Friday, 31 October 2008
Thursday, 30 October 2008
Wednesday 29th October
Metro
Article 1
Headline: Muslim worker loses Tesco alcohol row
Section: Metro Digest
Written by: ?
Page: 4
Article 2
Headline: Crisis 'is God punishing us'
Section: Metro
Written by: ?
Page: 5
Article 1
Headline: Muslim worker loses Tesco alcohol row
Section: Metro Digest
Written by: ?
Page: 4
Outline: This news brief is about a former Tesco worker who lost a race dicrimination case. The individual, Mohammed Ahmed, was not aware that his job entailed handling crates of alcohol which he objected to on religious grounds.
The article's opening line refers to Mr Ahmed as "A Muslim who protested....".
If the journalist felt compelled to identify Mr Ahmed by his Muslim faith then surely he deserved the right to be referred to as "A Muslim Man..." as opposed to simply being called "A Muslim", which is a term devoid of any humanity.
The article only uses one quote by Mr Ahmed which quotes him as saying that "There was a conflict with my Islamic beliefs" and does not present any other information which may help to give a fuller picture of the incident. Further to this, the article states that Tesco made efforts to find Mr Ahmed an alternative role.
In summary, Mr Ahmed is presented as a Muslim man who sued his employers and wasn't flexible when they tried to help. His religious beliefs are explicitly quoted and readers are left with the impression that this was the cause of the whole affair.
Article Verdict: NegativeThe article's opening line refers to Mr Ahmed as "A Muslim who protested....".
If the journalist felt compelled to identify Mr Ahmed by his Muslim faith then surely he deserved the right to be referred to as "A Muslim Man..." as opposed to simply being called "A Muslim", which is a term devoid of any humanity.
The article only uses one quote by Mr Ahmed which quotes him as saying that "There was a conflict with my Islamic beliefs" and does not present any other information which may help to give a fuller picture of the incident. Further to this, the article states that Tesco made efforts to find Mr Ahmed an alternative role.
In summary, Mr Ahmed is presented as a Muslim man who sued his employers and wasn't flexible when they tried to help. His religious beliefs are explicitly quoted and readers are left with the impression that this was the cause of the whole affair.
Article 2
Headline: Crisis 'is God punishing us'
Section: Metro
Written by: ?
Page: 5
Outline: This article is about comments made by Rt Rev Wallace Benn, Bishop of Lewes ,who said that the credit crunch is "God's way of punishing Britain for being too materialistic". A counter argument is presented by the Adam Smith Institute which criticises Reverend Wallace for his remarks.
The article identifies Rev Benn by his Anglican faith but doesn't refer to him as a Christian Bishop. Similar stories presented about Muslim leaders and their comments almost always identify them as Muslim rather than Sunni or Shi'ite or by another sectarian ID tag.
In summary the article does cast Rev Benn in a negative light.
Article Verdict: Negative
Article 3
Headline: Muslim gang 'killed boy in drinking row'
Section: Metro
Written by: ?
Page: 7
The article identifies Rev Benn by his Anglican faith but doesn't refer to him as a Christian Bishop. Similar stories presented about Muslim leaders and their comments almost always identify them as Muslim rather than Sunni or Shi'ite or by another sectarian ID tag.
In summary the article does cast Rev Benn in a negative light.
Article Verdict: Negative
Article 3
Headline: Muslim gang 'killed boy in drinking row'
Section: Metro
Written by: ?
Page: 7
Outline: This story relates to the murder of a 17 year old youth at the hands of a gang who, it is alleged, objected to Muslims drinking. It describes the weapons used in the attack and mentions that the incident was sparked after a lecture on avoiding violence, which some of the men attended.
There really aren't any prizes for guessing what classification this article is going to get. There is nothing religious about the gang that murdered the youth therefore the use of the headline "Muslim Gang..." is typical tabloid sensationalism and an example of irresponsible journalism.
By chance the story above this article on the same page relates to the murder of Rhys Jones. That incident also involved gangs and reference is made to the term gang in that article. However at no point are any other identification tags used for the gang. T
he question for the Metro is, if in one article a gang's identity is left ambiguous why then in the article immediately below does the journalist feel compelled to use the term "Muslim gang"?
Further along in the same edition of the Metro on page 14 there is an article (Victim of girl gang 'glassing') about about a woman who was a victim of glassing by a "girl gang". Here the Metro identifies the gang by their gender but this is a very ambigious description as it does not reveal the gang's race/ethnicity or religion.....because there's no need to.
