Photo AI
MEDIA PORTRAYALS OF RELIGION IN SOUTH AFRICA South Africa is a culturally diverse country that is home to many different religions - NSC Religion Studies - Question 3 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 3
MEDIA PORTRAYALS OF RELIGION IN SOUTH AFRICA South Africa is a culturally diverse country that is home to many different religions. These religions are not always e... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:MEDIA PORTRAYALS OF RELIGION IN SOUTH AFRICA South Africa is a culturally diverse country that is home to many different religions - NSC Religion Studies - Question 3 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Do you agree that 'religions are not always equally represented in the media' in South Africa? Give reasons and use suitable examples to illustrate your answer.
Answer
Yes, the representation of religions in South African media is unequal and often biases towards larger religions such as Christianity. Smaller religions frequently receive little to no coverage. For instance, reports on the actions of minority religions, like Jainism or Taoism, are often excluded altogether. Furthermore, certain religions, such as Islam, are portrayed negatively, especially in the context of violence or terrorism, while Buddhism might receive positive coverage due to its peaceful image represented by figures like the Dalai Lama. On a global scale, international media often marginalizes views from religious leaders of smaller faiths, which perpetuates this disparity.
Step 2
Discuss possible factors that may cause the media to be biased against reporting religious issues.
Answer
Several factors contribute to media bias against religious issues. First, religion is a highly contentious subject, often leading to polarized views among the public. Media outlets may exploit this sentiment to attract clickbait through sensationalism, sensational reporting caters to audience biases and emotions, potentially leading to misleading representations. Additionally, a lack of understanding or ignorance about various religions can further perpetuate biased reporting, leaving certain religions misrepresented or ignored entirely.
Step 3
Discuss the positive and negative effects of the Internet on religion.
Answer
The Internet has significantly influenced the accessibility of religious information, allowing individuals to find resources like teachings, sermons, and community interactions easily. Online platforms offer a more diverse representation, where people can access conversations about their faith from anywhere and at any time.
However, the Internet also presents challenges, such as the potential for misinformation or harmful comments on forums. This anonymity may encourage negative interactions and a lack of moderation, which can skew perceptions of religious events or teachings, negatively impacting community practices and attendance.