Fruit of the Poisoned Tree: Societal Effects of ‘Othering’ in the Norwegian Media Sphere

This study explores the contentious discourses surrounding the incorporation of Norwegian Muslims through their own experiences of belonging and othering in the Norwegian public sphere. It highlights the tendency for a negative, homogenising portrayal of Muslims in Norwegian media, which disregards the community's socio-cultural and ethnic diversity. Based on semi-structured interviews with leaders from 20 civil society organisations, this research reveals how the media-driven othering Norwegian Muslims experience impedes their social integration, even when they are active members of their local communities. The findings show that Muslims are often portrayed as outsiders, irrespective of their residency or citizenship status. Media presentations play a significant role in legitimising and amplifying these exclusionary practices, influencing public perceptions. The fact that Norwegian power-holders participate in these discourses, playing a role in setting their tone, damages Muslim communities’ confidence in official information, which became problematic during the recent pandemic.