A discourse analysis of U.S. mainstream media reportage from selected 'media frames' of the Arab/Israeli conflict throughout the Oslo peace process:: September 1993 - September 2000

Abstract

This thesis examines the nature of U.S. mainstream media discourse concerning the Palestinian Arab/Israeli conflict throughout the period of the Oslo 'peace process' i.e., from September 1993 until September 2000. The discourse analysis itself is conducted through the utilisation of selected 'media frames’ chosen because it was felt that they could be considered singularly to represent a major dynamic of the conflict that has led precipitously to the present Palestinian/Israeli impasse. Indeed, the objectives of this study have been twofold, firstly, it was intended, that the narratives of the 'media frames' could stand each alone as a substantive essay. Secondly, and conversely, however, it was also the aim of this study to cover as much of the socio-political history of this turbulent period as possible in a relatively short amount of space. The central tenet of this work however, is that throughout the entire Oslo 'peace process’ Palestinian Arabs in a majority of the channels of the U.S. mainstream media were subject to a mildly racist media portrayal, which fluctuated in the severity of its denigration as and when the much maligned 'peace process' (In the specific language of Oslo.) swerved 'off and 'on track'. Moreover, it is argued, that all the while a Pax Americana/Israelica exists, then negative U.S. mainstream media portrayals of the Palestinian Arab, and other Arabs, shall continue unabated. Therefore, what this work requests is a debunking of this mildly racist xenophobia within the channels of the U.S. mainstream media specifically through intelligently addressed criticism.