Media influence in setting salience issues – a case study of representation of homosexuality in the Malaysia newspapers
Media influence in setting salience issues – a case study of representation of homosexuality in the Malaysia newspapers
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2005-00-00
Authors
Kaur, Karamjeet
Alagappar, Ponmalar N.
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Abstract: Homosexuality is an issue of significant controversy in Malaysia. Homosexual activities in Malaysia have been around for a long time but it was not considered to be dangerous until it was highlighted by the local press. The media played a crucial role in communicating and popularizing homosexuality, which forced and provoked unparalleled discussion on sex and sexuality which are considered taboo subjects in this country. Generally, the Malaysian society is often not comfortable with the issue of homosexuality because it is either ignored or maligned by the media. In Malaysia homosexuality is considered illegal and a sin that is punishable with long prison sentences of up to 20 years and canings. The establishment of People’s Voluntary Anti-Homosexual Movement (PASRAH) an organization that has wowed to eradicate homosexuality by imposing severe penalties and closing down gay gathering places, has caused quite a stir. Homosexuality is suddenly branded as a “threat” to the society, forcing the society to openly discuss the issue of homosexuality. This kind of sentiment reflects that there is an increasing amount of hatred and intolerance towards a group of people whose sexual preference is different from the rest of the society. If this is left unattended, the value system would form a strong case of prejudice and discrimination against the homosexual. Can the conservative Malaysian society be able to treat the homosexual equally based on the sexual orientation? This paper examines how the media portrays a controversial issue such as homosexuality and whether the media has influenced the social values of the society. It looks at the aspect that the media has focused on, the portrayal of homosexuality and how it has affected the society’s views on homosexuality. In order to determine this, the media’s coverage on issues pertaining to homosexuality is explored through a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis of content as published in one of the major newspapers in Malaysia.
Full text access : Research & development Centre, Taylor’s University, Malaysia (e-mail: GTDLSRnD@taylors.edu.my)
Full text access : Research & development Centre, Taylor’s University, Malaysia (e-mail: GTDLSRnD@taylors.edu.my)
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Media influence in setting salience issues – a case study of representation of homosexuality in the Malaysia newspapers
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Kaur, Karamjeet
Alagappar, Ponmalar N.
Alagappar, Ponmalar N.
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2005-00-00
Description
Abstract: Homosexuality is an issue of significant controversy in Malaysia. Homosexual activities in Malaysia have been around for a long time but it was not considered to be dangerous until it was highlighted by the local press. The media played a crucial role in communicating and popularizing homosexuality, which forced and provoked unparalleled discussion on sex and sexuality which are considered taboo subjects in this country. Generally, the Malaysian society is often not comfortable with the issue of homosexuality because it is either ignored or maligned by the media. In Malaysia homosexuality is considered illegal and a sin that is punishable with long prison sentences of up to 20 years and canings. The establishment of People’s Voluntary Anti-Homosexual Movement (PASRAH) an organization that has wowed to eradicate homosexuality by imposing severe penalties and closing down gay gathering places, has caused quite a stir. Homosexuality is suddenly branded as a “threat” to the society, forcing the society to openly discuss the issue of homosexuality. This kind of sentiment reflects that there is an increasing amount of hatred and intolerance towards a group of people whose sexual preference is different from the rest of the society. If this is left unattended, the value system would form a strong case of prejudice and discrimination against the homosexual. Can the conservative Malaysian society be able to treat the homosexual equally based on the sexual orientation? This paper examines how the media portrays a controversial issue such as homosexuality and whether the media has influenced the social values of the society. It looks at the aspect that the media has focused on, the portrayal of homosexuality and how it has affected the society’s views on homosexuality. In order to determine this, the media’s coverage on issues pertaining to homosexuality is explored through a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis of content as published in one of the major newspapers in Malaysia.
Full text access : Research & development Centre, Taylor’s University, Malaysia (e-mail: GTDLSRnD@taylors.edu.my)
Full text access : Research & development Centre, Taylor’s University, Malaysia (e-mail: GTDLSRnD@taylors.edu.my)
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Homosexuality--Malaysia
Mass media--Malaysia
Mass media--Malaysia
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School of Communication