‘Putting food on the table’: a critical discourse analysis of media representation of First Nations food insecurity in Australia

TL;DR

This paper analyzes how Australian media portrays food insecurity among First Nations peoples, revealing harmful narratives that ignore historical and systemic causes.

Contribution

The study introduces a critical discourse analysis of media representation, highlighting how neoliberal and racialized narratives obscure structural issues.

Findings

Media often frames food insecurity as a result of personal failure, ignoring systemic and historical factors.

Discourses like 'save the children' and 'solutions' reflect neoliberal values and neglect food sovereignty.

Urban First Nations food insecurity is largely absent from media narratives and policy discussions.

Abstract

Media discourses shape social values and public policy. Initial and ongoing colonisation in Australia results in disproportionately greater food insecurity experienced by First Nations peoples, negatively impacting health and wellbeing. This paper introduces that history and considers representations of food insecurity for First Nations communities in major Australian print and online news sources, reflecting on policy and practice implications. Examples of racialised media discourses are included in this paper and, while this content is subject to interrogation and critique, it may be distressing for First Nations readers. Using Critical Discourse Analysis, we interpreted five discourses: contradictory authentic Indigeneity, personal responsibility, moral failure, ‘save the children’, and food insecurity ‘solutions’. Our findings show the pervasiveness of the neoliberal values of individualism and personal responsibility, intersecting with racisms and perpetuating narratives of blame and dysfunction. Such perspectives distract from conversations about First Nations food security in terms of rights, food sovereignty, and the social determinants of health. Importantly, this media discourse analysis demonstrates a lack of focus on food insecurity experienced by First Nations peoples living in urban communities, with implications for action on the issue.

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