Colonial discourse in U.S. and Puerto Rican newspapers

Abstract

The aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico unveiled for many the colonial power of the U.S. in Puerto Rico. The natural disaster became a financial and public health problem in part due to laws that limit the scope of actions that Puerto Rico has in response to emergencies. This thesis analyses the media coverage following the natural disaster in September 2017 up to the local elections in January 2020. Using a Critical Discourse Analysis approach and postcolonial theory, this study examines colonial discourse in two major newspapers one in the United States (USA Today) and one in Puerto Rico (El Nuevo Dia). By exploring the intersection between postcolonial and communication studies, this thesis aims to demonstrate how the newspapers reflects and reinforces power imbalances between the US-PR. This study situates the texts within the broader social structures and power relations at play. Finally, this thesis provides examples of resistance and anticolonial sentiments that emerged and analyzes their portrayal in the news media outlets.