Us and Them: The Discursive Construction

of Foreigners in the British Press

John MorleyUniversity of Siena

IntUne focuses on how processes of integration, atboth national and European levels, affect the three major dimensions of citizenship:

•Identity

•Representation

•Scope of governance.

The more people feel that they have a national identity,the more they are aware of those who do not share it.

Identity

In a word, the more sense they have of Us and Them

Previous workPaul Baker, Tony McEnery, Ruth Wodak - Lancaster University

Representation of RASIM in UK newspapers

140 million wordsc.175,000 articles (all referring to RASIM)broadsheet, tabloid and regional newspapers January 1996 and October 2005

Corpus Linguistics

Techniques derived from Critical Discourse Analysis

Key words - immigrants, asylum seekers

Topoi - Number, Abuse, Cost and Threat

Metaphors - inundation etc.

The discursive construction of RASIMis fundamentally negative

Our corpus

c.26 million wordsGuardian,Telegraph, Scotsman, Western Mail

5 February and 28 April 2007

Note we have chosen all the articles in the newspapers

As the really negative reporting about RASIM in Baker et al’sresearch is found mainly in the tabloids we won’t offer comparisons here.

The IntUne British Press subcorpus does not contain popular

newspapers.

This was to give coherence to the four subcorpora.

So, as our results are not really comparable with those of Baker et al., we will limit our enquiry to the construction of

the nationals of the countries involved in the IntUne Media

Group research: France, Italy and Poland

Perhaps a similar study can be made of the press and television of all four countries

Polish Polish in the in the IntUne CorpusIntUne Corpus

hitshits words % words % hit texts hit texts texts texts

Guardian Guardian 223 10,707,112 0.002223 10,707,112 0.002 5959 7171

ScotsmanScotsman 122 122 3,389,234 0.004 3,389,234 0.004 3838 7272

Telegraph Telegraph 188188 8,863,269 0.002 8,863,269 0.002 5454 7272

W. MailW. Mail 70 70 2,805,134 0.002 2,805,134 0.002 2323 5151

French French in the in the IntUne CorpusIntUne Corpus

hitshits words % words % hit texts hit texts texts texts

Guardian Guardian 2006 10,707,112 0.0192006 10,707,112 0.019 7171 7171

ScotsmanScotsman 375 3,389,234 0.011 375 3,389,234 0.011 6161 7272

Telegraph Telegraph 17971797 8,863,269 0.020 8,863,269 0.020 7272 72 72

W. MailW. Mail 516 516 2,805,134 0.018 2,805,134 0.018 5151 51 51

Italian in the IntUne Corpus

hitshits words % words % hit texts hit texts texts texts

Guardian 814 10,707,112 0.00871 71Scotsman 232 3,389,234 0.00754 72Telegraph 698 8,863,269 0.008 72

72W. Mail 177 2,805,134 0.006 41

51

We have made a 12 million word satellite corpus of the Daily

Mail.

We will check certain findings with this corpus.

POLES APARTPOLES APART

Polish Collocations

R1 collocates

462 uses of Polish in the IntUne Corpus.

The most frequent collocation is student (30).

A ‘seasonal collocation’ (Gabrielatos et al.: 11)

A particularly sensational story about the murder of a young

Polish student, with whom a Catholic priest confessed to

having had an affair.

people (14) is the next most frequent collocation and may be grouped with a number of other bland person-indicating words:

community (8), families (5), population (5), citizens (4),

mother (3).

People are often referred to as being People are often referred to as being Polish-speaking Polish-speaking (6). This doesn’t seem to be regarded as a (6). This doesn’t seem to be regarded as a

threateningthreateningeven by the monophone Brits. even by the monophone Brits.

The NatWest Welcome Account was launchedearlier this year to meet the bankingneeds of Polish-speaking migrants who arenew to the UK. (Scotsman 24.04.2007)

It’s just a small problem that needs to be sorted out.It’s just a small problem that needs to be sorted out.

What about the Polish plumber?What about the Polish plumber?

plumber(s)plumber(s) occurs 14 times occurs 14 times

Many other words indicating occupations: Many other words indicating occupations:

workers workers (12), (12), builder(s) builder(s) (5), (5), peasant peasant (5), (5), tradesmen tradesmen (2),(2),

kitchen-fitter kitchen-fitter (1), (1), machinists machinists (1), (1), playwright playwright (1), (1), poet poet (1),(1),

social worker social worker (1), (1), sociologists sociologists (1), (1), spies spies (1), (1), translator translator (1), (1),

waiters waiters (1), (1), waitresses waitresses (1), (1), the rather unusual job of the rather unusual job of voltigeur voltigeur (1), (1), and, pick of the lotand, pick of the lotpontiff pontiff (1).(1).

