Negative Image Of Aborigines Being example essay topic

Frontline - Epitaph Mike Moore suggests that there is always a negative image of aborigines being portrayed and decides to try and make a positive documentary concerning aborigines. His comment that "It's nothing more than a cheap vehicle for screening negative images", tells the audience that he is frustrated that TV reports and articles in newspapers constantly show a negative image of aborigines. He was particularly angry that his producers changed the positive image that he was trying portray into a negative image for their news report. In some ways I agree with Mike Moore's comments. I believe that aboriginals are portrayed negatively much of the time; they are portrayed in such a way that shows the "largely white and conservative audience" that it isn't the fault of the audience but of the aborigines themselves. On the other hand I believe that these negative articles do show what is real.

If something looks, and seems bad, the media will show it in a bad way making it appear that it is the aboriginals who are to blame for their image. "At the end of the day Aborigines only have themselves to blame". Showing people as being "pathetic and poor" does tend to reinforce the notion that it is "all their own fault". Poor is defined in the Macquarie Dictionary as "having little or no wealth, goods, or means of living". Given that in our society success is measured by obtaining material benefits and wealth by work, showing someone as poor gives the viewer the impression that the person is without motivation. Aboriginals who don't share our views of material wealth are easy targets for the press.

We see them lacking in motivation because they do not achieve the standard of living we see as essential or desirable. By far the majority of the media portrayal of aboriginals is negative. There are often stories showing aboriginals sniffing petrol, drinking to excess in public, destroying public property, being involved in violence and being reckless in the spending of government grants. However the positive aspects of aboriginal people should also be publicised. The media is often happy to promote successful aboriginal sports people, with current examples being Cathy Freeman and many AFL footballers, but is less likely to mention everyday aboriginal people making a success of their life.

Aboriginal people have strong family values, a rich understanding of culture and a determination to maintain their history, but these qualities are rarely advertised. Other media portrayals which can involve both negative and positive focus include reports relating to the Muslim community. In some instances newspapers focus on the terrorist connection and imply that Muslims in general are responsible for the terrorist attacks. However, the media also depicts them as devoted to their families and often hard working. Another current issue where media treatment can change dramatically is the subject of war and Australia's support of the United States. Some reports appear to favour peace at all costs while others advocate Australia actively participating in the proposed War.

The topic of churches is also an issue with both negative and positive press coverage. The positive shows how the churches donate money to various places of need and provide support for the under privileged, whereas the negative depicts the priests as engaging in forms of child abuse. Mike Moore's comments try to point out that negative portrayals should not be seen in isolation. It is important to ensure that both sides of any issue be addressed.