Fair Media Narratives: All Just a Fairytale?
How media narratives construct identity and pander to prejudices.
It may not be woke, but I always dreamed of being a princess.
The lavish ball gowns, the sparkly tiaras, the horse-drawn carriages; I wanted every magical inch of the classic princess fairy tale. Plus, a Prince Charming wouldn’t be such a bad addition either (I’ve had my fair share of frogs anyway).
So when it was announced that Meghan Markle — American actress and activist — was to marry Prince Harry, it seemed like she was living the fairy tale fantasy: hallelujah! British lecturer Iman Mahfouz contended their wedding was tipped to signify a new, egalitarian era of the British monarchy, with many others celebrating Markle for smashing the ‘royal glass ceiling’ as a bi-racial, divorced, proud feminist.
As media scholar Raka Shome boldly argued, Markle’s empowerment represented the very antithesis of the British Royal patriarchy, further signifying the newfound openness and acceptance of the monarchy. However, the relentless, unforgiving media coverage she has faced is certainly not the stuff of dreams or fairy tales.
Varying from outright criticism to subtle racism, Markle has been subject to an onslaught of unwelcome media coverage. First being dubbed a ‘self-obsessed professional actress’ by British commentator Piers Morgan, and then ‘the worst kind of snob’ by online publications, she has been continually demonized in the public sphere more as the wicked witch rather than an empowered, beautiful princess.
While it is not uncommon for the media to dramatize stories to garner more views, the increasingly hostile and toxic tones of Markle’s media coverage reflect an underlying, disturbing tone of casual racism, misogynistic attitudes and a pre-determined negative identity narrative. Such media reporting — deliberately inflaming and perpetuating human prejudices — is corrosive to civil society.
As media technologies play an unequivocal role in constructing and augmenting identities, I believe it is paramount such mass media platforms set a standard to critically and objectively inform the public, rather than pander to base prejudices.
Bad press? That’s just the tip of the tiara…
In her book exploring the historic relations between gender discourse and the media, feminist scholar Rosalind Gill posits a symbiotic relationship exists between identity and media technologies: as the media effectively shapes the world we live in, media technologies have a profound responsibility in constructing and protecting public perceptions of gender, race, and ethnicity.
Similarly, authors Jackie Abell and Elizabeth Stokoe further support the power of media on identity, stating:
“The institution of the media is treated as a cultural stage or discursive framework in which identities are constructed and reconstructed.”
The ubiquitous presence and influence of mass media across society demands accountability to provide accurate, balanced depictions. However, it appears a Fairy Godmother is yet to wave her magic wand over the ethos of the media and transform this foundational institution into an esteemed pillar of democracy.
As noted by Professor Lisa Nakamura, media technologies consistently fail to communicate a universally represented culture. Rather than mirroring reality, the media are quick to filter their reporting through a pre-determined narrative.
As depicted by the harsh coverage of Markle, the primary rhetoric disseminated throughout the public sphere perpetuates a negative tale of outrage at an empowered, feminist, mixed-race Duchess. Media academic Teun van Dijk notes such targeted aggression toward an individual or a culture can unintentionally strengthen negative social discourses, rather than combat them.
Paragon to pilloried
Although Markle is not the first American actress to step into royalty — film star Grace Kelly married the Prince of Monaco in 1956 — her media coverage operates in stark contrast to her Duchess sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, who has been routinely praised for her ‘natural elegance and beauty’.
Nevertheless, this harsh coverage of an empowered feminist is not just exclusive to Markle. From likening Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton to a satanic witch, to derisively dismissing teen activist Greta Thunberg’s cries for climate change action, author Debra Beck notes the media’s negative framing of such high-profile female characters has a profound impact on society’s perception of the cultural discourses involved.
Professor Paul Statham contends the media is strongly linked to the perpetuation of racism and sexism in society, noting tones of white hegemony are often interposed in contentious media coverage. As exampled by Markle’s case, the reality of female empowerment is negatively portrayed as female stridency.
While the blanket claim of saying the British press is inherently misogynistic or racist is highly collective and fails to acknowledge the deeper mores of the media, there is, in relation to Markle, an underlying seam of inaccurate, unfair coverage.
In a recent emotional interview with ITV News, Markle admits this intense media coverage is a struggle, stating:
“… not many people have asked if I’m okay. And it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes”.
Given the extreme, relentless and critical public scrutiny Markle has faced since her wedding to a British Royal prince, any fair person would consider her response as reasonable. However, Markle was afforded no such understanding, instead being heavily criticized as ‘self-indulgent’ ‘privileged’ and ‘entitled’.
But what about her work with the United Nations regarding women’s rights? Ignored.
Her position as ambassador for World Vision? Forgotten.
Her tours of Afghanistan and Rwanda as part of her humanitarian efforts? Pfft. Erased.
The media narrative of the ‘bad’ princess has already been set in stone and the vitriolic reaction to Markle’s comments evidences determined adherence to that narrative.
Happy endings, a thing of fairytales?
Despite being heralded as the Fourth Estate, the convergence of globalized media systems indicates a new culture maintained by a group think mentality — rather than actively contributing to public education and democracy, modern journalism shows how age-old ideological values can be manipulated to invoke a widespread prejudice or status quo.
By vilifying Markle through the deliberate construction of an identity that perpetuates racial and sexist narratives, I believe the media has greatly misused their power and eschewed their societal responsibility. In an era of mental health awareness and growing female empowerment, the media should be actively working to strengthen positive perceptions of gender, race and sexuality throughout all facets of society, not indulging ancient prejudices.
Princesses are not either good or evil, they’re just human like the rest of us.
