RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PLACE AND CONFLICT
Since the beginning of time, individuals resorted to riots and protests whenever they felt that their rights had been violated. In recent times, however, how these riots and demonstrations took place is rapidly changing, especially with the onset of the internet and communication technology. Social media is one example of the new technology that has seen a sudden shift in the way people used to interact. There has been an increased reliance on the news media by protesters who want their claims heard. The media though an essential aspect in today’s daily life, may be positive or negative. More precisely, mass media can assist protestors in assembling political support, legitimizing or validating their concerns, or further widen the extent of existing conflicts. The role that the press takes whenever there is a conflict is dependent on a complex set of dynamics, which include the media’s interests in a dispute and its independence to the government and other power holders within society.
This paper will analyze the information contained in the two major newspapers that covered the Hong Kong protest. These newspaper companies are The Guardian and China Daily. In order to find the most relevant information, the keyword for our search was the Hong Kong protests, which enabled us to acquire valuable information. A comparison between the articles published by the two newspaper companies helped us identify stark differences of opinions and perceptions concerning the conflict. We also analyzed the information gathered about conflict resolution, the role media plays in conflict, and how place affects the structuring of conflict.
Besides, we also gathered information from reputable websites and journal articles to demonstrate the role of place/space, particular the virtual space in shaping conflict and how to deal with some of the problems associated with its use.
One of the defining aspects of the modern world is conflicts. From the time the cold war ended, numerous conflicts have occurred, causing death and suffering to millions of people; however, as a phenomenon that is part of life, it is essential to understand why it happens and find ways of dealing with it.
Mass media can alter peoples’ perceptions with regards to demonstrations and protest via the message delivered to the general public. The political, cultural, and economic environment that these media systems operate directly impacts their coverage (Veneti et al., 2016). To further explain this phenomenon, this paper will analyze the 2014 protests’ coverage in Hong Kong by two newspaper companies, The Guardian and the China Daily.
Hong Kong is one of the most lucrative economic hubs in the world. It is located in China, and although under Chinese rule, it has more independence in comparison to the mainland. In addition, it is a former British colony, and since 1977 when it was released from British rule, it has been governed under a system known as “one country, two systems.” Beijing is in charge of the city’s protection and international affairs, whereas Hong Kong enjoys partial self-governance and civil rights, comprising an autonomous judiciary and freedom of the press.
The top political post in Hong Kong is that of a chief executive who is chosen by a committee of 1200 individuals, most of which are from Beijing, who act as the nominating committee. After regaining control of Hong Kong, Beijing promised to allow the city residents to elect their top leader via voting by 2017(‘Umbrella revolution’ defeated,” 2014). However, Beijing broke its promise, and in September 2014, the Umbrella Movement, previously identified as the Occupy Central Movement, was initiated. This event was categorized by demonstrations held within the city and was perceived as the end of the delayed democratization process in Hong Kong.
The campaign was started by a group called Occupy Central with Love & Peace, and Professor Benny Tai steered it. The activists were responding to a decision by NCPIS with regards to changes within Hong Kong’s electoral system (‘Umbrella revolution’ defeated,” 2014). Since 1997 when Hong Kong ceased to be a British colony, China took over and proposed the screening of chief executive nominees before their election into office.
The reforms made touched on the election of the Chief Executive, where a decision to vet Chief Executive Candidates by a panel of 1200 members prompted the umbrella movement. The protestors demanded full democracy and open nominations as they were doubtful that the vetting process would have negatively affected individuals who were anti-Beijing and favored Beijing supporters.
The results after the analysis of the two newspapers demonstrated a stark difference between The Guardian and The China Daily newspaper. Both papers talked about violent confrontations between the police and the protesters. Still, each had a different perspective on what was happening, especially when it came to issues of marginalization and the legality of the demonstrations. On China Daily, the protestors were vilified and seen as individuals whose main aim was to disrupt public peace and cause chaos and confusion (“‘Umbrella revolution’ defeated,” 2014). The protestors were labeled as illegal and radicals simply because they had a differing opinion about the government’s reforms. They were accused of disrupting business and interfering with daily life activities, among other things.
Also, the activist’s aim was said to be illegal, according to China Daily, which called it an unlawful movement. Moreover, the purpose of their demonstration was swept under the rug by China Daily, which devalued the protestors’ cause and aim (“‘Umbrella revolution’ defeated,” 2014). Moreover, their grievances were also said to be unreasonable.
