Anti-Oppression & the Media My experiences at McGill: 1) working at CKUT for over a decade (engaging campus based struggles, critical history of McGill, & lots of rad folks); 2) my political activism as a grad student (from MUNACA to the student strike of 2012, to ongoing fights today against the protocol on campus, the cuts, the forced consensus to the new fight against indexation or the perpetual hike). Presented by gretchen king Email: gretchen.king@mail.mcgill.ca

What is oppression? Oppression is the result of interlocking systems and relations of domination. This domination can target race, gender, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, gender orientation, immigration status, country of origin, religion, mental health status, age, and ability.

Who is oppressed? Oppression may be perceived as invisible, but it affects us all. Systems of oppression can affect a whole society, for example, in Canada we are still experiencing relations and systems of domination rooted in colonialism. 1) Systems and behaviors of oppression are often built upon the intersections of racism, xenophobia, classism, sexism, homophobia and heterosexism, ableism, and ageism. 2) Colonialism in Canada continues to be strengthened by racism and sexism, this is evident in the 3000 plus Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

What is Oppression by the Media? Stereotypes Negative images False information Oppression reinforced by the media can include racism, xenophobia, classism, sexism, homophobia and heterosexism, ableism, and ageism often reproduced through stereotypes, negative images, or false information.

What are examples of oppression in the Media? Start video 30secs in and run until 2:00, produced in summer of 2011 by CUTV.

Mental health in the Media A report called, “Mass Media and Mental Illness” prepared by Dara Roth Edney, MSW, for the Canadian Mental Health Association in 2004, emphasises the role of media:   The mass media are a primary source of public information about mental illness; Media representations of mental illness promote false and negative images and stereotypes; There is a connection between negative media portrayals of mental illness and the public’s negative attitudes toward people with mental health issues; Negative media portrayals have a direct impact on individuals living with mental illness; There is a connection between negative media portrayals of mental illness and government responses to mental health issues. Burger King Ad - “The King has gone crazy!” 5mins on folks reaction to the Ad.

How can Media fight oppression? Recognizing the Media’s direct and indirect role in reproducing oppression; Prohibiting oppressive content; Acknowledging systems of power and domination in organization and content; Breaking stereotypes; Empowering marginalized communities by prioritizing self-expression. Radical media, like community radio, use an anti-oppression framework to inform their organization and production practices. Give examples from CKUT – OWL Radio, the Homelessness Marathon, and moving beyond sound-bites to prioritize context.

How can we fight oppression by the Media? “The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.” --Stephen Biko