Multiculturalism in modern mass media: analysis of stereotypes

Abstract

The article aims to consider multicultural discourse through the prism of media coverage. Contemporary media are characterized from the political engagement perspective, and that of its resources and media presentation of news related to multicultural issues. The study adopts a content analysis method of media resources and displays ways of presenting the information. Finally, the study tests hypotheses that explain acculturation and intercultural relations in multicultural societies. The current cultural situation is characterized by the global development of media resources, the acceleration of creating and distributing global communication tools via national and transnational media. The results showed that perceived security, intercultural contacts, adoption of a multicultural ideology, acculturation strategies, and expectations significantly impact mutual acculturation and relations of the host population, migrants, and other social categories of society. Therefore, efforts through the media to improve relations between representatives of different cultures, communities, and population segments should aim at increasing the basic sense of security and adopting a multicultural ideology. In addition, there is a need to understand the essence of tolerance, respect for ‘the other’ and recognition in multiculturalism and the role of the media in shaping ways of relating to other people and peoples.