Reading the ‘Riots’

Abstract

This chapter, structured as a case study, focuses on the media’s representation of rioting in Northern Ireland in July 2010. The chapter contextualises the case study by reviewing literature on the contestation of space and conflicting identities in Northern Ireland. It also uses content analysis to establish how local, national and international newspapers framed youth involvement in rioting. Further, it explores the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) initiative, Operation Exposure. This involved the dissemination of images of children and young people accused of ‘sectarian disorder’ in Derry/Londonderry and the publication of images following major disturbances in Ardoyne, Belfast. Show more