There is interest in Polish politics and economics. There is interest in Polish politics and economics.

We find:We find:

government government (10), (10), president president (3), (3), prime minister prime minister (2), (2),

embassy embassy (3), (3), business(es) business(es) (7), (7), economy economy (4), (4), capital capital (3), (3),

property property (3).(3).

The press is also interested in Polish sport, The press is also interested in Polish sport,

entertainment and arts. entertainment and arts.

Football is top, as usual: Football is top, as usual:

goalkeeper goalkeeper (5), (5), striker striker (5) (5)

but we also have references to Polish but we also have references to Polish film film (5).(5).

A parenthesis about sportA parenthesis about sport

Over the last 10 to 15 years Over the last 10 to 15 years

significant increase in newspaper stories about sport significant increase in newspaper stories about sport and in and in

particular about football. particular about football.

KeyWordsKeyWords SiBol_93SiBol_93

2 of the first 100 refer to sport2 of the first 100 refer to sport

soccersoccer at 66 with 5,521 hits at 66 with 5,521 hits

Gooch Gooch at 75 with 3,101 hits. at 75 with 3,101 hits.

SiBol_2005SiBol_2005

22 of the top 100 22 of the top 100 KeyWordsKeyWords refer to sport. refer to sport.

PremiershipPremiership at 18 with 16,849 at 18 with 16,849

Admittedly Admittedly PremiershipPremiership has a socio-economic has a socio-economic

importance connected with the richer clubs breaking importance connected with the richer clubs breaking

away from the old Football League on the back on away from the old Football League on the back on thethe

vast riches being offered by Sky. vast riches being offered by Sky.

Sky, incidentally, comes in at number 73 with Sky, incidentally, comes in at number 73 with 11,32511,325

hitshits

soccersoccer -top sports -top sports KeyWordKeyWord of of SiBol_93 SiBol_93 - faintly - faintly archaicarchaic

FootballFootball - 59 in 2005 - 33,197 times - 59 in 2005 - 33,197 times

SiBol_93SiBol_93, sports , sports KeyWordsKeyWords 2 to 6 refer to players of: 2 to 6 refer to players of:

cricket, tennis or golfcricket, tennis or golf

rather more gentlemanly games than footballrather more gentlemanly games than football

SiBol_05SiBol_05 KeyWordsKeyWords are dominated by footballers. are dominated by footballers.

Food gets a brief mention: Food gets a brief mention:

food food (3), (3), bakery/baker’s bakery/baker’s (3), (3), kabanos sausage kabanos sausage (1),(1),

cheesecake cheesecake (1), (1), bread bread (1)(1)

Kabanos SausageKabanos Sausage

Jarek, 31, said, 'I'm sure Jarek, 31, said, 'I'm sure Polish foodPolish food will will

become as popular as Indian, Chinese andbecome as popular as Indian, Chinese and

Italian food has become in Welsh cities likeItalian food has become in Welsh cities like

Swansea and Cardiff and towns too in future.Swansea and Cardiff and towns too in future.

So many people come into my shop showing anSo many people come into my shop showing an

interest in interest in Polish foodPolish food that it's going to that it's going to

happen sooner or later.' happen sooner or later.'

(Western Mail 22.02.2007)(Western Mail 22.02.2007)

We might say that Polish food has not yet gained the kudos possessed by French and Italian, cf. their collocates.

Polish immigration:

immigrants (6), immigration (4), migrant(s) (3), refugees (1)

No moral panic story

If we look at the topos of arrival, we don’t find waves, floods and inundations (see Gabrielatos & Baker 2008);

we have influx (1) and invasion (1).

