How media stories can distort the frequency and severity

One example of a crime story that was embellished or distorted in this manner is the story of the Central Park jogger. In 1989, a white woman was attacked and raped in Central Park. Five black and Latino teenagers were wrongfully convicted of the crime and spent years in prison before they were exonerated. The media coverage of the case was highly sensationalized and often focused on the race of the suspects. This coverage contributed to the public's perception that the teenagers were guilty, even though there was no evidence to support this claim.

The media has a responsibility to report on crime fairly and accurately. However, studies have shown that the media often does not do this. Instead, the media often distorts the frequency and severity of crime based on the race or ethnicity of the victim or perpetrator. This can have a negative impact on public perceptions of crime and can contribute to racial profiling and discrimination.

Here are some additional things to consider about how the media can distort crime stories:

• The media can use selective reporting to focus on stories that fit a particular narrative, such as the idea that people of color are more likely to commit crimes.
• The media can use sensational language to make crimes seem more serious than they actually are.
• The media can use stereotypes and racialized imagery to depict people of color as criminals.

It is important to be aware of how the media can distort crime stories. We should critically evaluate the information that we consume and be mindful of the potential biases that may be present.

Media stories can distort the frequency and severity of crime based on the race or ethnicity of either the victim or perpetrator in a number of ways.

• They can focus on stories about crimes committed by people of color, while ignoring or downplaying stories about crimes committed by white people. This can create the impression that people of color are more likely to commit crimes, even though this is not the case.
• They can use more negative and sensational language to describe crimes committed by people of color, while using more neutral language to describe crimes committed by white people. This can also create the impression that crimes committed by people of color are more serious, even though this is not always the case.
• They can use stereotypes and racialized imagery to depict people of color as criminals. This can reinforce negative stereotypes about people of color and make it more likely that people will believe that they are more likely to commit crimes.