Impactos de las narrativas neocoloniales y occidentales - el caso de los medios de comunicación españoles

Abstract

In the field of media, the narratives used play a crucial role in shaping public perception and understanding of global crises and humanitarian aid. This paper focuses on critically analyzing how the Spanish media construct and disseminate narratives influenced by neocolonial and Western discourses, and their impact on the perception of humanitarian crises, especially in the context of the African continent. The persistence of colonial interpretative frameworks and simplistic stereotypes in the Spanish media perpetuates distorted visions of the affected regions, presenting them, in most cases, as chaotic and in constant need of Western intervention. This analysis reveals how these narratives not only shape public opinion, but also influence international aid policies, reinforcing unequal power dynamics and practices of historical domination. Through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates communication theory, cultural studies and postcolonial criticism, this article aims to unravel the mechanisms by which these media representations are perpetuated. The aim is to encourage critical reflection on the role of the media in shaping our understanding of humanitarian crises and to promote a more just and equitable narrative that contributes to a more supportive and effective international response. This analysis highlights the importance of language and its power to influence public perception, underlining the need for a conscious and responsible use of words to generate positive change in society.