Note the balanced Note the balanced Guardian Guardian article:article:

Professor Ball's report suggests that 2006 Professor Ball's report suggests that 2006

was very much Poland's year. While the was very much Poland's year. While the influxinflux

of Polish plumbersof Polish plumbers and other workers into the and other workers into the

UK has grabbed headlines it would appear thatUK has grabbed headlines it would appear that

the traffic has been two-way, with growingthe traffic has been two-way, with growing

numbers of British and Irish investorsnumbers of British and Irish investors

snapping up apartments in Warsaw, Krakow andsnapping up apartments in Warsaw, Krakow and

Gdansk. (Gdansk. (Guardian Guardian 06.02.2007)06.02.2007)

We find a review of a play in the We find a review of a play in the Guardian Guardian which which talks about talks about

the influx of Poles. We are told that the play is about:the influx of Poles. We are told that the play is about:

the isolation of the isolation of migrant workersmigrant workers, their , their

exploitation and their "almost Dickensian“exploitation and their "almost Dickensian“

living and working conditions, beyond theliving and working conditions, beyond the

reach of British laws and social norms.reach of British laws and social norms.

Guardian Guardian 26.04.2007).26.04.2007).

The PolishThe Polish are linked to other nationalities: are linked to other nationalities:

CzechCzech (4), (4), HungarianHungarian, , RussianRussian, , BulgarianBulgarian, , YugoslaviansYugoslavians, etc., etc.

normally Eastern Europeansnormally Eastern Europeans

These combinations are, as might be expected, These combinations are, as might be expected, mainly in the mainly in the

context of workers or cheap exports.context of workers or cheap exports.

in Polish in Polish (20)(20)

Are the media angered or pleased about words Are the media angered or pleased about words appearing inappearing in

Polish? Polish?

WELSH environment bosses wrote warning signsWELSH environment bosses wrote warning signsfor anglers for anglers in Polishin Polish but not in their native but not in their nativetongue. The signs were erected at Erddigtongue. The signs were erected at ErddigCountry Park in Wrexham - in English andCountry Park in Wrexham - in English andPolish, but not in Welsh. A spokesman for thePolish, but not in Welsh. A spokesman for theEnvironment Agency Wales said, 'Not puttingEnvironment Agency Wales said, 'Not puttingup the Welsh version was a mistake for whichup the Welsh version was a mistake for whichwe apologise’. (we apologise’. (Western MailWestern Mail 06.03.2007) 06.03.2007)

There are a number of references to Polish Jews: There are a number of references to Polish Jews:

JewJew or or Jews Jews occurs 9 times, all references to the occurs 9 times, all references to the HolocaustHolocaust

There are also 44 mentions of the missile system There are also 44 mentions of the missile system which thewhich the

Americans planned to install in Poland.Americans planned to install in Poland.

It’s important to know what’s going on. It’s important to know what’s going on.

There are no hits on There are no hits on Polish missiles.Polish missiles.

Poland is: Poland is: (a selection)(a selection)

like an island drifting away from the rest of Europe like an island drifting away from the rest of Europe (in its (in its

treatment of gays)treatment of gays)

reluctant to surrender the generous voting rights reluctant to surrender the generous voting rights (in the (in the EU)EU)

an attractive place to investan attractive place to invest

a property cold spot a property cold spot (not beautiful, not romantic)(not beautiful, not romantic)

like a coke bottle which has been shaken like a coke bottle which has been shaken (a good place to(a good place to

buy property according to this expert)buy property according to this expert)

part of the EUpart of the EU

A glance at a tabloidA glance at a tabloid

As Baker’s research group has observed, the most As Baker’s research group has observed, the most negative negative

reporting of immigration is to be found in the tabloids, reporting of immigration is to be found in the tabloids, so itso it

might be useful to look at one. might be useful to look at one.

c.12 million word corpus from the c.12 million word corpus from the Daily MailDaily Mail (including (including thethe

ScottishScottish Daily MailDaily Mail) covering the same period as the) covering the same period as the

IntUne Corpus.IntUne Corpus.

Daily Mail CorpusDaily Mail Corpus

ptwptw

Polish Polish 0.0220.022

FrenchFrench 0.1310.131

ItalianItalian 0.0810.081

IntUne CorpusIntUne Corpus

ptwptw

Polish Polish 0.018 0.018

French French 0.182 0.182

ItalianItalian 0.074 0.074

We don’t find the collocations We don’t find the collocations Polish immigrantsPolish immigrants or or refugeesrefugees..

There is one instance of There is one instance of Polish migrant.Polish migrant.

