Rastamouse controversy

Referring back to my previous post about Rastamouse (Click here to read) and the controversy this TV series created I was asked a few questions in order to analyse the text.

How is the language issue represented?
There were many articles to be found online about the linguistic features on Rastamouse and all had a running theme: complaints from parents that the patois used in this children's TV show would teach those who watch it bad linguistic habits. With around 95 reported complaints on the patois used by the animated characters it is clear that not everyone agrees with the Boardman who states; "The show has a strong message: through love, understanding and respect, Rastamouse will make a bad thing good... The whole package – music, colour, rhythm and rhyme of speech – engages kids and enables that message to be heard by a wider audience"

So why is there such a negative reaction to this show? Not only was there a staggering amount of complaints about the patois there was also a few that thought Rastamouse was patronising toward black culture and reinforced negative stereotypes, some went as far to say that there was suggestions of the use of drugs, marijuana to be exact, with gestures reinforcing this when the word 'cheese' was used.

How does the author represent himself and others?
The author is Michael Hogan, a reporter and writer for the guardian which is a well known and popular newspaper. He presents himself as chatty with an easy to get along with personality and that is clear through the way he uses easy to understand sentences that discuss both sides of the story and have a low register which relates to the audience. He helps to involve the audience by using rhetorical questions, such as 'So is Rastamouse patronising towards black culture or reinforcing negative stereotypes?' and counters each question and point with evidence from an interview which gives a clear indication that he's done research into the topic and knows what he is discussing.

He represents Greg Boardman, the producer of the show, with a clear and precise manner using snippets from an interview to back up points he makes through out the text, it presents a positive demeanour and influences the audience to agree with the points being stated which leads on to the readers response.

How do they shape the readers response? (audience positioning)
The article tilts towards supporting Rastamouse and convinces the audience that the show has positive outcomes and teaches moral lessons. The audience are asked questions to include them in the article and are given straight forward answers putting them in a position where they can believe what the author is saying, the author could be said to have the audience twisted around his little finger as he gives convincing arguments in a tone that is friendly and in a language that all can understand and he groups the audience together by creating a synthetic personality when speaking about Rastamouse being 'Our furry hero'.