Media, our fellas or hell nah?
Talking about the media is crucial because it serves as the window to the world. However, it’s important to acknowledge that someone owns this window, and their control over it can have a significant impact on our lives. The media has the power to shape our perspectives on politics, race, religion, and other important issues, and as such, it has the ability to control us.
If you believe that the media doesn’t have any control over us, consider how many times you have found yourself taking sides against someone who was later found not guilty. The Netflix series Trial by Media provides an excellent summary of six stories in America that highlight how television, newspapers, and other forms of media have influenced the public’s perception of these cases.
This warped perception has led to some shocking outcomes, such as thousands of Americans rallying to protect a man who wounded four African-American teenagers by calling him a hero. The series also reveals how the media minimized the rape of a 21-year-old woman by four Portuguese men, saying she asked for it. Additionally, the killing of an unarmed African immigrant with 41 bullets by four police officers was labeled as self-defense.
Bryan Tallerico’s review states that media coverage now plays a pivotal role in major cases, and it’s often one of the most critical elements for a defense attorney or prosecutor. A case in point is the lawsuit Hulk Hogan filed against Gawker for publishing his famous sex tape. Gawker went bankrupt with the help of Facebook board member Peter Thiel. But the question is, why did Peter Thiel fund Hogan’s case when he had nothing to do with the tape and led a comfortable life? You can learn more about this case by watching the Netflix documentary Nobody Speaks.
In conclusion, it’s crucial to question everything, even the media sources we consume. We should not blindly follow reality shows or news outlets as if they are the ultimate source of truth. Instead, we should question who pays their bills and what their motives are for becoming the most-watched television or most-read magazine.
