| This study is qualitative research using fantasy theme analysis to find out how media portray the Dalai Lama, and what fantasy themes contribute to his popularity in the U.S. Content analysis was conducted on the news reports of the Dalai Lama in the case study tradition. News reports in three U.S. major newspapers---The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post during a six-year span from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2001 were analyzed for the presence of fantasy themes. A Chinese newspaper People's Daily and three U.S. movies Kundun, Seven Years in Tibet, and Red Corner were examined for corresponding themes. Fantasy types emerge from the media portrayals and form the rhetorical social reality of the Dalai Lama accordingly. The study contributes to the body of literature on Symbolic Convergence Theory, media influence, and individual image building. |
