Manipulating selection, emphasis and omission to construct point of view

Example Questions/dot points:

• Analyse how selection and omission have been utilised to construct a point of view

• Discuss how a point of view has been constructed

• Analyse how media producers have manipulated emphasis and selection processes to construct a point of view

Short Answer: How Mainstream News Constructed a Point of View on the Origins of COVID-19

Introduction
The origins of COVID-19 have been a source of intense debate since the beginning of the pandemic, with various theories circulating about where and how the virus emerged. Mainstream news outlets played a significant role in shaping public understanding of this issue, often constructing a specific point of view that influenced how audiences perceived the situation. Initially, many media reports focused on the virus originating from a wet market in Wuhan, China, and suggested that the virus was linked to Chinese cultural practices. However, as investigations have progressed, the possibility of a lab leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology has gained more credibility. This essay will discuss how mainstream news constructed a point of view on the origins of COVID-19, analyzing the techniques used and the potential implications of these narratives.

Framing and Selective Reporting
One of the primary ways mainstream news constructed a point of view on the origins of COVID-19 was through framing and selective reporting. Early in the pandemic, many news outlets heavily emphasized the theory that the virus originated from a wet market in Wuhan. This framing often linked the virus to Chinese cultural practices, with reports highlighting the conditions in these markets as a breeding ground for zoonotic diseases. By focusing on this narrative, the media shaped public perception, leading many to associate the virus with specific cultural behaviors. However, this selective reporting often dismissed or downplayed alternative theories, such as the possibility of a lab leak, which was initially met with skepticism or outright dismissal. The reluctance to seriously consider the lab leak theory early on, despite its plausibility, shows how media framing can limit public discourse and influence which narratives gain traction.

Use of Language and Tone
The language and tone used by mainstream news were also instrumental in constructing a particular point of view on the origins of COVID-19. Terms like "China virus" or "Wuhan virus," used by some media outlets and public figures, contributed to a narrative that blamed China for the pandemic. These terms often carried a racial undertone, indirectly suggesting that the virus was inherently tied to Chinese identity or culture. Ironically, while it was widely condemned as racist to suggest the virus might have originated from a lab in Wuhan—a hypothesis that has gained more credibility over time—it seemed more acceptable to attribute the virus to Chinese cultural practices, which could be seen as an even more racially charged narrative. This discrepancy highlights the complexities and potential biases in how media constructs and disseminates information.

Visual Imagery and Symbolism
Visual imagery in news reports further reinforced the constructed point of view on COVID-19's origins. Mainstream news often used footage of crowded wet markets, exotic animals, and images of Wuhan’s streets to visually associate the virus with China. These images were powerful in shaping the audience’s perception, creating a direct visual link between the pandemic and Chinese cultural practices. The repetition of these images solidified the narrative that the virus was a result of specific behaviors in China, rather than considering other possibilities like a lab leak. This visual framing played a crucial role in constructing a point of view that not only suggested the virus’s origin but also subtly influenced how different cultures and countries were perceived in relation to the pandemic.

Impact of Expert Opinions and Media Bias
The inclusion of expert opinions also played a key role in how the mainstream news constructed its point of view. Early on, experts who supported the wet market origin theory were frequently featured, while those suggesting a lab leak were often marginalized or dismissed. This selective inclusion of expert voices helped to reinforce the narrative that the virus was linked to Chinese cultural practices, rather than a possible lab accident. Over time, as more information and investigations have suggested the lab leak theory might be credible, it has become clear that the media’s initial reluctance to explore this possibility may have been influenced by concerns about political correctness and avoiding accusations of racism. This reveals how media bias and the fear of public backlash can shape the narratives that are presented to the public, sometimes at the expense of a more balanced or accurate understanding.

Conclusion
In conclusion, mainstream news constructed a specific point of view on the origins of COVID-19 through framing, selective reporting, the use of language and tone, visual imagery, and selective inclusion of expert opinions. The initial focus on the wet market theory, combined with the avoidance of the lab leak theory, influenced how the public understood the virus's origins. The irony lies in how it was considered racist to suggest a lab leak, yet more acceptable to link the virus to Chinese cultural practices—a narrative that arguably carries more racial implications. This construction of a point of view had significant implications for public perception and discourse, highlighting the powerful role of media in shaping how global events are understood and the need for careful consideration of bias and framing in media reporting.

