Citation

Berkowitz D. Journal. Mass Commun. Q. 2005; 82(3): 607-622.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication)

DOI

10.1177/107769900508200308

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study explores how mythical archetypes become a journalistic tool for reporting news about terrorism. Textual analysis of newspaper items examined coverage about seven female Palestian suicide bombers. Mythical archetypes changed initially from the male suicide bomber as Trickster, to female bomber as Woman Warrior, and finally, to the Terrible Mother when the circumstances of the seventh suicide bomber no longer fit the Woman Warrior mold.

FINDINGS suggest that journalists negotiate their reporting within two realms - realities of occurrences and resonance of myths - to accomplish their work. © 2005 AEJMC.

Language: en

Keywords

suicide; terrorism; media role