The use of the word "Muslim gang" creates fear amongst readers and creates an association with the wider Muslim community, this is a clear cut example of Islamophobia in my opinion.
Article Verdict: Negative
There really aren't any prizes for guessing what classification this article is going to get. There is nothing religious about the gang that murdered the youth therefore the use of the headline "Muslim Gang..." is typical tabloid sensationalism and an example of irresponsible journalism.
By chance the story above this article on the same page relates to the murder of Rhys Jones. That incident also involved gangs and reference is made to the term gang in that article. However at no point are any other identification tags used for the gang. T
he question for the Metro is, if in one article a gang's identity is left ambiguous why then in the article immediately below does the journalist feel compelled to use the term "Muslim gang"?
Further along in the same edition of the Metro on page 14 there is an article (Victim of girl gang 'glassing') about about a woman who was a victim of glassing by a "girl gang". Here the Metro identifies the gang by their gender but this is a very ambigious description as it does not reveal the gang's race/ethnicity or religion.....because there's no need to.
The use of the word "Muslim gang" creates fear amongst readers and creates an association with the wider Muslim community, this is a clear cut example of Islamophobia in my opinion.
Article Verdict: Negative
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Tuesday 28th October
(Please Note - Due to the volume of articles contained within the papers, the analysis will be presented 1 day in arrears from now on)
Metro
Article 1
Headline: N/A
Section: Caricature
Written by: unknown
Page: 2
Metro
Article 1
Headline: N/A
Section: Caricature
Written by: unknown
Page: 2
Outline: The above caricature makes reference to two news events. The first is the US military attack inside Syrian territory, and the 2nd is the assasination plot against US Presidential hopeful Barack Obama. The caricature is in very poor taste as it exploits the deaths of Syrian civilians killed in the American assault and thus deserves a negative rating as it de-humanises the suffering inflicted upon the Syrians.
Article Verdict: Negative
Article 2
Headline: Actor's waterboard screams
Section: Metro Digest
Written by: unknown
Page: 4
Outline: This news brief reports on the experience of actor Richard Armitage whilst filming for the tv series 'Spooks'. Armitage agreed to be subjected to waterboarding as part of a scene for the series but then spoke of his terror. His quote from the news brief states "I realised that it really is a form of torture and shouldn't be used. I only lasted five to ten seconds, and the sound of my voice crying out to stop isn't me acting".
This news story helps to highlight the brutality of this torture technique which has been carried out against detainees alleged to be terrorists, almost all of whom are Muslim hence it's a positive article because it describes Waterboarding for what it is - torture.
Article Verdict: Positive
Article 3
Headline: Muslim GP: Gays 'prey on society'
Section: Metro
Written by: Fred Attewill
Page: 22
Outline: This article reports on Dr Muhammad Siddiq, who is alleged to have made comments about homosexual people 'preying on society'. Dr Siddiq is identified in the opening line of the article as "The Islamic Medical Association's leader". The comments are alleged to have been contained in a letter that was published in July 2007. The article contains comments from Dr Siddiq in which he claims that he was under stress when writing it, which was later changed to a claim that his son wrote it as a joke. The inconsistency in the story doesn't paint a favourable picture of Dr Siddiq. Towards the end of the article, reference is made to a death of a baby who died shortly after he circumcised it in 2006. It mentions that whilst he wasn't at fault he was told to undergo training which he refused.
At no point in the article does it mention any religious motivation behind the comments hence the article headline of "Muslim GP..." is unneccessary and sensationalist in order to immediately create an association between the GP's actions and the religion of Islam. The inconsistencies in Dr Siddiq's statements relating to the comments as well as the death of the baby all serve to create an impression of a doctor with a questionable character and technically incompetent.
In summary an unreliable Muslim GP who can't do his job properly. Whilst the competence and character flaws may well be true and accurate there is absolutely no need to identify the GP on the basis of his religion and thus is irresponsible journalism.
Article Verdict: Negative
Manchester Evening News (City Edition)
Article 1
Headline: Doctor in baby tragedy 'wasn't up to standard'
Section: News
Written by: Amanda Crook
Page: 5
Outline: This article talks about a hearing into the conduct of Dr Sami Al Shenar and his dealing with patient Michelle D'Rozario, who lost her premature baby. Dr Al Shenar was criticised over his treatment of Ms D'Rozario because he failed to take urgent action when she came to see him. The article presents the story in a factual manner and at no point refers to either Dr Al Shenar or Ms D'Rozario by their faith or ethnicity. It also states that Dr Al Shenar is well regarded by colleagues, received excellent references and has learned from his mistake.