Extended Answer: How Media Producers Manipulate Emphasis and Selection Processes in Kony 2012 to Construct a Point of View

Introduction
Kony 2012, produced by the non-profit organization Invisible Children and released in March 2012, became one of the most viral videos of its time. The documentary aimed to raise awareness about Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), and to mobilize a global campaign to bring him to justice. The film was a significant example of how media producers can manipulate emphasis and selection processes to construct a specific point of view. Through the use of strategic storytelling, emotional appeal, and selective fact presentation, the filmmakers constructed a narrative designed to resonate with Western audiences and encourage action. By analyzing Kony 2012 through the lens of communication theories such as agenda-setting, framing, and the cultivation theory, this essay will explore how these techniques were employed to influence public perception and response.

Relevance to the Question
Kony 2012 is a relevant case study for examining how media producers manipulate emphasis and selection to construct a point of view because it was created with a clear agenda: to make Joseph Kony infamous and to galvanize global action. The film’s producers employed various communication strategies to ensure that their message was not only heard but also acted upon. By applying agenda-setting theory, which suggests that media doesn’t tell us what to think, but rather what to think about, we can see how Kony 2012 succeeded in placing Joseph Kony and the issue of child soldiers at the forefront of global discourse. The documentary’s ability to shape public consciousness about an underreported issue is a testament to the effectiveness of these media manipulation techniques.

Critical Interpretations and Audience Reactions
The reception of Kony 2012 was mixed, with reactions revealing much about the effectiveness of its communication strategies. Many viewers, especially in Western countries, were moved by the film's emotional appeal and clear call to action. They saw the documentary as an important tool for raising awareness and prompting international intervention, demonstrating the film’s success in setting the agenda. However, critics pointed out that the film oversimplified a complex issue, reducing it to a narrative that could easily be digested and shared on social media. This criticism aligns with framing theory, which suggests that the way information is presented (or framed) influences how audiences interpret it. By framing the issue as a straightforward battle between good and evil, the filmmakers constructed a point of view that resonated with their target audience but ignored the nuances of the situation in Uganda.

Diverse Audience Interpretations
The diverse interpretations of Kony 2012 across different demographics highlight the impact of cultural context on media reception. In the United States and other Western countries, the film was largely seen as a compelling call to action, with audiences embracing the narrative of Western intervention as necessary and just. This response can be understood through the lens of cultivation theory, which posits that long-term exposure to media content can shape an individual’s perceptions of reality. Western audiences, conditioned by years of media portraying Africa as a continent in need of rescue, were more likely to accept the film’s message without question. In contrast, audiences in Uganda and other parts of Africa were more critical, recognizing the oversimplification and paternalism in the film’s narrative. These reactions underscore how media producers’ manipulation of emphasis and selection can lead to varying interpretations based on the audience’s cultural background and prior media exposure.

Emphasis on Emotional Appeal and Agenda-Setting
One of the key ways Kony 2012 manipulated emphasis was through its strong emotional appeal, a strategy closely linked to agenda-setting. The film uses personal stories, particularly that of Jacob, a former child soldier, to create a deep emotional connection with viewers. By focusing on Jacob’s suffering and his plea for help, the filmmakers emphasized the human cost of the conflict, ensuring that this aspect of the story would dominate the audience’s attention. According to agenda-setting theory, this emphasis made the issue of child soldiers in Uganda a priority topic for viewers, compelling them to act. The emotional manipulation was crucial in driving the film’s message home, as it made the distant issue of African conflict personal and urgent for a global audience.

Selective Use of Facts and Framing Theory
The filmmakers also employed framing theory through their selective use of facts, choosing which details to include and which to omit to construct a specific narrative. For example, Kony 2012 emphasizes Joseph Kony’s past atrocities without fully addressing the reduced threat he posed by 2012. By framing Kony as an ongoing and immediate danger, the film created a sense of urgency that may not have been fully aligned with the reality on the ground. Additionally, the film largely ignored the efforts of African governments and regional forces in combating the LRA, instead positioning Western intervention as the primary solution. This selective presentation of information framed the narrative in a way that encouraged Western audiences to see themselves as the necessary agents of change, reinforcing a point of view that supported the filmmakers’ agenda.

