| dc.description.abstract | In Kenya, the phenomenon of ethnic- related conflicts seem to be frequent. As such, numerous studies have been conducted about the post-election violence but little has been done to identify the role media took in comparison to the Rwandan Genocide. Therefore this study looked into how the media used its agenda setting role to fuel conflict in Kenya and Rwanda. Thus the research problem, Media and Hate Speech: A Comparative study of Kenya (2007 PEV) and the1994 Rwanda Genocide shapes the objectives of the study. While the media may contribute to dialogue and understanding, they can also be a factor in generating social tension through stereotyping and inaccurate reporting. It is evident enough that the media can disseminate hate
speech or remarks based on racial or ethnic discrimination. The question is where to draw the line between freedom of expression, hate speech and the right not to be discriminated against. Existing research has shown that the powers of radio in fuelling ethnic tension in ethnically and politically polarized societies derive its power from the verbal indictment of the ‘others’ legitimacy. This belief is critical in manifesting the relationship of the people around the concepts of ethnic identity. However, there exist a challenge in the promoting ethic and national identity and cases where various media owners have influence on the programs that are to be aired. This was the case during Kenya’s 2007-2008 post violent electoral conflict and the 1994 Rwanda’s genocide where radio through Frequent Modulation (FM) station played visible role in hate speech changing the landscape of the national political and ethnic conflict processes. This
research seeks to evaluate the actual role the radio played in propagating hate speech; to assess the underlying causes of hate speech in the conflict period; and to suggest effective strategies that the radio could employ to mitigate hate speech and instead promote peace and cohesion. The research was guided by the critical race theory (CRT) because it provides a compelling framework by which media concepts and hate speech can be analysed in the extent to which the radio programs dehumanized vulnerable groups by establishing the sameness between two unrelated things or ideas . Phrases used to refer to other ethnic groups form metaphors that are not merely rhetorical but pedestals on which hate flourishes. Data for this study was obtained from secondary sources. This was descriptive contained in notes form. Guided by the objectives
and premises of the study, the data was arranged according to the major themes. Findings from this study confirm the involvement of media in exacerbating conflict. Radio in conflicts, i.e Rwanda genocide and Kenya post-election violence, took the leading role because it has a wider listenership compared to television viewership and newspaper readership. At the height of the Conflict in 1994 Rwanda genocide and the 2008 post-election violence in Kenya, the media was distracted from pro-peace analysis in their coverage. Data for this study was obtained from secondary sources. This was descriptive contained in notes form. Guided by the objectives and premises of the study, the data was arranged according to the major themes. The main causes of ethnic conflicts include land, poverty, militia gangs, gun culture, political incitement, racism and
ethnic animosity. In multi-ethnic society, all actors should ensure they use a comprehensive approach that appreciates the diversity of cultural world views. After the interpretation and discussion of the data, conclusions were drawn and recommendations for further research given. | en_US |
