Eastern European represented as gangsters and gold diggers

Background of Metropolis, an online media provider 

In the midst of the widespread access to content, a Dutch website takes video journalism and documentary filmmaking to the next level. With 50 correspondents worldwide, Metropolis attempts to cover the daily lives of ordinary people and showcase them to its international viewers. The various topics that the journalists cover are diverse. From polygamy to environmental issues, the main content structure of each Metropolis's piece is a strong character with a unique story in a unique setting.

Bulgarian men represented as jerks

In Milena's report "Bulgaria: be a jerk", the Bulgarian correspondent attempts to provide a portrait of the typical Bulgarian man. The piece is fun to watch and at moment shocking. However, the Bulgarian viewers commented very negatively on the content and the manipulated and distorted representation of reality. The journalist twisted the topic and portrays Bulgarian men as gangsters and the women as gold diggers. Even though, this segment of society exists in Bulgaria, it does not comprise the whole population. In terms of ethics, the journalist cleverly manipulates her subjects and the audience. Therefore, from a moral point of view, the piece is misrepresenting a whole nation in order to seek exciting content.

Contextualizing Eastern European image and media representation

It is understandable for a journalist to seek exciting content, no matter the means. However, Eastern Europeans have a certain image in Western countries. Due to the communist area, Western societies see Eastern Europeans as outsiders and individuals that you need to be aware of. The iron curtain created an inner fear of communication from both parts and established Eastern Europeans as the 'Other' that you should fear. The post-communist era, on the other hand, gave raise to Eastern Europeans' image of sex workers, gangsters and gold seekers. Associating Eastern Europeans with mafia attachments is due to the fact that just after the communism regime fell apart, the individuals involved in illegal activities increased. Mafia associates not only spread out all over the world, but terrorized the ordinary people in all the countries in the eastern block. 

As a filmmaker, I'm reluctant to dismiss this video material, as it has a good structure and strong journalistic approach. However, as a Eastern European woman, I am disappointed that the journalist choses to add onto the misrepresentation of her own society in order to gain popularity and international exposure. 

Watch "Bulgaria: be a jerk" and see for yourself.

Metropolis TV - Most viewed - Bulgaria: Be a jerk

Link: http://www.metropolistv.nl/en/watch/most-viewed/bulgaria-be-a-jerk