How media producers construct perceptions of issues or topics

Example Questions/dot points:

• Analyse how a media producer has constructed a perception of an issue or topic 

• Discuss how a media work has constructed a perception of an issue or topic

Short Answer: How Fahrenheit 9/11 Constructs a Perception of the War on Terror

Introduction
Fahrenheit 9/11, directed by Michael Moore and released in 2004, is a documentary that critiques the Bush administration's actions leading up to and during the War on Terror, particularly focusing on the invasion of Iraq. The film is known for its provocative style and its pointed criticism of U.S. government policies. Through its use of selective footage, narration, and emotional appeals, Fahrenheit 9/11 constructs a specific perception of the War on Terror, portraying it as driven by ulterior motives and flawed decision-making. This essay will discuss how the film constructs this perception, using specific examples from the documentary to illustrate its techniques.

Selective Footage and Emotional Appeals
One of the primary ways Fahrenheit 9/11 constructs its perception of the War on Terror is through the use of selective footage that highlights the negative aspects of the Bush administration's actions. For example, the film opens with footage of the 2000 presidential election controversy, setting the tone for the criticism that follows. Moore includes scenes that show the devastation in Iraq, focusing on the suffering of civilians, which elicits an emotional response from the audience. This selective use of footage is designed to make viewers question the morality and legitimacy of the war, constructing a perception of the conflict as unjust and driven by hidden agendas.

Narration and Persuasive Techniques
Michael Moore’s narration plays a crucial role in shaping the audience’s perception of the War on Terror. His sarcastic tone and pointed commentary guide the audience’s interpretation of the events shown in the film. For instance, when discussing the connections between the Bush family and Saudi oil interests, Moore uses suggestive language and rhetorical questions to imply corruption and self-interest. This narration, combined with the visual evidence presented, persuades the audience to adopt a critical view of the U.S. government’s motives. The film’s use of persuasive techniques, such as juxtaposing official statements with contradictory footage, further reinforces this perception.

Criticism and Controversy
Fahrenheit 9/11 received a mixed response from critics and audiences, with reactions often reflecting political biases. Supporters praised the film for its bold critique of the Bush administration and its ability to raise awareness about the potential flaws in U.S. foreign policy. However, critics of the film argued that Moore's selective editing and biased presentation of facts amounted to propaganda rather than a balanced documentary. This controversy highlights the film's effectiveness in constructing a specific perception of the War on Terror, but it also raises questions about the ethics of using media to influence public opinion in such a direct manner.

Impact on Public Perception
The impact of Fahrenheit 9/11 on public perception was significant, particularly in the lead-up to the 2004 U.S. presidential election. The film’s critical portrayal of President George W. Bush and his administration resonated with viewers who were already skeptical of the war, reinforcing their negative perceptions. For others, the film served as an eye-opener, prompting them to question the official narrative presented by the government and mainstream media. The documentary’s widespread reach and the discussion it generated contributed to a broader public debate about the legitimacy of the War on Terror, demonstrating the power of media to shape perceptions of important political issues.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Fahrenheit 9/11 constructs a perception of the War on Terror as a misguided and morally questionable endeavor, driven by political and economic interests. Through selective footage, persuasive narration, and emotional appeals, Michael Moore crafts a narrative that challenges the official accounts of the conflict and encourages viewers to adopt a critical stance. While the film’s biased presentation has been a point of contention, its impact on public perception underscores the influential role that media can play in shaping opinions on complex issues.

Extended Answer: Analyzing How The Cove Constructs a Perception of Dolphin Hunting

Introduction
The Cove, directed by Louie Psihoyos and released in 2009, is a powerful documentary that exposes the brutal practice of dolphin hunting in Taiji, Japan. The film follows a group of activists, including former dolphin trainer Ric O’Barry, as they work to document the secretive and gruesome killings of dolphins in a cove that is hidden from the public eye. By using a combination of hidden cameras, emotional appeals, and expert testimonies, The Cove constructs a perception of dolphin hunting as an unethical and inhumane practice that must be stopped. This essay will analyze how Psihoyos, as the media producer, has crafted this perception, using specific examples from the documentary to illustrate the techniques employed.

Relevance of The Cove to the Topic
The Cove is particularly relevant to discussions about how media producers construct perceptions because it serves as a clear example of advocacy journalism. The film does not merely present facts; it actively seeks to influence the viewer’s opinion on the issue of dolphin hunting. Through its narrative structure, visual storytelling, and emotional appeals, The Cove is designed to provoke outrage and spur action among its audience. The documentary’s impact goes beyond simply informing; it aims to change perceptions and inspire a global movement against dolphin hunting.

Critical and Audience Reactions
The reception of The Cove was largely positive, with critics praising its compelling storytelling and effective use of documentary techniques. The film won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2010, and was lauded for bringing attention to an issue that was previously unknown to much of the world. General audiences were deeply moved by the film, with many expressing shock and anger at the footage of dolphins being slaughtered. However, reactions were not universally positive; some Japanese viewers and officials criticized the film for what they perceived as a one-sided portrayal of their culture and traditions. This divide in reactions reveals the film’s effectiveness in constructing a particular perception of dolphin hunting, but also highlights the complexities involved in addressing culturally sensitive issues through media.

Diverse Interpretations Across Audiences
The diverse interpretations of The Cove reflect the different cultural, ethical, and political perspectives of its audiences. Western viewers, particularly those in countries with strong animal rights movements, were more likely to embrace the film’s message and join the campaign against dolphin hunting. In contrast, some Japanese viewers saw the film as an attack on their cultural practices and traditions, leading to a defensive reaction rather than the empathy and outrage intended by the filmmakers. This variation in audience response underscores the importance of cultural context in shaping how media is received and interpreted, especially when dealing with issues that involve deeply ingrained traditions and beliefs.

