The current narratives on migration must be deconstructed. New narratives based on real, first-person, factual and mythless life stories must be disseminated so that these are the ones in force. The fight against fake news, namely fake news about migrations, is one way to go in this direction. This was the motto, for another moment of sharing, analysis and debate, in the WorkLab – Antithesis I: Narratives on migrations and how to fight fake news. It took place on 16 November 2020, between 5pm and 7pm, in online format. This is the third WorkLab organised within the TAS project – Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis – Migration Labs.
Ana Paula Costa from the GENI Platform and the Casa do Brasil in Lisbon presented the project Migra Myths – Demystifying Immigration, which aims to contribute to the fight against stereotypes, myths and fake news related to immigration. Ana Paula Costa said that “narratives are always a power struggle,” and it is necessary to counter established narratives about migrants through a counter-story supported by data and factual information. She also stressed the importance of the role of the media in counter-narratives and in combating fake news, as well as attention to the sources through which information is shared.
Ricardo Ribeiro from Fumaça began by highlighting the differences between fake news and misinformation, stating that “traditional media have been promoting misinformation” and that newspapers focus on speed and quantity rather than quality. Ricardo Ribeiro mentioned some ways to fight fake news, highlighting the importance of hearing testimonies and reports in the first person and the need to think about media literacy tools in schools.
After the debate, during which the participants had the opportunity to ask several questions to the speakers on related themes, a video was shown in which the MEP Isabel Santos answered 3 questions put by the participants of the Worklab Thesis II: Narratives on migration:
- In practice, what role can young people play in implementing policies for the reception and integration of immigrants?
- How can the impact of COVID-19 on migrant workers in the EU be mitigated with consequences for their countries/communities of origin?
- If migration is a right, what is the meaning of Frontex?
In the next WorkLabs we will remain committed to promoting social justice and motivated to social, economic, political and environmental transformation. If, like us, you believe it is necessary to promote social justice and act for social, political, economic and environmental transformation, join the group and send us an email to info@imvf.org with your details.