The Representation of the Lebanese Armenian Diaspora in the Lebanese Print Media (2000-Present)

Abstract

The Lebanese Armenian diaspora (LAD) has tried to preserve its Armenian identity, culture, traditions, and communal solidarity to prevent assimilation in the host society. Previous research has not addressed the issue of representation of the LAD in local media. The Lebanese political system and the opportunity structure have enabled the LAD to establish social, cultural, religious, and political organizations to maintain its particularities and participate in politics. The Armenian community has adopted a communalist strategy to promote its interests and protect its rights. We argue that on different occasions and events, such as during elections, the media quickly picked up on and sensationalized certain reports that represent the Armenians in a negative light, in an attempt to present the community as indifferent to Lebanon's national interests. This article aims to examine how the local media represented the LAD when the political choices of the community did not converge with the interests and the policies of other Lebanese groups.