위싱턴 포스트에 묘사된 재미 한인들의 시민적 및 정치적 정체성：1990-2010년에 실린 기사 중심으로

Abstract

This study examines how one of the America’s news outlets, The Washington Post has portrayed civic and political identities of ethnic Koreans residing in the Washington DC metropolitan area during the past two decades (1990-2010). Through analysis of 46 articles that focus on civic and political engagements of ethnic Koreans, this study found that The Post has ascribed civic identity of ethnic Koreans as collective actors, insular, lacking interaction with community at large. In portraying their political identity, The Post focused on Koreans’ long overdue involvement in political sphere, their selective participation, and their weak but growing political presence and weight in the local community. These descriptors are more multi-dimensional that previous stereotypes that are used to portray Koreans (or Asian Americans) in the media. However, more comprehensive portrayal is needed as ethnic Koreans are active in civic activities through their local ethnic churches. Contribution of the study and suggestions for future research are provided.