Introduction

[John E Richardson]

Dear all,

I think that this is a great idea of Linnea's to introduce ourselves. I
think it is useful to have a sense of others on the list, their
interests & background, so here's my piece. It does go on a bit, so
apologies in advance.

I am a lecturer in journalism studies, based at Sheffield University,
UK. My background is mainly in sociology; my first degree was in applied
social science. I then took a year or so out of study (to work in an
indoor climbing centre!) before starting a PhD, here in Sheffield at the
dept of Sociological Studies, on the representation of Muslims in
newspapers. As I developed my thinking in this area, I began to read
more and more into linguistic theory, the philosophy of language & other
aspects of communication that would improve my ability to get behind the
meanings of texts - from the 'what' of representations to the 'how' of
discourse analysis. I combined this with an interest in class theory,
and specifically an intention to examine the discourse of the powerful
in the UK - the white middle classes. For those interested, the title of
my thesis was 'the discursive representation of Muslims in British
broadsheet newspapers', and was eventually published by John Benjamins
as '(Mis)Representing Islam' as part of the DAPSAC series.

Currently my research is focused on four areas: first, my continued
interest in anti-Muslim racism and the role of journalism in encouraging
and perpetuating this racism. I have edited a book with Liz Poole called
'Muslims in the News Media' that is meant to be published by I.B.
Tauris, perhaps at the end of the year. Second, a more general interest
in journalism theory. A joint authored text - Key concepts in Journalism
Studies - is published by Sage in May. Third, argumentation theory,
particularly pragma-dialectics. Some of you have read the chapter of
mine on anti-Muslim argumentation that Linnea circulated (I'll pass on
my comments in a moment). I am also writing on two other argumentation
projects: the links between pragma-dialectics and Aristotle; and the
argumentative characteristics of people with Aspergers Syndrome. Fourth,
a more personal interest in hiphop discourse, that I plan on writing
more about once I get a spare minute.

Finally, I am a socialist & outside of the office I attempt to spread &
encourage socialist ideas: I believe nobody made a greater mistake than
he who did nothing because he could do only a little. I am also a
climber (more occasionally now unfortunately); a lover of music -
particularly hiphop, though recently I have also started to learn the
banjo; and I am married, so spending time with my wife is also a
priority. And that's about it; there is more, but I've gone on too much.
As I said, I do have some comments regarding my chapter, which I will
post in a moment.

best

John E Richardson
Dept of Journalism Studies
Sheffield University