Observations from the news coverage of the deaths during the 1981 Northern Ireland hunger strike

摘要

This article has briefly discussed how international newspapers represented the deaths that occurred in Northern Ireland during the hunger strike period in 1981. Comprehensive understanding requires broader analysis that has been possible to present in this forum. Hopefully, I have put forth the principle idea that media representations have a very complex - but reasonable - background. The hunger strike deaths provided an intriguing opportunity for research, as those deaths were loaded with a variety of interests and emotions. There were differences in newspaper emphases. One newspaper focused on the grief of families and other members of the community. Others presented violent aspects as the main theme. Death had a more political meaning to some newspapers. Editorial factors (such as censorship and traditions of publishing) have undoubtedly influenced newspaper reporting, but here the main focus has been on the significance of the cultural contexts. The meaning behind the same death can be seen differently in different contexts.