Leveson’s concerns over the reporting of ethnic minorities, immigrants and asylum seekers
We are pleased to see Lord Leveson highlighting the way in which the press often misrepresents some minority groups – in particular migrants and asylum seekers. The report says, “when assessed as a whole, the evidence of discriminatory, sensational or unbalanced reporting in relation to ethnic minorities, immigrants and/or asylum seekers, is concerning.”
Unlike the celebrities who have spoken out against unscrupulous press practices, some migrants and minorities CAN’T speak up for themselves. They’re the ones who can’t speak English, perhaps, or they’re the asylum seekers who feel anxious about speaking up, because that’s the reason they fled persecution in their home countries in the first place.
The negative press stories are sometimes based on inaccurate or embellished accounts which can tend to vilify communities. This only serves to breed prejudice, discrimination and racism – none of which have a place in a modern democracy.
Adult educators have a role to play in the provision of appropriate learning opportunities, both for personal and professional development including language support. For these are the tools with which minority communities can challenge prejudice, discrimination and racism.
At the very least we hope to see fewer headlines of the ‘Asylum Seekers eat our donkeys’ type and, indeed, we hope for more realistic reporting about these minority communities in the short term.
Leveson reports, “a raising of the game is required in relation to the representation of some ethnic minorities, immigrants and asylum seekers.”
We couldn’t agree more.
This blog was co-written by Chris Taylor and Ama Dixon, NIACE’s Lead on Learning in Minority Communities