Framing the Narrative Around Western Activism and Cultivation Theory
The narrative framing in Kony 2012 also reflects cultivation theory, particularly in how it centers Western activism. The film positions the viewer, particularly those in Western countries, as the heroes who can stop Kony by making him "famous." This framing shifts the focus away from the complexities of the conflict in Uganda and instead centers the narrative on the actions of Western activists. Cultivation theory suggests that long-term exposure to media that frames the West as the world’s problem-solver can lead to a distorted perception of global issues. By tapping into this pre-existing media narrative, Kony 2012 reinforced the idea that Western intervention is both necessary and effective, which resonated with audiences conditioned to see global issues through this lens.

Visual and Audio Techniques and Their Manipulative Impact
The visual and audio techniques used in Kony 2012 further illustrate how emphasis and selection were manipulated to construct a persuasive point of view. The film employs dramatic music, stark imagery, and quick cuts to create a heightened sense of urgency and importance. For instance, montage sequences showing global activism, combined with intense, uplifting music, serve to inspire viewers and make them feel part of a larger, righteous movement. These techniques are designed to manipulate the viewer’s emotions and reinforce the film’s narrative, making the audience more likely to accept the filmmakers’ point of view without questioning the underlying complexities.

Simplification of Complex Issues and Its Effects on Public Perception
Kony 2012 is often criticized for its simplification of complex issues, a tactic that can be linked to both framing and cultivation theories. The film presents the conflict in Uganda as a straightforward battle between good and evil, with Kony as the clear antagonist. However, the reality of the situation is far more complex, involving a range of political, social, and economic factors. By simplifying these issues, the filmmakers were able to create a more accessible and emotionally compelling narrative, but at the cost of depth and accuracy. This simplification was a deliberate choice to ensure the film would resonate with a broad audience, but it also led to a somewhat distorted understanding of the situation among the general public. This impact on public perception highlights the power of media framing and the responsibility of media producers to present a balanced view of complex issues.

Impact on Public Perception and Policy
The manipulation of emphasis and selection in Kony 2012 had significant effects on public perception and, to a lesser extent, on policy. The film’s viral success led to widespread awareness of Kony and the LRA, and it generated significant pressure on governments and international organizations to take action. However, the narrow focus on Kony and the film’s portrayal of the conflict led to a somewhat distorted understanding of the situation among the general public. While the film succeeded in mobilizing activism, it also oversimplified the issue, leading to a focus on capturing Kony rather than addressing the broader context of the conflict and its underlying causes. This impact highlights the power of media to shape public discourse, but also the responsibility of media producers to present a balanced and accurate portrayal of complex issues.

Role of Social Media in Amplifying the Message
Social media played a crucial role in amplifying the message of Kony 2012, highlighting the interaction between agenda-setting and framing theories in the digital age. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube were instrumental in the film’s rapid dissemination, allowing it to reach millions of viewers in a short period of time. The use of hashtags, shareable content, and interactive campaigns, such as "Cover the Night," further reinforced the film’s narrative and encouraged viewers to take action. However, the virality of the film also meant that its simplified and emotionally charged message was spread widely without the context and nuance that would typically accompany more traditional forms of media. This underscores the role of social media in both amplifying and simplifying complex issues, making it a powerful but potentially problematic tool for shaping public opinion.

Ethical Considerations in Media Production
The case of Kony 2012 raises important ethical considerations regarding the manipulation of emphasis and selection in media production. While the film succeeded in raising awareness and mobilizing action, it did so by constructing a point of view that simplified the issue and, at times, misrepresented the reality on the ground. This raises questions about the responsibility of media producers to present accurate and balanced portrayals of the issues they cover, particularly when dealing with sensitive topics like conflict and human rights. While it is often necessary to simplify complex issues to make them accessible to a broad audience, producers must also consider the potential consequences of oversimplification and the impact it can have on public understanding and policy.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Kony 2012 is a powerful example of how media producers can manipulate emphasis and selection processes to construct a persuasive point of view. By applying communication theories such as agenda-setting, framing, and cultivation theory, it becomes clear how the filmmakers strategically crafted their narrative to influence public perception and encourage action. While the film was successful in achieving its goals, it also highlights the ethical challenges and responsibilities that come with shaping public discourse through media. The case of Kony 2012 serves as a reminder of the power of media to influence not only what we think about but also how we think about complex global issues.