Rastamouse Controversy - Part 2

1. How is the language issue represented?
Mother's are worried that their children will pick up bad language habits from this programme. ". .the show is racist and encouraging the use of slang." Obviously some parents think that this is not a 'correct' way to speak which shows a lot of prejudice which may then be passed on to their children. Some mothers have said that they are worried their children will be "attacked" for copying the accent/words they hear on the programme. "The BBC has received complaints from six viewers that the animated show stereotypes black people, while another 95 have complained about the language used in the show."

2. How does the author represent him/herself and others?
It could be said that the author doesn't particularly approve of the programme as he starts his article with how many complaints the show has had, there is very little mention of the show's success. However, his representation of the BBC is quite positive and makes the point that the show was created to relay messages of friendship, respect and community and aimed at all children "regardless of their backgrounds."

3. How does the author shape the reader's response? (audience positioning)
If you had never watched thr programme, you would automatically think that it must be awful because of all of the controversy that is has sparked amongst parents. By using the quotes that he has, the author has created a very negative image of the programme. "One mother on the Mumsnet forum, using the name TinyD4ncer, says she is concerned her child be attacked for repeating some of the Jamaican Patois phrases used by the mouse." As the negative comments are in the first half of the article, anybody just skimming it would only pick up on those opinions and not the BBC's defence later on.