Close analysis of the language used by the leader of a far-right political party brings to light novel insights into who (according to the far-right party) is to blame for racism in the UK says new research.
The results of the research carried out by Dr Simon Goodman and Dr Andy Johnson of Coventry University will be presented today (18 April) at the British Psychological Society Annual Conference held at the Grand Connaught Rooms, London (18-20 April 2012).
Dr Goodman says: "Our research shows how the leader of this far-right party attempts to 'reverse' racism and present white people as the true victims of racism. Rather than blaming non-white people for this anti-white racism, an ill-defined 'liberal elite' establishment is identified as the problem. However, no politicians or interviewers engaged with this idea of the elite, and it is not clear exactly what is meant by it.
'In terms of the arguments being made in our reseach findings, there are similarities with the Anders Breivik case currently being considered in Norway. However, our study is based on a rhetorical viewpoint, and it does not cover any motivations for behaviour and we are certainly not saying that anyone using this argument will go on to commit acts of violence."
The presentation will report the findings of a study which analysed several interviews and debates involving the leader of a far-right party. The study pays particular attention to how the party's leader used specific lines of argument which resulted in white British people being presented as the victims of racism and the far-right party as their defenders against it.
This research has significant implications in building on previous research which shows that racism is often subtly managed in interactions and everyday language use.
Contacts and sources:
British Psychological Society
The results of the research carried out by Dr Simon Goodman and Dr Andy Johnson of Coventry University will be presented today (18 April) at the British Psychological Society Annual Conference held at the Grand Connaught Rooms, London (18-20 April 2012).
Dr Goodman says: "Our research shows how the leader of this far-right party attempts to 'reverse' racism and present white people as the true victims of racism. Rather than blaming non-white people for this anti-white racism, an ill-defined 'liberal elite' establishment is identified as the problem. However, no politicians or interviewers engaged with this idea of the elite, and it is not clear exactly what is meant by it.
'In terms of the arguments being made in our reseach findings, there are similarities with the Anders Breivik case currently being considered in Norway. However, our study is based on a rhetorical viewpoint, and it does not cover any motivations for behaviour and we are certainly not saying that anyone using this argument will go on to commit acts of violence."
The presentation will report the findings of a study which analysed several interviews and debates involving the leader of a far-right party. The study pays particular attention to how the party's leader used specific lines of argument which resulted in white British people being presented as the victims of racism and the far-right party as their defenders against it.
This research has significant implications in building on previous research which shows that racism is often subtly managed in interactions and everyday language use.
Contacts and sources:
British Psychological Society
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