International Journal of Media & Cultural Politics - Volume 17, Issue 3, 2021

The open internet and net neutrality are intertwined. People debate whether net neutrality safeguards part of the open internet or not. The commercial aspect is paramount. Zero rating is one of these practices that is often discussed, especially in relation to developing countries. The open internet regulation addresses commercial practices. It is, however, vague and can be interpreted in multiple ways. To answer the question if zero rating is going against net neutrality or if it enables net neutrality, five case studies were analysed and 18 experts interviewed. To support the case studies, documents were analysed. In certain circumstances, it is useful to zero rate information. Zero rating mostly violates net neutrality and the open internet, because of its imbedded discrimination. Some zero rating offers are beneficial and do not harm competition. This mostly concerns offers evolving around e-learning, health and government information.

This article investigates tensions related to stereotypes of women in politics expressed in the fictional and humorous character Dilma Bolada on Facebook. We observe the personal traits associated with gender stereotypes related to this character that is inspired by the first female president of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff. We analyse posts during the period leading up her impeachment (2015–16), which would result in her eventual removal from office. By assuming behaviours culturally recognized as masculine, Dilma Bolada contradicts socially established stereotypes for women. Yet, she also displays traits that reinforce feminine stereotypes. This combination of masculine and feminine representations, permeated by humorous language, allowed Dilma Bolada to subvert traditional gender roles and become popular. We believe that the relaxation triggered by humour transformed Rousseff’s hard temper into a positive image.

This article studies how Northern Ireland’s media represented rape culture in relation to the 2018 Ulster Rugby Rape Trial. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse newspaper articles and social media posts to determine common themes surrounding the perpetuation of rape culture. While there were portrayals of perpetrator support and victim-blaming in the media, there was a surprising wealth of criticism surrounding the culture of misogyny, female subordination and sexual violence acceptance in Northern Ireland. This suggests Northern Irish society is becoming increasingly aware and intolerant of the damage rape culture acceptance can cause to all levels of society.