Politicization of Media
Media politicization not only distorts reality but also undermines the integrity of public discourse, functioning as a tool to achieve political agendas and perpetuate broader societal constructs. I explore examples like the strategic use of fear by right-wing groups—such as the perpetuation of Islamophobic attitudes in Western societies through sensationalized coverage of events like the 9/11 attack, and selective framing of narratives like biased coverage of conflicts during the Ukraine war by Western media outlets. Additionally, I examine the dissemination of disinformation, such as the blockade imposed on Qatar, and the shaping of electoral outcomes exemplified by the manipulation of voter sentiments through constant negative coverage of certain groups—as seen in the case of Trump in 2016. Hence, media politicization manifests in various forms, infiltrating every aspect of public life and shaping perceptions. Through careful analysis and examination of real-world examples, this portfolio delves into the pervasive theme of media politicization, illuminating how various actors strategically wield media platforms to advance political agendas. As we confront the implications of media politicization, fostering a critical approach becomes crucial in both media consumption and production.
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Christina Paschyn
E-Portfolio: https://sites.google.com/u.northwestern.edu/media-and-politics-minor/home
