The myth of the city trickster: storytelling, bankers and ideology in theMail Online

Abstract

This paper examines discourse, mythology and ideology in media coverage of the financial crisis. A critical discourse analysis examines representations of bankers in the Mail Online. I argue that the mythological trickster archetype contributed complications and paradoxical traits in discourses about the banking crisis. Whilst recollecting their heroic status in 2005 compared to the ridicule they have faced more recently, we see a shift in character traits attributed to bankers. Although the Mail's moral storytelling has called for some form of punishment or legislative reform, there has also been a reluctance to compromise free market values or discuss alternative models of banking. Complex characteristics of trickster mythology reflect current dilemmas and anxieties over the power and practices of financial elites. Whether bankers are providers of wealth or destroyers of economies, their ridicule highlights a sensitive balance of values and interests that operate through mythological storytelling.

Financial crisis and austerity: interdisciplinary concerns in critical discourse studies

“…The financial crisis became a widely reported issue that was often played out as a moral spectacle in mainstream news sources beyond the generic parameters of financial reporting (Kelsey, 2014). Since the financial crisis, we have seen a significant shift in UK press discourses about the City over a relatively short period of time.…”

“…The press, public and politicians questioned their lack of moral values and lack of empathy for working people. But within these criticisms of the banking sector, Kelsey (2014) has shown how the mythological characteristics of these discourses actually functioned in more complex and paradoxical contexts than those of archetypical vilification: the spectacle of the City banker reflected archetypal conventions of trickster mythology.…”

“…What happens to him happens to us ' (1956, p. 169). Hence, Kelsey (2014) concludes: 'If it is true that we need the expertise of bankers to recover in the global market then this provides [a] dilemma for publics, politicians and storytellers to consider', as we continue to try and make sense of the challenges society faces following a global financial crisis.…”

“…A number of scholars have critically analysed financial reporting and the banking crisis in transnational contexts (Berry, 2013;Kelsey, 2014;Manning, 2013;Olson & Nord, 2015;Philo, 2012;Vaara, 2014). Manning has examined the 'failure of financial journalism, together with the global news agencies, to alert us to the signs of imminent catastrophe ' (2013, p. 173).…”

Affective mythology and 'The Notorious' Conor McGregor: monomyth, mysticism, and mixed martial arts

“…The dichotomy of 'ideological' versus 'real' upon which this use ultimately rests can always be turned against those who employ it'. [Bottici 2007: 199] Against this, a neutral approach to ideology [Kelsey 2014[Kelsey , 2015[Kelsey , 2017 enables comparative and critical analysis capable of addressing the content, structure, and functional elements of ideologies [Flood 2002] in different discursive and cultural contexts. Here, I do not claim any freedom from ideology or shy away from acknowledging my own subjective interpretations; the analyst can accept that their own knowledge, understanding and critique is influenced by ideology.…”