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 news 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 that led reporters to believe the White Star Hype. Then consider how type or propaganda may bias reporting today. Give example if you can.
The media bias in the 1912 article about the Titanic can be seen in the fact that most newspapers reported everyone on board as safe, even though they had limited information about the ship's actual condition. This bias could have stemmed from various reasons, such as the influence of the White Star Line's reputation and claims about the ship being "unsinkable." The company's promotion of the Titanic's luxurious features and advanced technologies may have influenced reporters to believe in the ship's invincibility.
In a similar manner, today's reporting can also be influenced by bias and propaganda. One example of this is the portrayal of certain political figures or parties in a positive or negative light. Media outlets with a specific agenda or bias can selectively choose information or frame stories in a way that supports their perspective. This can lead to a skewed representation of events or individuals.
For instance, during election campaigns, news outlets may highlight certain actions or statements by candidates that align with their own political leanings, while downplaying or omitting information that contradicts their preferred narrative. This can potentially manipulate public opinion and shape the outcome of elections.
Furthermore, social media plays a significant role in disseminating information today. With the rise of "fake news" and misinformation, individuals and organizations can spread propaganda easily, targeting specific groups or individuals. This can lead to distorted and biased reporting, as people may share and believe misleading stories without fact-checking them.
To illustrate, consider the case of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, where there were numerous instances of false information being circulated on social media platforms. Claims that were later proved to be completely unfounded, such as the "Pizzagate" conspiracy theory, gained traction and influenced the beliefs of some individuals.
In conclusion, media bias has been observed throughout history, as exemplified by the reporting on the Titanic in 1912, where journalists fell for the hype surrounding the ship's invincibility. Today, bias in reporting can be observed through selective coverage, framing, and the spread of propaganda. As information dissemination becomes increasingly digital, it is crucial for individuals to critically evaluate the sources they rely on and actively seek out multiple perspectives to gain a more balanced understanding of events.