XVIII Congreso Internacional de Tecnolog?a, Conocimiento y Sociedad

Abstract

This paper uses discourse analysis to examine news excerpts from diasporic media and interviews with media experts “on the representation of migrants of African Descent in Europe.” As the influx of migrants from war-torn countries of Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, and Ukraine culminates to “a migration crisis,” migrants outside the category of violence and conflict are labelled in stereotypes that reify “otherness.” Although pockets of Kenyans remain in Europe (Germany and Britain) illegally, many migrate as professionals, expatriates, students, sports talents, etc. They exist within migrant contexts in Europe and are lumped together as “economic migrants.” In Europe, migrants are viewed as threats to the economic well-being and detractors to the political climate. Stereotypical representations of migrants inhibit their integration in host societies. Yet, public discourse ignores their economic contribution at home and abroad. The migration influx of refugees from conflict zones has amplified stereotypes of migrants as “illegals, foreigners, and infringers of social welfare.” However, diasporic media like “Mkenya Ujerumani” (Germany) and “Ukentv” (UK) in this study, (re)produce an alternative narrative of how Kenyans resist and survive the stereotypes. In this paper, I highlight how aspects of representations of migration and development in diasporic media negate a Eurocentric thought.