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Writer's pictureNick Saward

Paul Gilroy and The sun


Looking into this magazine I am going to focus on representations of migrants. The theory I am using is Paul Gilroy's ethnicity and post-colonial theory. His theory states that representations of race and ethnicity tend to reflect a divide with others, in this case the UK, also how old stereotypes and attitudes might still be portrayed. This idea is definitely prevalent within this magazine.


Within this magazine made by The Sun the headline reads, 'As another 330,000 migrants prove we cannot control our own borders, Cameron responds:’ This initially sets up a binary opposition of the UK versus immigrants which sets up a divided opposition of us versus them. The use of language and use of the inclusive pronoun ‘we cannot control’ strengthens this idea as it is portrayed as an invasion that needs to be stopped. This is further implied by the background which shows the map of the UK which appears to be covered in little dots all over. It can be denoted that this is marking a ‘swarm’ of people in this case portraying it as like an infestation. This encourages people to be angry, however not just at migrants but also at the government.


Furthermore, it is evident through photographs that there is an annoyance at the government for ‘not controlling’ as in the photograph it is David Cameron with his fingers in his ears with a speech bubble saying, ‘La-la...’ Further implying the annoyance of the government for letting this happen. As Paul Gilroy states there is an unawareness or forget of the post-colonial era as despite the UK control over these colonized countries there is a lack of responsibility that is felt, despite being one of the most powerful and well-off countries that have the ability to help, instead throughout the media immigrants are portrayed as an annoyance and are judged on as others.

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