Media coverage of mental health, particularly of black mental health issues, has a chequered history. This article discusses media reporting of black mental issues from the 1990s, with the case of Christopher Clunis, to the ongoing case of Kingsley Burrell. It shows that there has been an increase in the visibility of black and minority ethnic (BME) people and mental health in the media, and a more informed shift has been reflected in the media coverage of Kingsley Burrell. The article argues that, while there have been a positive shift, the media has a long way to go to abandon racialised representations. One of the biggest catalysts for positive change has been the growth of online and social media. Specialist publications have blog or community sections that allow both professionals and service users to give their perspective on adult services and possible solutions. Voluntary and community organisations are generating their own media online to inform and influence debate. Today, therefore, the debate on mental health is no longer one-sided.
Media coverage of mental health, particularly of black mental health issues, has a chequered history. This article discusses media reporting of black mental issues from the 1990s, with the case of Christopher Clunis, to the ongoing case of Kingsley Burrell. It shows that there has been an increase in the visibility of black and minority ethnic (BME) people and mental health in the media, and a more informed shift has been reflected in the media coverage of Kingsley Burrell. The article argues that, while there have been a positive shift, the media has a long way to go to abandon racialised representations. One of the biggest catalysts for positive change has been the growth of online and social media. Specialist publications have blog or community sections that allow both professionals and service users to give their perspective on adult services and possible solutions. Voluntary and community organisations are generating their own media online to inform and influence debate. Today, therefore, the debate on mental health is no longer one-sided.
Subject terms:
mass media, mental health problems, social media, stereotyped attitudes, user views, black and minority ethnic people;