Marginalization Nation : How Agenda Setting Hurts Marginalized Communities

Something important to realize about media is that the media can't really tell you what to think, but they can tell you what to think about. 

Take for instance a normal 24/7 news day and the images we constantly receive from major media publications like CNN, The Guardian, New York Times, etc. Ever notice how they will all pretty much be covering the same story, hopefully with a different interpretation or perspective, yet regardless you will still seem to receive the same information? 

This is because if a news item is covered frequently and prominently, the audience will regard the issue as more important, thus making it important. A vicious cycle that has been predetermined for you to receive and interpret before you've even heard any details.
                                                       Crazy, ain't it? 

http://giphy.com/gifs/psa-the-more-you-know-public-service-announcement-d2YVk2ZRuQuqvVlu

Agenda Setting Theory describes the ability of the news media to influence the salience of topics on the public agenda. This theory effects us all in a very large way - especially marginalized communities because the media often treats them as a voiceless entity. 

http://lessonbucket.com/media-in-minutes/the-agenda-setting-function-theory/

The cyclical nature of what messages are being reinforced directly influence the way we view the world.  Above you can how our perceptions of reality are effected by certain media messages and their ability to select, omit and frame stories in a way that both the agenda and reality can fit into. 


I bring this theory up because it is important to recognize that this exist and to use the knowledge of media manipulation to think about what's stories aren't being shared, what voice aren't being heard, what identities aren't getting recognized that should be.


- K