A new study published by Ohio State doctoral student Scott Duxbury reveals the higher level of sympathy the media gives to white mass shooters in comparison to mass shooters of color. The study showed that white shooters are 95 percent more likely to be described as mentally ill than African American shooters. Describing a suspect as mentally ill, humanizes them and elicits sympathy. Today on All Sides,we explore the relationship between race and violent crime reporting as well as the media's role in the perpetuation of racial stereotypes involving violent crime.
Guests:
Scott Duxbury, doctoral student at Ohio State, lead author of the study
Lanier Holt, assistant professor at Ohio State
Jaclyn Schildkraut, SUNY Oswego assistant professor