The political right has its so-called Accuracy In Media.
Now, I am happy to say, I've found a site that takes on, not only the transphobia in the media, but also the inaccuracies (if unintentional) in the way we're portrayed. It also analyzes some of the hysteria found in coverage related to LGBT issues, particularly crimes and other prejudice against us.
The other day, Re:Act To Your News critiqued the coverage of the Dharun Ravi trial. Whether or not Tyler Clementi's suicide is a direct consequence of Ravi's actions, it is still a tragedy, and Ravi doesn't seem very moved by his former roommate's death. However, as the Re:Act piece shows, the very same mentality and processes that led to Ravi's conviction in the media are also, now, portraying him as a victim. As the Re:Act post shows, neither portrayal of Ravi--as a villain or victim--is completely accurate.
Why is that important? Well, if he's seen as the victim he isn't, he won't be punished as he should. On the other hand, portraying him as more of a monster than he actually is will lead to an over-zealous prosecution of him, which could result in his being punished for a crime very different from the one he committed. That, ultimately, will not lead to the justice we are too often denied in cases bias-motivated crimes against us.
I am adding Re:Act to my "to read" list of blogs, and encourage you to do the same.
Now, I am happy to say, I've found a site that takes on, not only the transphobia in the media, but also the inaccuracies (if unintentional) in the way we're portrayed. It also analyzes some of the hysteria found in coverage related to LGBT issues, particularly crimes and other prejudice against us.
The other day, Re:Act To Your News critiqued the coverage of the Dharun Ravi trial. Whether or not Tyler Clementi's suicide is a direct consequence of Ravi's actions, it is still a tragedy, and Ravi doesn't seem very moved by his former roommate's death. However, as the Re:Act piece shows, the very same mentality and processes that led to Ravi's conviction in the media are also, now, portraying him as a victim. As the Re:Act post shows, neither portrayal of Ravi--as a villain or victim--is completely accurate.
Why is that important? Well, if he's seen as the victim he isn't, he won't be punished as he should. On the other hand, portraying him as more of a monster than he actually is will lead to an over-zealous prosecution of him, which could result in his being punished for a crime very different from the one he committed. That, ultimately, will not lead to the justice we are too often denied in cases bias-motivated crimes against us.
I am adding Re:Act to my "to read" list of blogs, and encourage you to do the same.
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