"Who rules the world?" – case study of Lithuanian and Latvian press articles ; "Kas valdo pasaulį?" – Lietuvos ir Latvijos periodinių straipsnių analizė

Abstract

In the article two cases in Latvian and Lithuanian press are analyzed. First publication appeared in year 2000 Latvian magazine Kapitals, second in year 2004 in Lithuanian daily Respublika. Both articles claim that Jews rule the world. In Kapitals case publication is straightly entitled – "Jews rule the world", Respublika case leaves some space for interpretation "Who rules the world?" from the texts it is clear that two groups are involved in the process, not only Jews, as in Latvian case, but also homosexuals. Because of negative stereotypes image of Jewish community in Latvia and in Lithuania has a lot of negative aspects and usage of negative stereotypes could provoke anti-Semitic attitudes. Homosexuals in Lithuania are one of the most stigmatized groups also usually referred only in negative connotations. Both publications are based on conspiracy theories that relatively small and in society unpopular groups in fact are very powerful and can strongly affect life of society. To publication in Latvia reacted not only civil society, foreign diplomats but Latvia's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign affairs condemning such a position, editor of the magazine resigned from his position. In Lithuania only civil society and foreign diplomats reacted, local politicians did not pay attention to the issues. Author of the articles (and owner of the newspaper as well) received some financial punishment without any adequate sanctions further.