Journal article
Slum discourse, media representations and Maisha Mtaani in Kibera, Kenya
Ecquid Novi: African Journalism Studies, Vol.35(1), pp.92-108
03/06/2014
DOI: 10.1080/02560054.2014.886277
Abstract
This article examines the discourse surrounding Kibera, a highly populated low-income community in Nairobi, Kenya. Based on 11 months of fieldwork and interviews with 56 Kibera residents, this article discusses the disconnect between the lives experienced by residents and the hyperbolic and essentialised discourse that depicts Kibera as a community defined by sickness, crime and despair. While residents do not deny many of the hardships that are central to the Kibera discourse, they articulate maisha mtaani [life in the neighbourhood] as complex, diverse and contextual. Sadly, several groups that claim to serve the good of Kibera are partially responsible for perpetuating this harmful discourse. In fact, some NGOs, journalists and residents benefit from reproducing a discourse that actively marginalises Kibera and its people.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Slum discourse, media representations and Maisha Mtaani in Kibera, Kenya
- Creators
- Brian Ekdale - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Ecquid Novi: African Journalism Studies, Vol.35(1), pp.92-108
- DOI
- 10.1080/02560054.2014.886277
- ISSN
- 0256-0054
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 03/06/2014
- Academic Unit
- Center for Social Science Innovation; Public Policy Center (Archive); School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Record Identifier
- 9983557581702771
Metrics
89 Record Views