Frost said he rarely visited a company which Frost said he rarely visited a company which does not employ a does not employ a Polish migrantPolish migrant. One . One businessman had told him recently: 'I had businessman had told him recently: 'I had forgotten how much work one person could do forgotten how much work one person could do in a day until I started employing Poles.’ in a day until I started employing Poles.’ ((Daily Mail Daily Mail 17.04.2007)17.04.2007)

This seems very far from hostility.This seems very far from hostility.

A number of jobs are referred to: A number of jobs are referred to:

the generic the generic workers workers (7), (7), employees employees (1), (1), labourers labourers (2). (2).

We also find the more specific We also find the more specific model model (2), (2), health health official official (1), (1), nurses nurses (1), (1), waitresses waitresses (1), (1), nannies nannies (1) (1)

and, of course, and, of course, plumbers plumbers (7). (7).

SCN editor Jonathan Brown said: 'The myth ofSCN editor Jonathan Brown said: 'The myth of

the the Polish plumberPolish plumber has become a reality. The has become a reality. The

figures speak for themselves.' But a third offigures speak for themselves.' But a third of

managers questioned warned that languagemanagers questioned warned that language

difficulties meant Eastern Europeans were notdifficulties meant Eastern Europeans were not

always up to speed on the industry's healthalways up to speed on the industry's health

and safety practices. and safety practices.

Daily Mail 2Daily Mail 22.03.2007). 2.03.2007).

This might seem rather negative until we look at the This might seem rather negative until we look at the article’s article’s

headline:headline:

Poles Top The Poll Of Hard WorkersPoles Top The Poll Of Hard Workers

Poles in Britain tend to be referred to as a:Poles in Britain tend to be referred to as a:

community community (9) or (9) or communities communities (2) and (2) and residentsresidents (2) (2)

These may be described as:These may be described as:

large large (2), (2), growing growing (2), (2), burgeoning burgeoning (1)(1)

Not really threatening words, but the word Not really threatening words, but the word communitycommunity mightmight

be seen to set apart its members from be seen to set apart its members from our our communitycommunity

We have 24 football related words:We have 24 football related words:

giants giants (2), (2), international international (9), (9), goalkeeper/keeper goalkeeper/keeper (7), (7), player(s) player(s) (2),(2),

striker striker (4). (4).

Daily Mail CorpusDaily Mail Corpus

student /student’sstudent /student’s - 40 times - 40 times

14.3% of all the collocations of 14.3% of all the collocations of Polish. Polish.

6.5% of collocations in 6.5% of collocations in IntUne CorpusIntUne Corpus

While all newspapers are interested in sex and violence, While all newspapers are interested in sex and violence,

tabloid papers are twice as interested.tabloid papers are twice as interested.

Back to the Back to the IntUne CorpusIntUne Corpus

The French Connection

A keen interest in what is going on in France.A keen interest in what is going on in France.

4694 hits for 4694 hits for French.French.

1946 hits for 1946 hits for GermanGerman

Only Only AmericanAmerican get more hits – 5813. get more hits – 5813.

Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutionspresidentialpresidential (60), (60), presidentpresident (31), (31), presidency presidency (27), (27), election(s) election(s) (28), (28), voters voters (12), (12), electorate electorate (7)(7)

Note this was the period of the French presidential Note this was the period of the French presidential electionselections

government(s) government(s) (28), (28), politics politics (21), (21), democracy democracy (11),(11),foreign minister foreign minister (4), (4), interior ministerinterior minister (4), (4), finance finance

minister minister (2), (2), lawlaw (8), (8), economy economy (7), (7), police police (45), (45), union(s union(s (8(8))

SportSport

clubsclubs (149), (149), open open (65), (65), sideside (37), (37), team team (34), (34), rugbyrugby (34), (34),

defencedefence (34 including chess), (34 including chess), gamegame (24), (24), league league (23),(23),

footballfootball (14), (14), grand prixgrand prix (11), (11), midfieldermidfielder (6), (6), scrum scrum 6),6),

grand slam grand slam (5), (5), forwards forwards (4) (4)

CultureCulture

language language (14), (14), film film (12), (12), literatureliterature (10), (10), fashion fashion (8), (8),

resorts resorts (7), (7), lessons lessons (6). (6). poet poet (5) (5)

FoodFood

wine(s) wine(s) (14), (14), cookingcooking (10), (10), restaurant(s) restaurant(s) (6), (6), cuisine cuisine (5), (5),

Fewer than one would have thoughtFewer than one would have thought

Stereotypes Stereotypes (Clichés?)