The protestors themselves received unfair representation in China Daily, and they would be referred to as violent. Also, their items of the demonstration were classified as weapons and capable of harming the police officers. Furthermore, the media’s focus on the negative side of the protest pushed the narrative that the protesters were violent and therefore had no right to be on the streets. As a result, little air time was given to the reasons why they were on the streets and why they had chosen to risk their lives.
On the other hand, The Guardian Newspaper took a very different approach and instead of seeing the protestors as disruptors of the public peace, they depicted them as heroes of modern society because they were able to unite and rise together against societal injustices caused by the government (Kaiman, 2017). The newspaper legitimized the activist’s concerns by calling it a legal cause of action whereby individuals who have been affected by government decisions came together to fight for their rights. The Guardian’s response also signified their rational thoughts and impressions concerning the conflict in that they saw it as a regular part of human life, which should be solved amicably.
Additionally, the Guardian’s focus throughout the conflict was well balanced, which paved the way for the protestors’ concerns and grievances to be known by all, and this was possible due to the representation that was made by the Guardian. The Guardian seemed to understand that the people involved in the demonstrations had the freedom to express their opinions and grievances towards the Chinese government.
The media usually has a significant role in society. Its primary purpose, among many others, is to disseminate information to the general public and plays a huge role whenever it comes to conflict resolution. Depending on a country’s type of government, some media houses do not fully have the autonomy to say what they would want to because they have to balance the interests of the government and the public simultaneously (“‘Umbrella revolution’ defeated,” 2014).
In delicate and transitional states, media development seeks to address issues such as freedom of expression, media ownership, and the role played in advancing democracy and democratic dialogue. For the media to be fully capable of handling all these issues, independence from the government must be attained. Independent media houses can disseminate unbiased information to members of the public and encourage the rule of law by exposing unscrupulous leaders. One of the essential freedoms associated with media and their role in promoting democracy is the freedom of expression.
Consequently, the media has the power to instigate conflict or promote peace and conflict resolution. In the Rwandan genocide, the media was used to spread hatred and initiate war, which left thousands of people dead.
China Daily is an example of a media house that used its platform to propagate the government’s interests over the public’s interests. This is mainly because China has an authoritarian government and probably had an influence over the newspaper company. China Daily newspaper propagated a negative perception of the umbrella movement and those involved. In one article, the protestors were likened to ‘spoilt brats’ and portrayed as children who didn’t know what they were doing and whose antics only fooled their parents (Nal-Keung, 2014).
Likening adults to children because they are bold enough to stand up for their rights is a slap in the face. It gets worse, especially when one thinks of the 21st century being a different time and a time where things such as democracy should no longer be fought for but provided unconditionally.
Hong Kong residents wanted a full democracy where they could be able to elect their leaders without undue influence. They wanted to have the opportunity to guarantee fairness and equality during the election process. Besides, they wanted to make sure that they no individual with the same mentality as those who are pro-Beijing would have a say in their governance. These wants and desires placed them at a similar emotional place where they all want a better government and future. The same desires that they had united them, and as a result, a conflict arose between them and the Chinese government.
The lack of acknowledgment of the rights and concerns of the protestors demonstrated by China Daily illustrates how the media can instill fear among members of the public, deterring them from fighting for their rights or beliefs. The media advanced the authoritarian interests of its government and made sure to silence any protests made. The perception created was that demonstrating was undesirable, and those who stood against the government would face the consequences.
On the contrary, the Guardian reinforced the public’s trust by supporting the protest, albeit indirectly. The media house recognized that the movement was pro-democracy, and their main concern was to have their grievances heard and worked on (Kaiman, 2014). The perception created was that one of a free society where individuals are free to seek redress whenever their rights have been violated or are threatened. It also propagated an idea that everyone should be respected and their voice matters. In this regard, the media helped advance democratic principles of equality and justice for all. Besides, it promoted respect for human rights and freedoms, such as freedom of expression.
The place has a significant role when it comes to structuring conflict because every individual has a different idea of what they think a place is. Taking the most apparent meaning of a place that refers to a geographical location, people still have various attachments and relationships with areas they have either been to or know of (Saar & Palang, 2009). The type of place chosen to do certain things directly reflects on the seriousness of the matter at hand. In addition, places awaken certain feelings among people, such as security, a sense of belonging, self-expression, and the freedom to be oneself. These meanings often unite people with similar thoughts about a place; for example, transgender individuals gathering in a specific location may be because that place provides them with a feeling of being free.
