Bartosz Grzegorz Żerebecki | Depolarizing Narratives: The role of TV shows in promoting positive diversity attitudes

Bartosz Grzegorz Żerebecki | Depolarizing Narratives: The role of TV shows in promoting positive diversity attitudes | Erasmus University Rotterdam, Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication, Department of Media and Communication | Promotor: prof. dr Susanne Janssen, daily supervisors: Dr Suzanna J. Opree & Dr Joep Hofhuis | September 2019 – September 2025

The support for LGBTQ people and immigrants is a contentious issue in Poland. Young people, who are still in high school, witness a strongly polarized public discourse. The national, pro-government media staunchly oppose pride parades and multiculturalism, while private ones take more liberal stances. This project wants to establish whether the media, which are now seen as part of the problem of tearing people apart, can also be part of the solution in bringing people together. More particularly, the research zooms into the role of TV shows. Do people engage with visual narratives that challenge their views and make them more sympathetic to those with a different point of view? Moreover, if Polish viewers are introduced to minority characters in a favorable visual narrative, will this enhance their openness to interact with minorities? The project focuses on Polish adolescents and emerging adults as potential agents of change.