A discourse analysis of Ebola in South African newspapers (2014–2015). (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moodley, Prevan; Lesage, Schvaughn Sandrine
• Is Part Of: South African journal of psychology =. Volume 50:Number 2(2020:Jun.)
• Page Start: 158
• Page End: 169
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Discourse analysis -- Ebola -- news reports -- South Africa -- virus -- West Africa; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0081246319868656
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0081-2463

Abstract

The 2014 Ebola outbreak in three African states transformed the virus into a social reality in which media representations contributed to globalised hysteria and had rhetorical effects. This study investigated representations of the Ebola virus/disease in South African news reports (March 2014–June 2015). Four discourses were found to operate within the globalised social context: threat to humanity, predation, invasion, and conspiracy. The South African reportage framed Ebola as a predator and criminal rather than using stock warfare imagery. Representations indicated alignment with phobic high-income countries and colonial hegemony.