According to the article “over representation
of African Americans and Latinos as Lawbreakers on Television News” highlights
that Blacks are overrepresented as Lawbreakers on the media. These findings
suggest that in media the agenda setting theory decides for the audience as
to what to focus on. This can be a problem, because it generalizes for the audience
what the bigger issue is. By over representing the Blacks as criminals in
social media, this creates reasons to build on prior stereotypes instead of
disregarding stereotypes as a reason for why individuals take certain actions.
In the Central Frames of Color-Blind
Racism” we discussed 4 frames. For this particular paper I linked this reading
to cultural racism, because the researchers discuss in this article that white
are seen as lawmakers and ones who help society by making sure that the bad
ones are being punished for their crimes. This is linked to cultural racism because it
defines people as a group instead of individuals.
In class we discussed certain
types of words that are used repeatedly to describe black criminals in a
certain way. By using words such as “large black man” or “wearing black hoodie”
and “lives in the south side”, the audience links these repeated words to a
large group of people. This can become an issue because people can link this to
others without being aware, and believe that the negative stereotypes are true.
One important case that was discussed
in the news was George Zimmerman’s case, who was convicted for shooting Trayvon
Martin. In this case there was an ongoing controversy stating that Trayvon
should not have been walking out in the dark, especially with a hoodie on. Furthermore,
this links to how media represent black people. The focus of the matter became
small details, such as why he was wearing a hoodie, or why he was walking at
night, instead of looking at the bigger picture as to why Zimmerman felt the
need to follow Trayvon around.
This can also be linked to “blaming
the victim” in some cases we try to find faults with the victim instead of
looking at the bigger picture. For example a women being who was a victim of
rape being accused for the way she was dressing during that period of time.
Overall, these can be leading factors as to why we have to look at the overall
picture instead of looking at aspects such as race and culture when making judgments.
If we were to look at the overall
picture, do you think that if criminals and victims were portrayed differently
(not based on their race) in media, we would have a better understanding of what was
happening in our community? Or it still would not make a difference because of “agenda
setting theory” which tells the audience what kind of news to focus on?
-Zeba Khan
You made good points as to the recent discourses surrounding the Trayvon Martin case and media coverage.
ReplyDeleteBefore I answer your questions I just wanted to add on to your post and offer a different perspective. You rightly stated that the colorblind discourse/ frame of cultural racism comes into play when looking as to how minorities are portrayed in the media. I would also submit the "naturalization" discourse as well, especially with respect of how you mentioned "key" words used when describing events such as "on the south side."
I just posted a video from a Comedy Central sketch show, that portray's minority biased representation in news coverage. Upon the reporter's initial encounter in a predominately minority residential neighborhood he finds two black men just hanging out on a porch at a time it appears that most people would be at work. As the report progress there are more and more minorities that appear. This ties into rightly, as you stated the cultural aspect that this is just how black people are. For example Bonilla-Silva writes in his article that cultural racism is based on cultural stereotypes such as "blacks have too many babies". Which is the same sentiment in minority news coverage that the gatekeepers adopt, "these minorities are just naturally violent it is not our fault, we are just doing our job and reporting the news."
However, I sense naturalization racism -- admittedly not as blatant as cultural-- because how the different discourses are not all exclusive of each other. Meaning based off one can lead into another. For example (putting a gatekeeper's lens on) based on naturalization discourse I believe that minorities prefer to be segregated. It is instinctive for them to gravitate and want to live among people just like them. Then let's combine that thought with cultural discourse, that minorities are prone to be violent, lazy, and underachievers.
Therefore, this probably is a gatekeeper's train of thought when deciding how to frame news stories: Well minorities live among each other and they commit violent acts based on their nature. So, when I cover news in the areas, I am just reporting real events. It is not my fault they are predominately negative. But when I report news out side of minority residence, they are not negative because Caucasians do not generally commit violent acts. Therefore, it is not my fault the coverage is seemingly skewed negatively towards minorities. It is just the way they are and live. I am just doing my job.
Now with respect to your questions, yes I do believe if there was a more level playing field with non- fiction as discussed in week #5 reading of minority characters there would be a difference in how minorities are portrayed in the news. Because as the study illustrated there is a direct link in the non-fiction and fictional depiction of minorities. The news seems to complement its portrayal of minorities based on the non fiction portrayal of minorities in the media, to ultimately create and/ or reinforce the cultural racism reality.
I am optimistic that with the continued discussions, studies, and critical analysis such as we do in our class, academia, and social activist we can start to make some real changes to how minorities are represented in the media. With an collective effort we can put tremendous pressure on the gatekeepers and "agenda setters."