Constructing Sámi images in Scandinavian television series: Between pessimism and new possibilities

Abstract

The Sámi are a linguistic, ethnic and cultural Indigenous minority in three Nordic countries, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Much of the perception of this minority comes from the majority media of these countries. Media in general have often been accused of under- and misrepresenting the Sámi. Previous research, however, has mainly concerned the news media. The article examines how the Sámi are portrayed in two television series, the Swedish Midnight Sun (2016) and the Norwegian Heartless (2013). Since television is a popular medium, the representation of the Sámi in these series can significantly impact the general perception of the group. Drawing on recent migration theory, the article examines how Sámi- and non-Sámi-produced television impacts the perception and apparent authenticity of the Indigenous population.