Counteracting Stereotypes and Forgiving Bad Deeds: How are Calgarian Journalists Framing the White Pride Parade?

Abstract

Drawing on the concepts of stereotyping, cognitive consistency and intergroup relations found in Social Identity Theory the researcher analyses journalistic coverage of confrontations between white pride group and antiracist group (ARA) in Calgary and Edmonton between 2008 and 2012. The aim of the analysis is to understand how Calgary journalists are framing the annual white pride parade. The journalistic frames are analysed with the help of content analysis and are guided by two research hypotheses: 1. Journalists from Calgary (as opposed to journalists from other regions of Canada) are more forgiving of anti-racists than the white pride group because of their stereotyped driven views; 2. Journalists from Calgary (as opposed to journalists from other regions of Canada) are portraying the white pride group as outsiders to protect their community’s image.