LOVE US, HATE THEM: The construction of the opposition "us versus them" in activist journalism

Abstract

The field of journalism is experiencing a period of reorganization and reconfiguration, which provides the context for this study. This study examines how activist journalism maintains engagement between its participants by observing a practice known as "us versus them". In essence, it involves pointing out mistakes made by the "enemies" of mainstream media and forming alliances with the "friends" of militant media, triggering multiple emotions. Due to its prominence, Mídia Ninja is examined as primary material. Qualitative methodologies are applied: a) direct observation, using a field notebook; b) virtual ethnography, following Mídia Ninja's publications and its participants between June 2016 and July 2019; and c) in-depth interviews with members of Mídia Ninja. This leads to the identification of categories for observing the "us versus them" dichotomy and the reactions it produces. This study concludes that oppositions put into practice promote cohesion and stimulate action, influencing participant engagement.