For most people I think it can be pretty exciting when a news story in your backyard reaches the national news. Unfortunately for us here in Central Florida another tragic story of young death has captured the nations attention but at least this time all of the news coverage could have policy results. If you have been living under a rock for the past month I am referring to the news of the Trayvon Martin Killing. While I would like say that I do completely support justice being served and the right things being done. I may be beating a dead horse with this question, but what makes this news, why is the country so fascinated by this case, and will all of the news coverage create outcomes that will better our democracy?
It's hard for me to understand what makes this news. Why? Well because everyday in America someone dies at the hands of another person. And more times than we would like to believe that killing had a motive behind it that mite have just had to do with a persons race or some stereotype that we all know should no longer be around but unfortunately it still is. As for why I see the country being so consumed with this case. Well it's easier to be on the side of what we know is right than stand against something. And for some I think the fascination comes from unfortunate thought of "that could have been my son" and what can I do to make sure it never is.
I can at least say that the continues media coverage of this case does seem to be leading to policy outcomes. It seems as though the simple muckraking model introduced by Graber earlier in the semester, which says journalistic investigation leads to publication of news stories which then arouses public opinion, giving public officials a reason to enact policy outcomes, is being followed. As the coverage of the Martin case has increased and the public outpouring of support has increased public officials have taken notice. As CNN reported "A special prosecutor is investigating the case. A grand jury scheduled to begin deliberations on April 10, but it is uncertain if the group will ever work on the case. The prosecutor, Angela Corey, said Monday on HLN that she has never used a grand jury to decide on charges in a justifiable homicide case...In addition to the investigation led by Corey, the state's governor has formed a task force to review the state's "stand your ground" law. The Justice Department is also investigating. Sanford's city manager, Norton Bonaparte, also has said he is seeking an outside review of the police department's handling of the case." As this case continues to unfold it will be interesting to see how other public officials begin to respond to this case.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/26/justice/florida-teen-shooting/index.html?hpt=us_c1
"Unfortunately for us here in Central Florida another tragic story of young death has captured the nations attention but at least this time all of the news coverage could have policy results." -
ReplyDeleteIf by "but at least this time all of the news coverage could have policy results.", you are comparing the Trayvon Martin story to the Casey Anthony story, and its influence on policy,then it seems contrary to assert that the Casey Anthony story did not lead to an outcome. In several states policy has been influenced by the Casey Anthony story. Here in Florida Governor Rick Scott signed in a bill in reaction to the case, known as "CS/HB 37 - Knowingly and Willfully Giving False Information to a Law Enforcement Officer." This law states that
"it is third-degree felony for person to knowingly & willfully give false information to law enforcement officer conducting missing person investigation involving child 16 years of age or younger with intent to mislead officer or impede investigation if child suffers great bodily harm, permanent disability, permanent disfigurement, or death." and although Casey Anthony will be grandfathered passed this law, it will assure that a repetition does not occur.
No. I wasn't making a direct comparison to the Casey Anthony case. I am aware that policy outcomes have come out of that case. I was referring more to a national news story that the nation has consumed themselves with. I should I have made that more clear.
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