High Priming Level of Muslims

2.2 Framing Theory

2.3 Utilization of the Social Theories

2.4 Conclusion

Chapter 3: Methodology

3.1 Introducing CDA

3.1.1 Rationale behind CDA

3.2 Data Collection

3.2.1 Selection of Terrorist Attacks

3.2.2 Rationale behind Newspapers

3.2.3 Selection of Newspapers

3.2.4 Unit of Analysis

3.2.5 Categorization and Coding of the Data

3.2.6 Time frame

3.3 CDA execution

3.4 Conclusion

Chapter 4: Priming of Muslims in Dutch and British Newspapers

4.1 Priming Triggers Stereotyped Images

4.2 Priming Implications for Dutch Newspapers

4.2.1 Priming Analysis of Muslims in Dutch Newspapers

4.3 Priming Implications for British newspapers

4.3.1 Priming Analysis of Muslims in Dutch Newspapers

4.4 Cross-National Conclusion

Chapter 5: Framing of Muslims in Dutch Newspapers

5.1 Stereotyping in Dutch Newspapers?

5.2 Domestic Attack Theo van Gogh

5.2.1 Article Selection

5.2.2 Priming of Muslims

5.2.3 Stereotyped Frames

5.2.4 Stereotyped Frames Dominant?

5.2.5 Differences or Similarities

5.2.6 Stereotypes in Non-Muslim Articles

5.3 7/7 and Charlie Hebdo Attacks

5.3.1 Article Selection

5.3.2 Priming of Muslims

5.3.3 Stereotyped Frames

5.3.4 Stereotyped Frames Dominant?

5.3.5 Differences or Similarities

5.3.6 Stereotypes in non-Muslim Articles

5.4 National Comparison and Conclusions

Chapter 6: Framing of Muslims in UK Newspapers

6.1 Domestic 7/7 Attacks

6.1.1 Article selection

6.1.2 Priming of Muslims

6.1.3 Stereotyped Frames

6.1.4 Stereotyped Frames Dominant?

6.1.5 Differences or Similarities

6.1.6 Stereotypes in Non-Muslim Articles

6.2 Van Gogh and Charlie Hebdo

6.2.1 Article Selection

6.2.2 Priming of Muslims

6.2.3 Stereotyped Frames

6.2.3 Stereotyped Frames Dominant?

6.2.4 Differences or Similarities

6.2.5 Stereotypes in Non-Muslim Articles

6.3 National Comparison

6.4 Cross National Comparison and Conclusion

Conclusion

Limitations

Dutch and British Context

Stereotyped Framing

Bibliography

Research Objectives and Key Topics

The study examines whether mainstream newspapers in the Netherlands and the UK create a stereotyped image of Muslims through linguistic priming and framing in the aftermath of major terrorist attacks. It aims to identify if media coverage propagates negative stereotypes or distinguishes between perpetrators and the wider Muslim community, using Critical Discourse Analysis to compare domestic and international coverage.

• Priming and agenda setting in news media
• Framing of Muslim communities in Western newspapers
• Comparative analysis of Dutch and British media discourse
• Linguistic indicators of stereotyping after terrorist events
• The role of political stance in media representation

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the research scope, defines the research questions, and establishes the importance of investigating how media coverage influences public perception of Muslims.

Chapter 2: Theoretical Framework and the Media: The chapter explains the theoretical basis of the research, specifically focusing on priming, agenda-setting theory, and framing theory as tools for analyzing media discourse.

Chapter 3: Methodology: This chapter details the research methodology, specifically the application of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and the process of data collection from Dutch and British newspapers.

Chapter 4: Priming of Muslims in Dutch and British Newspapers: This chapter presents the quantitative priming analysis, evaluating the frequency of mentions of Muslims in the selected newspapers following the studied terrorist attacks.

Chapter 5: Framing of Muslims in Dutch Newspapers: This chapter examines the specific language and frames used by Dutch newspapers to portray Muslims and determines if these frames constitute a stereotyped image.

Chapter 6: Framing of Muslims in UK Newspapers: The final analytical chapter performs a similar framing analysis on UK newspapers and provides a cross-national comparison between Dutch and British reporting.

Keywords

Muslims, Media, Representation, Priming, Framing, Stereotyping, Terrorism, Newspapers, Netherlands, UK, Critical Discourse Analysis, Islamophobia, News Agenda, Journalism, Political Stance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this dissertation?

The dissertation investigates whether major newspapers in the Netherlands and the UK create a stereotyped image of Muslims in their coverage of terrorist attacks, focusing on linguistic choices and media framing.

What are the primary themes discussed in the work?

The study covers media effects theory, specifically priming and framing, the representation of religious minorities in the press, and the differences in media approaches between various political spectra and countries.

What is the main research question of this study?

The research asks if newspapers in the Netherlands and the UK create a stereotyped image of Muslims following the van Gogh, 7/7, and Charlie Hebdo attacks, and how this relates to priming/agenda setting.

Which methodology is applied to the research?

The researcher utilizes Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as the primary quantitative and qualitative approach to examine the language and content of online newspaper articles.

What topics are covered in the main body of the work?

The main body covers the theoretical framework, the methodology of data collection and categorization, a detailed priming analysis per country, and a thorough framing analysis of news articles from eight selected newspapers.

Which keywords define the scholarly profile of this work?

Key terms include Muslim representation, priming, framing, Islamophobia, terrorist attacks, news agenda setting, and Critical Discourse Analysis.

Does the study find that a stereotyped image of Muslims is dominant?

No, the findings do not show that a stereotyped image of Muslims is dominant in the newspapers studied, although isolated examples of stereotyped framing were identified.

How does the media coverage differ between the Netherlands and the UK?

The study observes that Dutch newspapers tend to show more sensitivity to stereotyped framing than their British counterparts, which demonstrate a relatively more balanced approach in their coverage of the investigated attacks.

What conclusion does the author draw regarding priming and stereotyping?

The author concludes that there is no direct relationship between high priming levels of Muslims in the media and the creation of a stereotyped image.