ABSTRACT
The Roles of Broadcasting in Ameliorating the Regional Antagonism
Review of the researches on the regional antagonism between Young- Honam people shows different roots for the hatred each side has for the other. Youngnam people show hostile attitude toward the Honam people mainly because of the psychological reason; that is, the former is heavily prejudiced against the latter. On the other hand, Honam people show antagonistic feeling toward the Youngnam primarily because of the econo-political reasons; that is, they feel unfair econo-political practices directed against their region by the ruling parties composed of the Youngnam people.
The analysis of the underlying psychological mechanisms of the antagonism suggests that the primary culprit is the hot competition in the presidential races between the two regions in very recent history. Secondly, cool cognitive processes are involved in producing prejudices, as unwanted side effects of efficient information processing. Although not intended (I assume), the broadcasting seemed to have played some roles in magnifying the antagonistic sentiment and in strengthening the prejudices and regional stereotypes.
To ameliorate the regional antagonism, broadcasting should take at least two roles. The passive role can be achieved by practicing followings ; 1) examine the contents of reportings and dramas so as not to dissipate any longer negative regional stereotypes ; 2) analyze social issues clearly so as not to confuse class confict or group confict with regional conflict which often served masking the other conflicts ; and 3) make people aware that people of the outgroup as well as the ingroup have different opinions on many issues so as to break up the phenomenon of pluralistic ignorance. The active role can be sought by producing programs aimed to promote national unity and by making hit drama series in which heros and heroines from various regions Perform tasks in very cooperative manner, The two roles may be taken simultaneously and the outcomes should be evaluated carefully and reflected upon.
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