Italian television is guilty of
reinforcing negative stereotypes about Roma people and traveller
communities, according to a new Council of Europe report.
"There is a prevalent negative stereotype depicting Roma,
primarily as non-violent criminals, except for instances of
collaboration with local mafia," said the study commissioned
under the European Union/Council of Europe Joint Programme on
the portrayal of Roma people in television broadcasting in
Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Romania.
"They are often portrayed as uneducated and backward. This
stereotype is reinforced through selective representations of
Roma as subjects or objects in reports of minor crimes, domestic
violence and social disputes involving Roma communities near
local neighbourhoods.
"Such portrayals contribute to negative stereotypes, presenting
Roma as "clan" people who are irresponsible, particularly
regarding childcare and the treatment of women within their
families".
The report added that "debate TV programmes frequently feature
extremist
politicians exploiting the above-mentioned topics for electoral
gain, especially during election campaigns.
"Within private commercial networks, particularly Mediaset
channels, the main objective seems to be highlighting and
reporting on the skilful thefts committed by small groups of
Roma individuals on public transport and in crowded places," it
continued.
"These reports often include interviews with young or juvenile
Roma women, emphasising their seeming impunity and frequent
pregnancies at a young age to evade arrest or other
consequences.
"As a result, the narrative often centres around the challenges
of integration and inclusion, especially concerning the housing
emergency and the illegal occupation of social or private
housing.
"While such issues also involve Italian citizens or foreigners
of different origins, the focus and attention on Roma
individuals differ significantly".
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