ICE ASSIGNMENT

ICE Assignment

ICE Assignment

Executive Summary

The news stories about BP oil spill are analyses for various elements of cross cultural differences, ethnocentrism and globalization. It was found after in depth analysis that the stories are very neutral in these terms. The coverage of the incident is done fairly and without prejudice of any kind. It is also realises that the stories have a strong undercurrent of globalization. This is apparent from the manner in which the whole incident is portrayed in the light of its impact on a global scale. Another point that emerges from the study of these articles is the fact that animal suffering from the pollution of the sea is also highlighted. The absence of all stereotypes and racial overtones suggests that the incident affects the world as whole. The power of free media is also apparent from the way in which the incident is covered. Proper care has been taken to ensure that the stories cover the issue fairly. The context in which the stories have taken place and therefore reported is that of one of the greatest oil spill disasters in recent times. Given the facts it is noted that language used is free from any difficult or hard to understand words.

Introduction

The presentation of any item of news is as important as the news itself. The choice of words and phrases are equally important (Goldberg,26). Many news stories have lost their impact or created controversies because of the use of a wrong word or an improper phrase. The situation becomes graver when cross-cultural communication is involves. A number of issues are involved and the question of use of stereotypes and the metaphors assumes a newfound significance.

BP Oil Spill disaster is the topic that has been selected for analysis of the use of language, metaphors, manner of communication of knowledge, presences of absence of cultural considerations and related concepts (Bourdieu 45).

It was found that the all the stories under consideration share an interesting fact. All the stories are presented in such a manner so as not to offend a particular culture with the use of stereotyping and/or culturally sensitive issues. A prime example is the stories that discuss the role of the BP in all the stages of the crisis. Despite being the initiator and largely responsible for the oil spill and the subsequent attempts to minimize the impacts, the news stories have treated the organization in very neutral light. Although all the effects of the oil spill and the resultant misery and torment that the people and animals of the affected area went through, the company itself is largely spared of the negative publicity that is normal in the cases like this one (Kraidy 127).

The reporters have been very careful to report only the facts. They have, for the most part, refrained from dramatizing the sufferings and misery of all involved. This is why all these stories would come across as factual statements of facts as they are ...