Examples of British journalism covering Saudi News
The reason I have chosen to create a mock newspaper rather than a traditional illustrative book, is so I can mimic/parody the way in which modern news perceives the Arab world. It is seen on a daily basis, with newspapers constantly bringing up Islam in stories when it is completely irrelevant. So by creating a newspaper, I am attempting to hold up a mirror in the face of these media outlets.
I have taken some examples of the way in which western, specifically British newscasters, demonise Arabs.
Karl Andree, Lashing Case
This first story is current and relevant. Karl Andree is a 74 year-old British citizen who has worked in Saudi for many years. He was caught with homemade wine, and is now sentenced to 350 lashes. This is a legal punishment in Saudi Arabia, as is public execution. It is common knowledge that alcohol is strictly forbidden in Saudi Arabia - especially to someone who has worked there for over 20 years.
However, I noticed that the British media have constantly reported the case in a way that makes Saudis look barbaric - therefore getting the British public enraged, which actually lead to a petition being made.
I have compared here a report of the story from Gulf News, in the Middle East and the Mirror, from the UK.
Gulf News (Middle East) coverage: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/uk-s-cameron-to-press-saudi-arabia-over-briton-facing-350-lashes-1.1600225
The Mirror (UK) Coverage: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/devout-saudis-partying-booze-drugs-6652866
When comparing the Mirror's article to that of Gulf News, one can instantly see from the headline that the Mirror are going straight to picking on the locals rather than discussing the issue at hand. It explains how ''devout'' Saudis are secretly making illegal alcohol that is ''stronger than Karl's'' - insinuating that locals get away with more than expats.
The wording in the title alone is whats important to me as I will be creating titles for each section of my chosen story (The Tale of the Three Apples). For example, when the Caliph finds the woman's body, it could be ''Muslim woman found cut to pieces in chest''. Pointing out that she is Muslim is completely irrelevant to the issue - just like some British media outlets do.
I have taken some examples of the way in which western, specifically British newscasters, demonise Arabs.
Karl Andree, Lashing Case
This first story is current and relevant. Karl Andree is a 74 year-old British citizen who has worked in Saudi for many years. He was caught with homemade wine, and is now sentenced to 350 lashes. This is a legal punishment in Saudi Arabia, as is public execution. It is common knowledge that alcohol is strictly forbidden in Saudi Arabia - especially to someone who has worked there for over 20 years.
However, I noticed that the British media have constantly reported the case in a way that makes Saudis look barbaric - therefore getting the British public enraged, which actually lead to a petition being made.
I have compared here a report of the story from Gulf News, in the Middle East and the Mirror, from the UK.
Gulf News (Middle East) coverage: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/uk-s-cameron-to-press-saudi-arabia-over-briton-facing-350-lashes-1.1600225
The Mirror (UK) Coverage: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/devout-saudis-partying-booze-drugs-6652866
When comparing the Mirror's article to that of Gulf News, one can instantly see from the headline that the Mirror are going straight to picking on the locals rather than discussing the issue at hand. It explains how ''devout'' Saudis are secretly making illegal alcohol that is ''stronger than Karl's'' - insinuating that locals get away with more than expats.
The wording in the title alone is whats important to me as I will be creating titles for each section of my chosen story (The Tale of the Three Apples). For example, when the Caliph finds the woman's body, it could be ''Muslim woman found cut to pieces in chest''. Pointing out that she is Muslim is completely irrelevant to the issue - just like some British media outlets do.
Nadiya Hussain, Great British Bake off
Daily Mail Article Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3258338/AMANDA-PLATELL-womb-transplants-make-shudder.html
Here is another current example of casual racism in a British news outlet. Nadiya Hussein, a contestant on a British baking show (who is also Muslim - irrelevant), is picked on here as if the writer, Amanda Platell, has a personal issue with her.
It is such an unnecessary remark from a writer that is clearly irritated by the woman. It caused outrage online, on social media, and even other news outlets; http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/10/04/daily-mail-columnist-amanda-platell-chocolate-mosque_n_8239810.html
