Background:

Racism has been linked to poor health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.[1] Research internationally has established the role the media plays in perpetrating racism, discrimination and stereotyping. Research however has not adequately explored the role media plays in framing ideology of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.[2]

Methods:

Using Frame Analysis and Decolonising Research Methodologies this paper will identify the linguistic frames used by the media to promote negative ideology of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It will compare the media framing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people alcohol use to that of other Australians.

Discussions:

Media stories over-represent the issue of risky drinking behaviours among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Many Australians have little experience with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Culture and the media is one of the primary sources of information. Understanding how negative ideologies are framed in the media is important to address this issue.

Implications:

Stereotyping and racism can influence the way Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people think about themselves and also the way other Australians consider them. Stereotyping can also influence how successful someone is[3]. It follows that the media may affect people’s chance of success through stereotyping.

What we need from the media is balanced, accurate reporting, which does not rely on stereotyping.