Overall the article is well balanced and does not attempt to sensationalise the story.
Article Verdict: Neutral
Article 2
Headline: Everest is summit of Emon's ambition
Section: News
Written by: ?
Page: 18
Outline: This article reports on the attempt of businessman Emon Choudhury to scale Mount Everest to raise money for his charity, Islamic Relief, which is described as a "British Charity". Details are provided about Mr Choudhury's planned trip i.e. that he plans to send the raised funds to help orphans in Africa through Islamic Relief.
The article also describes his fitness routine and details the preparation undertaken by him so far. The article finishes by mentioning that Mr Choudhury has been fundraising for Islamic Relief since being introduced by a friend and also provides a weblink (www.justgiving.com/emonchoudhury) to allow readers to sponsor his expedition. The photo used in the article shows Mr Choudhury wearing an Islamic Relief T-shirt against a superimposed backdrop of Mt. Everest.
In summary the artcile presents the story in a factual manner and portrays Mr Choudhury and Islamic Relief in a positive light.
Article Verdict: Positive
Article 3
Headline: Cousins Net Tasty Soccer Stadium Deal
Section: Business - Enterprise
Written by: ?
Page: 13
Outline: This short piece reports on the success of Bolton Based entrepreneurs Umar Mohammed and Ahmed Suleman who have secured a contract to provide their curry snack to the official caterers at Bolton Wanderers stadium.
It mentions that they are in talks about another deal with pub group Thwaites and that manufacturing is carried out by British suppliers.
The article presents the duo as a entrepreneurial success story.
Article Verdict: Positive
Article Verdict: Negative
Article 2
Headline: Actor's waterboard screams
Section: Metro Digest
Written by: unknown
Page: 4
Outline: This news brief reports on the experience of actor Richard Armitage whilst filming for the tv series 'Spooks'. Armitage agreed to be subjected to waterboarding as part of a scene for the series but then spoke of his terror. His quote from the news brief states "I realised that it really is a form of torture and shouldn't be used. I only lasted five to ten seconds, and the sound of my voice crying out to stop isn't me acting".
This news story helps to highlight the brutality of this torture technique which has been carried out against detainees alleged to be terrorists, almost all of whom are Muslim hence it's a positive article because it describes Waterboarding for what it is - torture.
Article Verdict: Positive
Article 3
Headline: Muslim GP: Gays 'prey on society'
Section: Metro
Written by: Fred Attewill
Page: 22
Outline: This article reports on Dr Muhammad Siddiq, who is alleged to have made comments about homosexual people 'preying on society'. Dr Siddiq is identified in the opening line of the article as "The Islamic Medical Association's leader". The comments are alleged to have been contained in a letter that was published in July 2007. The article contains comments from Dr Siddiq in which he claims that he was under stress when writing it, which was later changed to a claim that his son wrote it as a joke. The inconsistency in the story doesn't paint a favourable picture of Dr Siddiq. Towards the end of the article, reference is made to a death of a baby who died shortly after he circumcised it in 2006. It mentions that whilst he wasn't at fault he was told to undergo training which he refused.
At no point in the article does it mention any religious motivation behind the comments hence the article headline of "Muslim GP..." is unneccessary and sensationalist in order to immediately create an association between the GP's actions and the religion of Islam. The inconsistencies in Dr Siddiq's statements relating to the comments as well as the death of the baby all serve to create an impression of a doctor with a questionable character and technically incompetent.
In summary an unreliable Muslim GP who can't do his job properly. Whilst the competence and character flaws may well be true and accurate there is absolutely no need to identify the GP on the basis of his religion and thus is irresponsible journalism.
Article Verdict: Negative
Manchester Evening News (City Edition)
Article 1
Headline: Doctor in baby tragedy 'wasn't up to standard'
Section: News
Written by: Amanda Crook
Page: 5
Outline: This article talks about a hearing into the conduct of Dr Sami Al Shenar and his dealing with patient Michelle D'Rozario, who lost her premature baby. Dr Al Shenar was criticised over his treatment of Ms D'Rozario because he failed to take urgent action when she came to see him. The article presents the story in a factual manner and at no point refers to either Dr Al Shenar or Ms D'Rozario by their faith or ethnicity. It also states that Dr Al Shenar is well regarded by colleagues, received excellent references and has learned from his mistake.