The French Connection The French Connection (36) – journalists can’t resist (36) – journalists can’t resist quoting quoting

the name of a popular film or novelthe name of a popular film or novel

Revolution Revolution (29), (29), doors doors (19), (19), ResistanceResistance (14), (14), windows windows (10),(10),farce farce (10), (10), Vogue Vogue (7), (7), philosopher philosopher (6), (6), horn horn (5), (5), Lycee Lycee (4), (4), Foreign LegionForeign Legion (4), (4), existential/ism/istexistential/ism/ist (3), (3), intellectual(s) intellectual(s)

(3),(3),impressionist(s) impressionist(s) (2), (2), leave leave (2), (2), garlic garlic (1), (1), pieds noirs pieds noirs (1).(1).

Some of these might be better placed under the head Some of these might be better placed under the head culture.culture.

No No French knickers French knickers or or French letters.French letters.

The peopleThe people

people people (47), (47), public public (12), (12), national(s) national(s) (7), (7), society society (7)(7)

Bland words, as for the Poles Bland words, as for the Poles

The French are The French are (38)(38)

good at the subtleties of dressing upgood at the subtleties of dressing up

allowed to make champagne allowed to make champagne (the British aren’t)(the British aren’t)

happy because they won happy because they won (at rugby)(at rugby)

very good a fireworks very good a fireworks (literally)(literally)

taking notice taking notice (of British wine-making expertise)(of British wine-making expertise)

very happy very happy (about the results of the elections. But (about the results of the elections. But

they will live to rue the euphoria – they will live to rue the euphoria – GuardianGuardian))

pretty blasé about it pretty blasé about it (clubbing)(clubbing)

great of course great of course (painters)(painters)

inclined to dollop it into this dish itself inclined to dollop it into this dish itself (mustard)(mustard)

now consuming so much fat, salt and sugar now consuming so much fat, salt and sugar (their (their

health will suffer. Cf. also the Italians)health will suffer. Cf. also the Italians)

There are lots of examples of the Brits pontificating There are lots of examples of the Brits pontificating about theabout the

French. French.

Whether the is a sign of love or hate, I don’t know.Whether the is a sign of love or hate, I don’t know.

Other countriesOther countries

French and…French and…

Surprisingly, the Americans don’t get much of a look in, Surprisingly, the Americans don’t get much of a look in,

American American (3). Nor do the British, (3). Nor do the British, British British (3). (3).

The English do, though, The English do, though, English English (61): most of these (61): most of these

references are to sport. references are to sport.

Then we have Then we have Dutch Dutch (29), mainly referring to the (29), mainly referring to the referendumsreferendums

in France and Holland of 2005 on the European Constitution. in France and Holland of 2005 on the European Constitution.

German German (28), (28), Italian Italian (19), (19), Spanish Spanish (15), (15), Russian Russian (4), (4), Irish Irish (2),(2),

Portuguese Portuguese (1), (1), Swiss Swiss (1) (1)

Rather classier combinations than Rather classier combinations than Polish and …. Polish and …. Definitely Definitely

old, rich Europe.old, rich Europe.

The Italian JobThe Italian Job

Political InstitutionsPolitical Institutions

authorities authorities (22), (22), prime minister prime minister (10), (10), federations federations (2), (2),

senate senate (2) (2)

Historical terms of Historical terms of fascism fascism (3) - no reference to (3) - no reference to modern modern

fascism or post-fascism is made - and fascism or post-fascism is made - and partisans partisans (3) (3)

SportSport

footballfootball is king with 65 hits is king with 65 hits

rugbyrugby is getting more popular and has 25 mentions is getting more popular and has 25 mentions

side(s) side(s) (32),(32), team team (25), (25), clubs clubs (16), (16), pack pack (17), (17), forwards forwards (12), (12),

defence defence (12), (12), boat boat (6), (6), stadiums stadiums (5)(5)

CultureCulture

The The renaissance renaissance is first with 14 hits. is first with 14 hits.