Constructing a Perception Through Visual Storytelling
One of the most striking aspects of The Cove is its use of visual storytelling to construct a perception of dolphin hunting as a cruel and unnecessary practice. The film employs hidden cameras to capture footage of the dolphin hunts, which are conducted in a secluded cove shielded from public view. These images are graphic and disturbing, showing dolphins thrashing in the water as they are brutally killed. By presenting these scenes in a raw and unfiltered manner, the film creates a powerful emotional impact that reinforces the perception of the hunts as barbaric. The use of underwater footage, showing the water turning red with blood, is particularly effective in eliciting a visceral reaction from viewers, making it difficult to remain indifferent to the plight of the dolphins.

Use of Expert Testimonies and Ethical Appeals
In addition to its visual impact, The Cove uses expert testimonies to construct a perception of dolphin hunting as not only unethical but also environmentally harmful and unnecessary. The film features interviews with marine biologists, environmental activists, and even former dolphin trainers who speak out against the practice. These experts provide scientific evidence and ethical arguments that support the film’s position, such as the high levels of mercury found in dolphin meat, which poses a health risk to consumers. By framing the issue in both ethical and scientific terms, the film appeals to a broad audience, reinforcing the perception that dolphin hunting is an outdated and dangerous practice that should be stopped.

The Role of Emotional Appeals in Shaping Perception
Emotional appeals play a central role in how The Cove constructs its perception of dolphin hunting. The film’s narrative is anchored by the personal story of Ric O’Barry, who trained the dolphins for the 1960s TV show Flipper and has since become an ardent anti-captivity activist. O’Barry’s transformation from trainer to activist is portrayed as a moral awakening, and his emotional connection to the dolphins serves as a focal point for the audience’s empathy. The film also includes scenes of O’Barry interacting with dolphins, emphasizing their intelligence and capacity for suffering. These emotional appeals are designed to create a personal connection between the audience and the dolphins, making the issue of dolphin hunting feel more immediate and urgent.

Challenging Cultural Perceptions and Practices
The Cove also challenges cultural perceptions and practices, particularly those related to the consumption of dolphin meat in Japan. The film highlights the secrecy surrounding the hunts and the efforts of local authorities to keep the practice hidden from both Japanese citizens and the international community. By exposing this secrecy, the film suggests that dolphin hunting is not only morally wrong but also socially and politically suspect. This challenges the perception that the hunts are a legitimate cultural practice, instead framing them as a practice that thrives on ignorance and lack of transparency. However, this approach has also led to criticisms of the film as culturally insensitive, particularly from those who view the hunts as a traditional activity.

The Impact of Framing and Narrative Structure
The narrative structure of The Cove is carefully crafted to build a sense of urgency and drive the film’s advocacy message. The film follows the team of activists as they plan and execute their mission to expose the dolphin hunts, creating a sense of suspense and tension. This narrative approach not only engages the audience but also frames the issue in a way that emphasizes action and change. The film ends with a call to action, urging viewers to get involved in the campaign to stop dolphin hunting. This framing reinforces the perception that the issue is urgent and that immediate action is necessary, making the audience feel both informed and empowered to make a difference.

Media as a Tool for Advocacy and Social Change
The Cove serves as a powerful example of how media can be used as a tool for advocacy and social change. By constructing a specific perception of dolphin hunting, the film has had a significant impact on public awareness and activism. Following the release of The Cove, there was a global outcry against dolphin hunting, leading to increased pressure on the Japanese government to address the issue. The film also inspired a broader conversation about the treatment of marine animals and the ethics of captivity, influencing other media works and activism efforts. This demonstrates the potential of media to shape public perception and drive social and political change.

The Ethical Implications of Media Representation
While The Cove has been effective in raising awareness and prompting action, it also raises important ethical questions about media representation. The film’s one-sided portrayal of dolphin hunting and its focus on emotional appeals have been criticized for oversimplifying a complex issue and for failing to engage with the cultural context in which the hunts take place. Critics argue that by presenting the issue in such black-and-white terms, the film risks alienating the very people it seeks to influence, potentially reinforcing cultural divides rather than bridging them. This highlights the ethical challenges involved in using media to construct perceptions of sensitive issues, particularly when those issues are deeply rooted in cultural practices.

The Role of Media in Shaping Public Perception
The impact of The Cove on public perception underscores the powerful role that media can play in shaping how issues are understood and acted upon. By constructing a perception of dolphin hunting as an urgent moral and environmental crisis, the film has influenced not only how audiences view the issue but also how they engage with it. The widespread media coverage and public response to the film demonstrate the ability of media to set the agenda and frame the terms of public debate. However, this also raises questions about the responsibility of media producers to present issues in a balanced and culturally sensitive manner, recognizing the complexities and nuances involved.

Conclusion
In conclusion, The Cove constructs a perception of dolphin hunting as an unethical and inhumane practice that must be stopped, using a combination of visual storytelling, expert testimonies, and emotional appeals to convey its message. While the film has been successful in raising awareness and inspiring activism, it has also faced criticism for its one-sided portrayal of the issue and its cultural insensitivity. This analysis highlights the power of media to shape public perception and influence social change, but also the ethical considerations that must be taken into account when constructing such perceptions. The Cove serves as a compelling example of the impact that media can have in bringing important issues to light and driving public action.