Leonjre Awani

Media & Politics Minor Capstone

Reflective essay

February 25, 2024

         I believe that this course has taught me how the intersection of media and politics serves as a platform where various spheres of society converge, creating narratives that shape perceptions and influence public discourse. This is the phenomenon that is commonly referred to as the “politicization of media”, and that theme manifests across many realms, including: sports, feminism and racial discourse.

         The intertwining of media and politics has transformed outlets into conduits for political ideologies and narratives within these realms. Sports athletes become social activists when the politicization of media is exemplified by athletes who leverage their platforms for social and political activism. The intersection of sports and politics has been a perennial feature, but in recent years, athletes have become more vocal on issues ranging from racial injustice to gender equality.

Notable instances include Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem, sparking a nationwide dialogue on racial inequality and police brutality and Caster Semenya’s tribulations regarding her sexual identity. Media coverage played a pivotal role in amplifying these athletes and their messages, with outlets either championing their activism or criticizing it as disruptive to the status quo. The politicization of sports media is evident not only in the coverage of athlete activism but also in the framing of sports narratives through distinct political lenses.

Media outlets contribute to the politicization of sports by framing narratives in ways that align with prevailing political ideologies. Coverage can vary widely, with outlets choosing to emphasize either the athlete’s activism or their perceived disruption of the status quo. The choice of language, framing, and the inclusion or exclusion of certain perspectives all contribute to the political nature of sports media and the tendency of an outlet to lean towards political right or left.

In recent times, the media has turned into a battlefield for gender equality. A new wave of feminism has begun dominating opinions on social media which facilitate the shaping of narratives around gender equality. The politicization of media within feminist discourse revolves around the portrayal of women in various media forms, challenging traditional gender norms and advocating for broader social change. Media has historically perpetuated gender stereotypes, contributing to societal expectations and reinforcing unequal power dynamics. However, contemporary feminist movements have harnessed media platforms to challenge these norms. The #MeToo movement, for instance, gained momentum through social media and traditional news outlets, illustrating how media serves as both a reflection of and a catalyst for feminist political discourse. This was a pertinent topic of discussion in my first GuQ class, wherein we all studied the women of the Gulf region.

Media outlets contribute to the politicization of feminism by framing issues such as reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and gender-based violence within distinct political lenses. Depending on where you are, this rhetoric is cited to disparage feminism and dub it a cancer to society. The choice of language, framing, and emphasis can either reinforce or challenge existing power structures. The representation of feminist activists and the framing of feminist movements in media coverage play a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of gender-related issues.

Racial discourse is probably the media’s most profitable form of news. Delegitimizing stereotypes and advocating for social justice is ostensibly the purpose of racial discourse. However, with interference of social media the amplification of unrest and birth of social justice movements from racial discourse have become much more ubiquitous. Media has historically played a role in reinforcing racial hierarchies, perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and shaping public perceptions. In recent times this is done in a covert manner. Which is why, though it also serves as a tool for marginalized communities to challenge these narratives and advocate for racial justice, it is seen as a double edged sword.

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement provides a contemporary example of the politicization of media in racial discourse. Social media and news outlets have worked hand in hand in bringing attention to systemic racism and police violence in the United States (predominantly). Media coverage contributed to the politicization of racial discourse by framing narratives in ways that either challenge or reinforce prevailing power structures. The choice of images, headlines, and the framing of protests can influence public opinion and contribute to broader discussions on racial equity. Nevertheless, I would argue that racial discourse is politicized in a very flawed manner and this is due to the media. Theoretical philosophies and methodologies that were taught by renowned scholars and known by contemporary ones are rarely mentioned in movements like BLM. While social media has politicized a movement like this I think it has simultaneously invalidated its importance with triviality and wantonness.

In all these aspects the politicization of the media reflects societal dynamics and how they can send populations on social declines. The media operates as a mirror, reflecting existing power structures, ideologies, and inequalities. Simultaneously, it serves as a mold that influences public perceptions, amplifying certain voices, and constructing narratives that align with or the status quo and ostracize the other.

Since October 7, 2023, my social media feed has become a daily testament to the ongoing Palestinian plight, and this experience has only reinforced the pervasive theme of media being politicized. The stories, images, and narratives flooding my timelines depict the struggles faced by the Palestinian people, and how politics has deeply affected them as a whole. The politicization of media is evident as different sources frame the narrative in ways that align with their political perspectives. Israeli portrayal of events, emphasize terror attacks over the literal genocide which is still ongoing. Whether through news articles, firsthand accounts, or images shared by activists, the media becomes a battleground for competing narratives, reflecting the broader geopolitical landscape surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In an attempt to move beyond the digital realm and engage with the Palestinian narrative more directly, I participated in an extracurricular activity that involved interacting with Palestinian refugees, primarily children, in Qatar. This experience allowed me to connect with individuals who are often reduced to statistics or political talking points in media coverage. It shed light on the human stories behind the headlines. These were not just faces of a distant conflict but individuals with hopes and aspirations and who’ve experienced far too much loss. The children, in particular, left a lasting impression. Their resilience in the face of adversity was a quite literally what I was used to witnessing on social media. Despite the bleak circumstances, the sense of determination and unyielding resistance among the Palestinian refugees was palpable. Engaging with them provided a counterbalance to the media’s polarized narratives. It reinforced the notion that the politicization of media can sometimes overshadow the human stories that lie at the heart of conflicts. In this juxtaposition of social media narratives and personal interactions, the theme of media being politicized became even more pronounced.

Initially, my perception of media and politics was simplistic, I saw media as a passive conveyor of information rather than an active participant in shaping narratives. However, the courses within the minor, along with real world experiences and some extracurriculars, contributed to reshaping my perspective. The examination of the politicization of media within the contexts of sports, feminism, and racial discourse exposed the power dynamics that lie in information dissemination. I learned how sports media tend to either amplify or challenge political statements, emphasizing that the construction of narratives influence public discourse. Through Caster Semenya I saw how it was tied to the feminist movements and racial discourse.  They underscored the role of media in perpetuating or challenging societal gender norms and ethnic biases, showcasing its potential as a tool for social and political change.

International relations within the minor deepened my understanding of how media shapes global narratives and influences public perceptions through the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, witnessed on social media and through direct interactions with Palestinian refugees in Qatar. I had known before that geopolitical interests were an inciting factor of war but engaging with the Palestinian refugees added a layer of realism to my learning. It allowed me to see it as a less abstract concept and look past the digital narratives to resonate with the individual stories that often go forgotten by history. This experience was a catalyst to prompting a critical reflection on the limitations and biases inherent in media coverage.

The trajectory of my learning during the Media and Politics minor has been marked by a continuous evolution of awareness and critical thinking. The acknowledgment of the media’s active role in constructing our very thoughts makes me now realize and contemplate the importance of media literacy and actively seeking diverse perspectives and critically evaluating what is fed to us. Moving forward, I plan to apply my understanding by engaging in more informed and critical discussions (where before I would avoid them), and communicating with those marginalized by the media. All in all, the Media and Politics minor has been a transformative and intellectual journey that reshaped my understanding of the intricate relationship between the media and global politics. This newfound awareness has influenced my approach to information consumption, emphasizing the need for critical engagement and media literacy.