In May, Andy Boreham, a New Zealand vlogger, embarked on a journey to Xinjiang to shed light on the varying media narratives surrounding the region. By filming two distinct videos in the same park in Urumqi, Boreham aimed to demonstrate how different storytelling approaches can evoke diverse emotions and opinions among viewers.
The first video showcased the serene landscapes and vibrant community life, portraying Xinjiang as a harmonious and thriving area. In contrast, the second video emphasized challenges and tensions, presenting a more critical view of the region. Through this experiment, Boreham highlighted the power of media in shaping perceptions and influencing public sentiment.
\"My goal was to show how easily narratives can be swayed to create contrasting images of the same place,\" Boreham explained. \"I want viewers to think critically and form their own opinions rather than relying solely on what they see in the media.\"
The vlogger hopes that his experiment encourages audiences to seek multiple perspectives and engage in more informed discussions about regions they may not be familiar with. By doing so, he believes individuals can better understand the complexities of places like Xinjiang without being swayed by potentially biased media coverage.
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Vlogger shoots contrasting videos to expose Xinjiang media narratives
cgtn.com