The Roma people make up one of the largest ethnic groups scattered across "Europe, highly concentrated in the Balkan region. In 2007, a massive flux of migration of the Roma to Western Europe was seen after Bulgaria and Romania joined the European Union. This led to anti-Roma sentiment in France, as well as massive deportations. The issue gained spotlight as members of the European Union began debating as to whether or not France was racially discriminating against the Roma. With the media acting as a powerful tool, capable of shaping public support, it was deemed essential to see whether or not French newspapers were reporting differently on the situation. By analyzing articles written in two major French newspapers, Monde and Figaro--centered politically left and right respectively--I was able to compare reports on the Roma deportations. It became evident that the politically left newspaper felt more sentiment towards the harsh living conditions of the Roma, while the other merely supported the government's decision on the deportations. This information is vital to see whether the media aids in the polarization of the public along ideological lines, which undermines the quality of democracy, the good functioning of which depends on compromise"
Summer 2013.
Summer 2013.