Opera(s) Opera(s) 11, 11, Conductor Conductor (3), (3), futurism futurism (1) (1)

Italian fashionItalian fashion gets 8 mentions gets 8 mentions

Vogue’s Vogue’s (2), (2), décor décor (1), (1), craftsman craftsman (1)(1)

FoodFood

restaurant(s) restaurant(s) (35), (35), cuisine cuisine (6), (6), delicatessen delicatessen (1), (1), truffles truffles (1),(1),

gastropub gastropub (1), (1), snapper snapper (1), (1), cheesecake cheesecake (1), (1), omelette omelette (1), (1),

caterers caterers (1)(1)

It seems the British now prefer Italian to French It seems the British now prefer Italian to French cookingcooking

Though French wine still seems to be preferred Though French wine still seems to be preferred

StereotypesStereotypes

We find, inevitably, 26 references to the We find, inevitably, 26 references to the Italian jobItalian job. .

Only 3 hits for Only 3 hits for Italian mafiaItalian mafia

Italians are:Italians are:

a well-turned-out crowd, even on the dance floora well-turned-out crowd, even on the dance floor

abandoning the fruit and vegetable-based Mediterranean abandoning the fruit and vegetable-based Mediterranean dietdiet

expected to be overtaken by the Spanish in terms of GDP expected to be overtaken by the Spanish in terms of GDP per per

headhead

so despondent so despondent (economy’s poor)(economy’s poor)

known for their great defences known for their great defences (football)(football)

incomparable flatterersincomparable flatterers

still vestal virgins still vestal virgins (as rugby fans)(as rugby fans)

Other countriesOther countries

Italian and …Italian and …

Spanish Spanish is the highest scoring collocation (7). is the highest scoring collocation (7).

Does this mean that the Brits see Southern European Does this mean that the Brits see Southern European

countries as somehow linked? countries as somehow linked?

Then we have Then we have French French (5) (5)

Remember that we also have Remember that we also have French and Italian French and Italian (19). (19).

Other countries score quite low: Other countries score quite low:

English English (4), (4), Brazilian Brazilian (3), (3), Greek Greek (2), (2), Russian Russian (2), (2),

Portuguese Portuguese (2), (2), AustrianAustrian, , BritishBritish, , ChineseChinese, , GermanGerman, ,

Latin AmericanLatin American, , ScottishScottish, , Swiss Swiss and and European European one one each.each.

PoliceItalian police - 43 hits Proportionally more than the French police22.6 ptw against 9.7 ptw

Most of these are football-related (30) Problems between the Italian police and Manchester

United fans during a match against Roma.

On the whole the papers don’t take sides.

Perhaps the nearest we get is this rather wry Perhaps the nearest we get is this rather wry comment in the comment in the

Telegraph.Telegraph.

I and a number of media personnel had similar I and a number of media personnel had similar

problems in leaving, my mind did wander backproblems in leaving, my mind did wander back

to 1980 and wonder whether this distrustto 1980 and wonder whether this distrust

between English supporters and the between English supporters and the ItalianItalian

police police is here to stay. (is here to stay. (Telegraph Telegraph 7.04.2007)7.04.2007)

By courtesy of newly released MI5 files, we also have By courtesy of newly released MI5 files, we also have three three

fascinating references in the fascinating references in the Guardian Guardian and the and the Telegraph Telegraph toto

Auden’s possible involvement with the British spies Auden’s possible involvement with the British spies GuyGuy

Burgess and Donald Maclean. Auden had a holiday Burgess and Donald Maclean. Auden had a holiday villa onvilla on

Ischia and was interviewed by the Italian police.Ischia and was interviewed by the Italian police.

What about Us?What about Us?

How do the British see themselves?How do the British see themselves?

The British are The British are (a selection):(a selection):

coming coming – three times. To get their Oscars – three times. To get their Oscars

But also they are But also they are going going – mainly to Hollywood – mainly to Hollywood

desperately insecure desperately insecure

more coy about it more coy about it (being intellectuals)(being intellectuals)

a uniquely sordid people a uniquely sordid people (don’t clean their hospitals)(don’t clean their hospitals)

the Nazisthe Nazis (to the descendents of African slaves, said (to the descendents of African slaves, said to theto the

Queen)Queen)

quite forgiving of normal sized actresses quite forgiving of normal sized actresses

largely relying on market mechanisms largely relying on market mechanisms

no longer wishing to spend a penny no longer wishing to spend a penny (they seem to have (they seem to have lost lost

6.5 billion of them down the back of the sofa)6.5 billion of them down the back of the sofa)

a sentimental lot a sentimental lot (when it comes to killing moles)(when it comes to killing moles)

usually the culprits usually the culprits (for the Iranians)(for the Iranians)

bad, bad, bad bad, bad, bad (for Hollywood. The British are always the (for Hollywood. The British are always the

villains)villains)

in Iraq illegally in Iraq illegally (obviously for the (obviously for the GuardianGuardian))

far more interested in dogs than other people’s far more interested in dogs than other people’s grandchildren.grandchildren.