Overall the article is well balanced and does not attempt to sensationalise the story.
Article Verdict: Neutral
Article 2
Headline: Everest is summit of Emon's ambition
Section: News
Written by: ?
Page: 18
Outline: This article reports on the attempt of businessman Emon Choudhury to scale Mount Everest to raise money for his charity, Islamic Relief, which is described as a "British Charity". Details are provided about Mr Choudhury's planned trip i.e. that he plans to send the raised funds to help orphans in Africa through Islamic Relief.
The article also describes his fitness routine and details the preparation undertaken by him so far. The article finishes by mentioning that Mr Choudhury has been fundraising for Islamic Relief since being introduced by a friend and also provides a weblink (www.justgiving.com/emonchoudhury) to allow readers to sponsor his expedition. The photo used in the article shows Mr Choudhury wearing an Islamic Relief T-shirt against a superimposed backdrop of Mt. Everest.
In summary the artcile presents the story in a factual manner and portrays Mr Choudhury and Islamic Relief in a positive light.
Article Verdict: Positive
Article 3
Headline: Cousins Net Tasty Soccer Stadium Deal
Section: Business - Enterprise
Written by: ?
Page: 13
Outline: This short piece reports on the success of Bolton Based entrepreneurs Umar Mohammed and Ahmed Suleman who have secured a contract to provide their curry snack to the official caterers at Bolton Wanderers stadium.
It mentions that they are in talks about another deal with pub group Thwaites and that manufacturing is carried out by British suppliers.
The article presents the duo as a entrepreneurial success story.
Article Verdict: Positive
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
Wednesday 22nd October
Manchester Evening News (City Edition)
Article 1
Headline: Thirty-year fight 'to end Muslim extremism'
Section: News
Written by: Gavin Cordon
Page: 28
Outline: The article reports on comments made by Security Minister, Lord West of Spithead. It mentions how Lord West envisions that it will take 30 years to end the "radicalisation of extremists". According to the quotes used in the article at no point does Lord West actually use the term "Muslim extremism" as it states in the headline. The headline creates a very negative view of the situation and leaves the reader thinking that there is probably no hope of ending extremism. The word 'Fight' is also a clever use of 'Unspeak' by the journalist. This is where certain words come loaded with alternative meanings e.g. the word fight invokes a feeling of difficulty, struggle, a lot of effort, no guarantee of victory etc. However, the work being done by Lord West and the positive results he is seeing is 'hidden' in the body of the text, reading the full article actually makes it clear that whilst it will take a long time the initial results are in fact positive. Some may say that picking at the healdine is being really petty but not all readers read the full story and if some of them just focused on the headline and didn't delve into the story then this will most certainly leave a negative view of Muslims and Islam. A more responsible healdline would have been "Thirty year fight to end extremism", this is because it doesn't allocate ownership of extremism to any one group of people.
Article 1
Headline: Thirty-year fight 'to end Muslim extremism'
Section: News
Written by: Gavin Cordon
Page: 28
Outline: The article reports on comments made by Security Minister, Lord West of Spithead. It mentions how Lord West envisions that it will take 30 years to end the "radicalisation of extremists". According to the quotes used in the article at no point does Lord West actually use the term "Muslim extremism" as it states in the headline. The headline creates a very negative view of the situation and leaves the reader thinking that there is probably no hope of ending extremism. The word 'Fight' is also a clever use of 'Unspeak' by the journalist. This is where certain words come loaded with alternative meanings e.g. the word fight invokes a feeling of difficulty, struggle, a lot of effort, no guarantee of victory etc. However, the work being done by Lord West and the positive results he is seeing is 'hidden' in the body of the text, reading the full article actually makes it clear that whilst it will take a long time the initial results are in fact positive. Some may say that picking at the healdine is being really petty but not all readers read the full story and if some of them just focused on the headline and didn't delve into the story then this will most certainly leave a negative view of Muslims and Islam. A more responsible healdline would have been "Thirty year fight to end extremism", this is because it doesn't allocate ownership of extremism to any one group of people.
