Framing refers to the selection of particular aspects of a perceived reality that are made more meaningful, memorable, or noticeable to a given audience. In light of the recent police brutality with popular instances such as the Michael Brown case, and the murder of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, coverage of said cases may be framed in a light that blames the murder victims, and almost hints that they "deserved" to be murdered. In the interview provided below, police officer Darren Wilson speaks about the incident that occurred with Michael Brown. I found the language used very interesting as it seems to frame the late Michael Brown as animalistic, demonized, and in a dehumanized light.
"I felt the immense power that he had . . . it was like a five year old holding onto Hulk Hogan. . . he was very large, very powerful. . . he starts charging me."
In a later interview with attorney Daryl Parks, he describes how the use of language Darren Wilson uses frames that shed light on how he viewed Michael, "he didn't see him as a person." This may suggest why there were two strongly differing opinions about Michael Brown's innocence in the incident. By dehumanzing Brown, it may lessen the ill feelings towards his being murdered. The interview is provided below:
In the interview with civil rights activist John Lewis, he provides perspective of the activists that fought for their rights, using terms such as "peaceful," and mentioning asking police if they could have a moment to pray before disbanding the march, just prior to the acts of police brutality known today as "Bloody Sunday." The link to the video provided below, may help you to decide for yourself how the language used to describe these events of police brutality shape your understanding of the incidents and people involved:
http://usat.ly/1Arq3P6
Your post definitely highlights how the media chooses to focus on the negative aspects of victims of police brutality, namely victims of color or minority. Something has to change in regards to how the media portrays police brutality cases...
ReplyDeleteI found the language used interesting in discussing and interviewing this case. Furthermore during the interview and recap they kept focusing on the words/actions of Darren Wilson. For example they mentioned that it was the first time he had "fired his gun" and they underline that this is the first time he speaks out. To me in that light, it makes Darren Wilson seem like he did everything he could to stop Michael Brown. Lastly I thought you did a good job pointing out the framing language used in this situation, especially when he compares Michael Brown to Hulk Hogan. (the angrier he gets the stronger he gets)
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting how word choice has such an impact on how readers can perceive a situation, especially a controversial one. I think it's helpful for consumers of media to apply what our mothers have always told us, that "there are always two sides to every story". Perhaps the more media readers consume & the more perspectives they read, the better off readers are when choosing a side?
ReplyDeleteI thought this post was very eye-opening. There has been a lot of controversy lately about police brutality. I think you did a really good job representing this controversy and incorporated framing into your post really well. Maybe to expand even more you can discuss the four elements of framing which are the problem, cause, moral evaluation and the solution/treatment.
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