Chapter 9 and thoughts on the representation of Others.

I though this topic was really interesting how it looks at how the daily practices of journalists enforce stereotypes of foreign and ingenious people, and in particular how regional journalism shapes what we know about indigenous people.

The question of Who are others? was also one which i had never actually considered. Living on the Central Coast in a predominately white community there aren't often discussion relating to indigenous people. The role which the media has taken in the construction of the 'others' is interesting and disturbing.

'Others' are indigenous people they seem to be characterised through the media as
- socially disenfranchised and those on the fringes of society

What Indigenous Stories are Generally About:

- alcohol
- Criminals Usually portrayed in a negative sense
- criminals
- rioters
- wife beaters
- drug users
- petrol sniffers
- welfare dependant
- school dropout
- dirty
- lazy
- violent
- helpless
- hopeless
- sexual abuses
- living in drug infested environment

very rarely are there stories in mainstream newspapers about indigenous people where they are painted in a positive or a way which portrays them as a beneficial element within society. More often than not stories will show them in any number of the ways listed above.

Main Reasons Why Indigenous Stories may be Inaccurate:

- Readership
- Out of sight out of mind.
- Because they don’t see many indigenous people they don’t report on them
- Because they’re not reading it they don’t print stuff
- Don’t think other people would be interested. Those written are usually negative and are choice of sources
- Don’t consult sources relative to the story
- Frequently go for same quotes
- Very rarely quote or consult indigenous people
- Indigenous people hard to contact by phone or net
- Indigenous organisations not well known
- Time constraints and deadlines.

While it is true that newspapers need to be catering to their audiences and therefore will print stories predominately aimed for them i think by leaving out a variety of indigenous issues and only reporting on the problems we are being shown a skewed and perhaps one sided view of a group of people who are very much part of our culture and showed be treated accordingly with respect. In chapter 9 it says "ethical awareness requires more than a passing knowledge of the rules of engagement"... journalists "have a responsibility to their audience and themselves to develop their understand and judgement in ways that reflect a commitment to fairness" as well as accuracy and reporting on a variety of complex issues such as indigenous affairs.