Please separate all parts.
part 1:
Discuss how media coverage of sex offenses/offenders by the media can influence our views on the prevalence of sex offenders, our perceptions of offenders themselves, as well as perceived appropriate punishments for sexual offenses? Feel free to include a discussion of how you have/have not been influneced by the media regarding the perception of the sexual offenders and appropriate punishments for such offenses.
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBGa8nHblBA
part 2: reply to post A
“Media coverage of sex offenses has a profound impact on public perceptions, not only of the prevalence of such crimes but also of the character of offenders and the punitive measures deemed appropriate for their actions. The intense focus on a few severe cases can create an aura of moral panic, reinforcing the belief that such incidents are frequent. Furthermore, media coverage frequently fails to differentiate between different levels of sexual offenses, ranging from infractions to serious crimes, which contributes to a one-size-fits-all mentality in the public and legal systems. The ensuing legislative actions, which are frequently influenced more by popular opinion than by research-proven preventative and rehabilitative techniques, might not be able to significantly reduce the frequency of sexual offenses or facilitate the reintegration of offenders. Lisa Anne Zilney’s article on “Critical Teaching in a Sex Crimes” course highlights the nuanced understanding required when discussing sex offenses. It illustrates how media often simplifies the complex range of sex offenses into a single, stigmatized category, influencing public and legal responses that may not align with the varied nature of these offenses. This aligns with observations that media reports can blur the lines between different severities of sex crimes, pushing for uniform, harsh legal actions that might not contribute effectively to reducing crime rates or supporting offender rehabilitation. For a comprehensive understanding, reading Zilney’s full article would provide valuable context and depth to this discussion. From a critical standpoint, one must understand that while the media is a lens through which many view the world, it is a lens that can distort as much as it reveals. The growth of social media platforms has changed the way we obtain and share information, providing quick access to global events. The swiftness and extensive coverage of media can intensify its influence on the public’s opinions regarding a range of matters, including sexual offenses. Compared to receiving news through news outlets which have become quite noticeable in their bias. It is vital to critically examine these platforms to fully understand how they influence. Additionally, drawing on historical cases and legislative responses, Zilney’s text argues for a more balanced and informed public discourse on sex crimes, shaped by critical thinking rather than media-induced moral panic. This reflection on the media’s role in shaping perceptions is crucial in considering how society responds to sex offenses and supports justice that is fair and effective.
Zilney, L. A. (2020). Impacts of sex crime laws on the female partners of convicted offenders: never free of collateral consequences.
Mancini, C. (2021). Sex Crime, Offenders, and Society: A Critical Look at Sexual Offending and Policy (2nd ed.). Carolina Academic Press, LLC. https://platform.virdocs.com/read”
part 3: reply to post B
“Media coverage of sex offenses/sex offenders can definitely impact the publics perception of sex offenders and its prevalence. The media tends to show high-profile sex offenses which often can lead the public to concern about prevalence for sex crimes. When the media is constantly portraying sex offenses/offenders it creates an impression that this type of crime is common and leaves the public with fear an anxiety of something happening to themselves, their children, family, or friends. With that, the media also likes to interview sex offenders and give them a chance to tell their story, which can also alter someones perspective, sometimes positively where we can feel empathy, and sometimes negatively. In the book Impacts of Sex Crime Laws on the Female Partners of Convicted Offenders by Lisa Anne Zilney she states “we pass laws dealing with sexual offenders based on the most high-profile and most serious cases, yet most offenders do not fit these categories.” (Zilney, 3). The more the media is feeding the public news and stories about sex offense/offenders the more enraged and fearful the public will be, making them want stricter laws, longer sentences, etc. (Zilney, 2020).
In this weeks video Sex Offender Interview- Tracy, a woman unravels her childhood trauma that involves child sexual abuse and connects it to how she became a sex offender herself with her son as the victim. When listening to her story, like many, you begin to feel sad for what she had been through. But then you begin to remember what they have done and it makes it harder for you to feel sad for them. Interviews are just a part of the media that allows the public to understand the story. On the other hand, many people can also see this as glorifying the offender by giving them the “spotlight” to talk about themselves. In the video Tracy was almost showing no emotion the whole time, neither sad, angry, frustrated, happy, etc. The way an offender reacts and speaks about certain things is what allows the public to see the type of character they are. (Soft White Underbelly).
Zilney, L. A. (2020). Impacts of sex crime laws on the female partners of convicted offenders: never free of collateral consequences.
Soft White UnderBelly (2021). Sex Offender Interview- Tracy”
