Studying gentrification in Puerto Rico by examining news sources from both liberal and conservative perspectives has revealed significant insights. Firstly, an author’s portrayal of a story largely hinges on their viewpoint on certain subjects. However, while their presentation of these subjects may sometimes differ, they can also align.
Percentage of Negative Portrayals of Puerto Rico by Liberal and Conservative Sources
However, how this narrative is conveyed differs significantly between liberal and conservative perspectives. Conservative articles predominantly adopt a critical tone, with only 6% incorporating an empathetic voice that amplifies the voices of Puerto Ricans themselves. In contrast, nearly half of liberal news sources utilize an empathetic approach, featuring quotes and sentiments from residents to underscore their plight.
Qualitative analysis further elucidates the divergence in voices between liberal and conservative articles. Liberal sources tend to incorporate poignant quotes from individuals directly affected by gentrification, such as a protester lamenting:
Screenshot from Bad Bunny debuts ‘El Apagón’ music video amid Hurricane Fiona, addressing Puerto Rico’s gentrification, May 01, 2024. USA Today.
This highlights the human dimension of the issue. In contrast, conservative sources often provide a more detached overview, lacking in-depth quotations and frequently glossing over the lived experiences of Puerto Ricans. For instance, a conservative article simply states :
Screenshot from Isle take it! The rich look to the Caribbean for second homes, May 01, 2024. New York Post.
The analysis of gentrification discourse in Puerto Rico underscores the nuanced interplay between ideology, narrative framing, and empathetic engagement with affected communities. While both liberal and conservative sources converge on the portrayal of Puerto Rico’s challenges, the divergent voices and approaches employed shed light on the complexity of media representation in shaping public perceptions of gentrification.