Begin the discussion by responding to the following prompt: If you know anything about the Titanic, you know it hit an iceberg and sank three hours later. For nearly 24 hours, the world knew only that it was a ship in distress. Most newspapers reported everyone was safe, when in fact, 1,517 passengers and crew perished. Many blamed the new wireless technology, but others thought reporters had fallen for the White Star hype about their “unsinkable” ship. Analyze the media bias you see in the 1912 article about the Titanic. Discuss the possible reasons that led reporters to believe the White Star hype. Then consider how hype or propaganda may bias reporting today. Give examples if you can.
Dont make long, make into a paragraph
The media bias evident in the 1912 article about the Titanic is twofold. Firstly, the article inaccurately reported that everyone on board was safe, despite the fact that 1,517 passengers and crew perished. This demonstrates a strong bias towards portraying a positive outcome, perhaps to maintain a sense of hope or to protect the reputation of the White Star Line. Secondly, the article may have uncritically accepted the hype surrounding the Titanic being dubbed "unsinkable" by the White Star Line. This bias could stem from a desire to sensationalize the story and attract readership, as well as a lack of skepticism or investigative journalism.
Reporters of that time may have fallen for the White Star hype due to a combination of factors. The Titanic was a technological marvel of its time, and the concept of an unsinkable ship sparked awe and fascination. Additionally, the White Star Line, as the operators of the Titanic, likely had significant influence over the press and may have exerted pressure to promote their ship in a positive light. The size and grandeur of the Titanic further fueled the excitement and optimism surrounding its safety.
Hype and propaganda continue to bias reporting today, although the means through which it is spread have evolved. In the modern era, social media platforms and news outlets may prioritize sensationalism, clickbait, and the constant drive for breaking news. This can lead to the dissemination of incomplete or inaccurate information. Examples of media bias and hype in recent times include the reporting on political campaigns, where certain media outlets may favor a particular candidate and present stories in a way that aligns with their bias.
Additionally, government propaganda and manipulation of information have become prevalent, particularly during times of war or political unrest. Governments may use bias and propaganda to control public opinion, justify their actions, or discredit opposing viewpoints. An example of this is the Iraqi weapons of mass destruction (WMD) narrative propagated by the U.S. government in the lead-up to the Iraq War, where media outlets often uncritically repeated the government claims without adequate verification.
Overall, media bias stemming from hype, sensationalism, and propaganda has been a long-standing issue, with historical examples like the Titanic article in 1912. The evolution of technology and the changing media landscape have only amplified these biases, making it crucial for readers and viewers to critically evaluate the information they consume and seek out diverse and reliable sources.