Sociocultural Stereotypes in Media and Intercultural Communication (Africa in the Polish Media)

Mass media enormously influence social life and people's perception of reality. They also form opinions and patterns of behavior, as well as language, and national culture. The aim of the following article is to provide an analysis of this process based on a particular example: the image of Africa in the Polish media. This analysis indicates the manner in which Africa is portrayed in media and how they influence stereotypes concerning the continent and its inhabitants. The media image of Africa is the basis of a negative evaluation of Africans living in Poland, which greatly hinders intercultural communication.