This suggests that the agenda of Muslims in Britain is being dictated by Muslims outside Britain, that foreign values are impinging on British society. These images sustain and maintain ideas about extremist and fanatical Muslims in the public mind, and marginalise the moderate and pragmatic stance of the majority of British Muslims. The way these topics are framed then, gives rise to the expression of a few central defining themes. However, we should not, as already mentioned, present representation as completely homogeneous. Although the representation of Muslims has its own dynamics, cultural racism is intertwined with colour racism.
Variation also occurs across other levels of difference such as gender, generation and class.
Representation also depends on the complex interaction of the political affiliations and interests of papers. Struggles exist between elite conservative and liberal groups in their formulation of Muslims. The Guardian has a greater interest in Muslim issues, is more likely to run stories first and displays an openness which gives voice to alternative representations. The tabloids grant less space to the coverage of minority issues in general and offer closure around this coverage which reflects their populist appeal. Although the volume of coverage is greater in the liberal press, the readership of the conservative press is higher.