Article Verdict: Negative
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Tuesday 21st October
Manchester Evening News (City Edition)
Article 1
Headline: Taxi driver 'had al-qaida number'
Section: News
Written by: Nicola Dowling
Page: 7
Outline: The article reports on the trial of Manchester taxi driver Habib Ahmed and Rangzieb Ahmed. The pair are accused of a series of offences related to terrorism. This particular article focuses on the allegation that Ahmed had the number of al-qaida's number 3 in command as well as other individuals that are highlighted as significant. Whilst the men being referred to in the article are Muslim, their faith is not mentioned explicitly, nor is any term like Islamist. The article appears to be a factual report on the court hearing.
Article Verdict: Neutral
Article 2
Headline: Murdered aid worker's crime - being a Christian
Section: News
Written by: Sam Marsden
Page: 12
Outline: The article reports on the murder of British aid worker Gayle Williams in Kabul, Afghanistan. It states that Ms Williams was a member of Christian charity 'Serve Afghanistan' and that the responsibility for the Murder has been claimed by the Taleban who alleged that she was attempting to spread Christianity "in the conservative Islamic Nation". The headline would have one assume that Ms Williams was targeted for simply being a Christian whereas the article actually makes it clear that she was murdered because of the mistaken belief that she was a missionary. This is significant because the article creates a negative view of Afghanistan which is described as a "...a conservative Islamic Nation" hence the implication is that Conservative Muslims are intolerant of Christians.
Article Verdict: Negative
Article 3
Headline: Coup trial halts in chaos
Section: World Today
Written by: Unknown
Page: 12
Outline: This small news brief reports on the trial of 86 people in Turkey who are charged with attempting to overthrow the "country's Islamic Orientated Government". The session was halted because of chaotic scenes in court. The term "Islamic Oriented Government" is interesting as its referring to the ruling AK party who are not mentioned by name. The AK party have in fact gone on record to state that they will abide by Turkey's Secular Constitution so the assertion that they are "Islamic Oriented" is incorrect and is possibly being used to somehow justfiy the actions of the coup plotters. The AK party have been delivered into office with 2 decisive election victories where they have been given a mandate to rule by a majority of the Turkish population. There is no need to mention that they are "Islamic Oriented" as this is irrelevant, the proper way to report this would have been to state that the plotters were attempting to overthrow the Democratically Elected Government of Turkey.
Article Verdict: Negative
Article 1
Headline: Taxi driver 'had al-qaida number'
Section: News
Written by: Nicola Dowling
Page: 7
Outline: The article reports on the trial of Manchester taxi driver Habib Ahmed and Rangzieb Ahmed. The pair are accused of a series of offences related to terrorism. This particular article focuses on the allegation that Ahmed had the number of al-qaida's number 3 in command as well as other individuals that are highlighted as significant. Whilst the men being referred to in the article are Muslim, their faith is not mentioned explicitly, nor is any term like Islamist. The article appears to be a factual report on the court hearing.
Article Verdict: Neutral
Article 2
Headline: Murdered aid worker's crime - being a Christian
Section: News
Written by: Sam Marsden
Page: 12
Outline: The article reports on the murder of British aid worker Gayle Williams in Kabul, Afghanistan. It states that Ms Williams was a member of Christian charity 'Serve Afghanistan' and that the responsibility for the Murder has been claimed by the Taleban who alleged that she was attempting to spread Christianity "in the conservative Islamic Nation". The headline would have one assume that Ms Williams was targeted for simply being a Christian whereas the article actually makes it clear that she was murdered because of the mistaken belief that she was a missionary. This is significant because the article creates a negative view of Afghanistan which is described as a "...a conservative Islamic Nation" hence the implication is that Conservative Muslims are intolerant of Christians.
Article Verdict: Negative
Article 3
Headline: Coup trial halts in chaos
Section: World Today
Written by: Unknown
Page: 12
Outline: This small news brief reports on the trial of 86 people in Turkey who are charged with attempting to overthrow the "country's Islamic Orientated Government". The session was halted because of chaotic scenes in court. The term "Islamic Oriented Government" is interesting as its referring to the ruling AK party who are not mentioned by name. The AK party have in fact gone on record to state that they will abide by Turkey's Secular Constitution so the assertion that they are "Islamic Oriented" is incorrect and is possibly being used to somehow justfiy the actions of the coup plotters. The AK party have been delivered into office with 2 decisive election victories where they have been given a mandate to rule by a majority of the Turkish population. There is no need to mention that they are "Islamic Oriented" as this is irrelevant, the proper way to report this would have been to state that the plotters were attempting to overthrow the Democratically Elected Government of Turkey.
Article Verdict: Negative
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