In Hong Kong, the protestors chose to campaign in various locations such as Tim Mei Avenue and Tamar Park, the commercial business district, and the location of the main Administration Offices (Ng, 2017). The nature of these places as public places plays a role in organizing conflict because protestors are free to gather in the pubic area and have their concerns heard. In this regard, open places in any society have an essential role in promoting democracy because people are free to gather and have meetings whereby they air their grievances and opinions concerning their leaders.
The location is also dependent on the message that is to be disseminated. A public place, primarily within the area of government premises, suggests a severe conflict that needs to be addressed, and the protestors in Hong Kong knew that and capitalized on it. The public places also enabled them to get as much exposure as possible as they came into direct contact with other people who joined their cause. It could also be argued that by making use of these public places, they were educating other people on the importance of fighting for their rights and encouraging them to take steps towards dealing with societal injustices (Saar & Palang, 2009).
It is also important to note that with the onset of digital media, ideas are being shared at a much higher rate, and disagreements are occurring on a larger scale (Shao, 2019). The traditional meaning of place is slowly losing its fame as more and new virtual spaces continue to be introduced.
Social media is a space that can be used to initiate and solve a conflict. The availability of different social media platforms has made it easier for a lot more people to connect and discuss on various serious societal problems (Shao, 2019). Social media has brought a lot of change and has been a vital instrument in informing people of current events, human rights issues within and outside of their territories, and many other critical problems in societies.
The connection that people have on social media enables them to have a place where they can share their ideas and problems. Having this commonplace binds them, and they can rally together and start a demonstration fighting for their shared purposes or deal with issues affecting other members of the society. For example, in 2011, after the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, people rallied together on Twitter in efforts to provide helpful information to those affected (“Japan’s Earthquake Shows the Strength of Social Networking,” 2018). Additionally, a Kenyan association, Ushahidi, developed an open-source forum that gathered information during times of crisis. The site is free and works with mobile short message service, google maps, and twitter. Moreover, the site has been used effectively to deal with natural catastrophes and track political violence.
In Hong Kong, social media played a role in the pro-democracy umbrella movement protests. In order to show support, people on Facebook changed their profile pictures to a yellow umbrella. This umbrella signified their solidarity to the movement and its cause (Shao, 2019). In this scenario, social media was used to not only spread information about the need for a full democracy but also to mobilize demonstrators.
In spite of the benefits offered by social media use, a lot of negative attributes are also related to this virtual space. Social media has played a role in initiating violence and disorder in the community. One such example is the riots that happened in England (Douglas, 2011). Similarly, social media was also used in Greece to organize demonstrations and gain international support following a shooting and to raise economic concerns in the country (CHUNG, 2019).
Protest actions and physical demonstrations on the street have changed drastically since the invention of social media. Unlike traditional protests, social media has made it possible for people to have online demonstrations with the ability to reach millions of people, even those in the most remote areas.
Based on the analysis carried out, a lot of work needs to be done concerning how the media makes public comments on major issues within society. In this paper, one protest was twisted into two different narratives by the media houses involved, which depict different interests and public perceptions. During the Hong Kong demonstration, members of the public either identified with the event via the Guardian or disagreed with it based on the other newspaper, China daily.
In conclusion, it is evident how important conflict is within society, but more so important the role of the media and place in structuring conflict within the community. Independence within media houses is a very crucial factor because the press not only disseminates news, but they also directly influence peoples’ perspectives, and they should be able to guide the society and encourage them to stand up for their rights. Places also play a massive role in the arrangement of conflict, and the maintenance of public areas and the guarantee of a safe internet enable individuals to have a sense of freedom and a sense of belonging in that they can gather and air their views without feeling scared of persecution.
Conflicts will always be a part of society, and how it is managed and represented in various media forms plays a huge role in either advancing it or promoting solutions. Conventional forms of media have been pivotal at disseminating information; however, the advent of the social media era has seen a drastic shift in how people communicate and interact with each other. Currently, with the push of a button, individuals can share their opinions and grievances concerning specific issues in society they may or may not like.
Being able to express themselves on social media freely leads to the creation of groups with similar views. Whenever these people feel aggrieved by the government, they take action by planning protests online. Social media is, therefore, a space that has impacted a lot of societal changes due to its ease of use and the number of people it can reach.
It is, therefore, crucial for countries to guarantee media independence as an expression f their willingness to uphold the rule of law. Moreover, a well-informed society is often able to deal with crises better. Furthermore, protection of human rights and freedoms is crucial for the development of any nation, and protecting the freedom of expression in all spaces, both virtual and physical, is as essential.