Week 2 Blog Post
The power of identity is also seen in the way it influences our reaction to news. The groups that we belong to, on the basis of race, gender, social class, and politics, shape our view of the news. We tend to be attracted to the news that reflects our own identity and our own perspectives. This creates a wide gap in the interpretation of the news.
The Ferguson Rebellion of 2014 is a good example of the power of identity in interpreting the news. After the shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed young black teenager, by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, the reaction of the people in the United States was highly polarized. The shooting of Michael Brown by a policeman was a racial issue for the people of the black community. The racial identity of the people of the black community created a sense of connection with the incident. The rebellion was not limited to Ferguson; it was a symbol of the struggle against racial injustice.
At the same time, identity also played a part in how these events were viewed by those outside of Ferguson. For many White Americans, depending on their political and social views, they may have viewed the events differently. Some may have focused on property damage and the issues faced by law enforcement, viewing these protests as “riots” rather than legitimate cries for justice. Political views also came into play. Liberals may have emphasized issues of systemic racism and the need for reform, whereas conservatives may have emphasized the need for law and order. The ways in which people consume media also came into play, as they tend to consume media that aligns with their views.
The events in Ferguson show that identity is more than just personal feelings.
Does identity shape what news you consume?
Digital Media Literacy Class 