And the Welsh?And the Welsh?The Welsh are:The Welsh are:happy because they beat the old enemy happy because they beat the old enemy (at rugby) (at rugby)not keen on spiritsnot keen on spiritsarguing about real, bread-and-butter matters arguing about real, bread-and-butter matters (unlike the (unlike the Scots)Scots)infinitely better infinitely better (at some aspects of rugby)(at some aspects of rugby)underdogs for the trip to the Eternal City underdogs for the trip to the Eternal City (rugby again)(rugby again)nostalgic for the game nostalgic for the game (darts this time)(darts this time)a wild people who cannot be tamed a wild people who cannot be tamed (according to Henry II)(according to Henry II)already there already there (in Dubai)(in Dubai)the Irish who couldn’t swim the Irish who couldn’t swim ((Western MailWestern Mail serialized story) serialized story)the Poles of the United Kingdomthe Poles of the United Kingdom

End HereEnd Here

A note on religionA note on religion

Muslim Muslim has 885 hits, and has 885 hits, and Muslims Muslims 467. 467.

Ten of the most frequent immediate collocations of Ten of the most frequent immediate collocations of MuslimMuslim

(1L-1R) are:(1L-1R) are:community (ies) community (ies) (74), (74), British British (57), (57), woman / women woman / women

(42),(42),council council (23), (23), men men (23), (23), young young (20), (20), Bosnian Bosnian (18), (18),

groups groups (13)(13)

Muslim women are mentioned more than men – 42 as Muslim women are mentioned more than men – 42 as

against 23 times. against 23 times.

Many of the stories refer to problems connected with the Many of the stories refer to problems connected with the

wearing the veil and their treatment within their ownwearing the veil and their treatment within their own

communities.communities.

Of the 53 references to Of the 53 references to Muslim community Muslim community there are there are 23 each23 each

from the from the Guardian Guardian and the and the Telegraph.Telegraph.

As one might expect, there is a fairly favourable As one might expect, there is a fairly favourable construction construction

of the Muslim community in the of the Muslim community in the GuardianGuardian..

Amid this panic-inducing rhetoric, there wasAmid this panic-inducing rhetoric, there was

little acknowledgment that Muslims sufferlittle acknowledgment that Muslims suffer

more discrimination than any other section ofmore discrimination than any other section of

society, no recognition that every attack on society, no recognition that every attack on

their community can only intensify thattheir community can only intensify that

prejudice. (prejudice. (GuardianGuardian 15.02.2007) 15.02.2007)

The The TelegraphTelegraph is a little less accommodating. is a little less accommodating.

In last week's West Midlands sweep the police In last week's West Midlands sweep the police sought to avoid such accusations bysought to avoid such accusations byleafleting local Muslims to explain what theyleafleting local Muslims to explain what theywere doing. This, in turn, generates were doing. This, in turn, generates justifiable irritation in non-Muslim justifiable irritation in non-Muslim communities, which point out, with somecommunities, which point out, with somejustice, that they do not get placatory justice, that they do not get placatory leaflet drops when some of their own haveleaflet drops when some of their own havetheir collars felt. their collars felt. ((TelegraphTelegraph 09.02.2007) 09.02.2007)

Though even the Though even the TelegraphTelegraph shows some Guardian shows some Guardian--like like understanding of the Muslims’ plight.understanding of the Muslims’ plight.

One of the most bewildering aspects of the One of the most bewildering aspects of the much-trumpeted clash of cultures in Britain much-trumpeted clash of cultures in Britain is the way that a Muslim community of more is the way that a Muslim community of more than one million, hailing from widely diversethan one million, hailing from widely diversebackgrounds (from Indonesian media mogul to backgrounds (from Indonesian media mogul to Bengali well-digger) has been boiled down toBengali well-digger) has been boiled down toa handful of Disney Bad Guy caricatures – thea handful of Disney Bad Guy caricatures – thehook-fisted, bearded blind man; the scowling,hook-fisted, bearded blind man; the scowling,square-jawed youth; the sinister, black-robedsquare-jawed youth; the sinister, black-robedwomen. (Telegraph 06.02. 2007)women. (Telegraph 06.02. 2007)