Media Influence: How Fear of Crime Boosts Support for Harsh Policies

Update on :

By : Darrel Kinsey

Discover why the hopeful narrative of policing reform is unraveling and what’s really fuelling the persistence of violence and injustice in America, according to Alec Karakatsanis in his provocative new book “Copaganda.”

The Persistent Rise in Police Violence

Alec Karakatsanis, the founder of Civil Rights Corps, challenges the narrative that individual actions of ‘bad cops’ are the core issue in police violence. In his analysis, it’s not about the personal motivations or characteristics of individual officers. Instead, he points to the structural reasons that have led to an increase in police shootings year after year, despite widespread calls for reform and seemingly progressive changes in policing. Even after the global protests following George Floyd’s murder in 2020, the numbers have distressingly climbed: more people were killed by police in 2021 than in 2020, and this pattern has continued relentlessly into 2024.

Debunking the Myth of Policing and Public Safety

Karakatsanis criticizes the media for perpetuating a myth that profoundly impacts public perception of crime and safety. He argues that the belief that policies within police departments, courts, and correctional facilities significantly reduce crime is a fallacy. This narrative, he asserts, is echoed in virtually every news story on public safety, yet it fails to address deeper societal issues or the effectiveness of these institutions in reducing crime.

Media’s Role in Shaping Perceptions

In his discussions, Karakatsanis explains how the media, whether intentionally or not, often obscures the real issues at play. By generating moral panics and focusing on sensational stories, the media plays into and propagates “copaganda,” a term used to describe the misleading or biased promotion of policing. This skewed portrayal contributes to the enactment of oppressive policies and diverts attention from the root causes of interpersonal harm and societal violence.

Empowering the Public to Think Critically

Further in his discourse, Karakatsanis encourages individuals not to passively consume news but to critically analyze the narratives being sold to them. Understanding the distinction between individual accountability and systemic dysfunction is crucial, he advises, for anyone trying to grasp the true nature of public safety and the role of law enforcement in society.

Exclusive Insights for Subscribers

For those interested in delving deeper, Karakatsanis’s full interview offers an expansive look at the limitations within the U.S. perspective on public safety. Paid subscribers have access to the entire discussion, where Karakatsanis elaborates on the dynamics that restrict American imagination regarding public safety. A shortened 9-minute preview of the interview is available for free subscribers, providing a glimpse into the critical issues discussed in the full session. Consider subscribing to gain comprehensive access and insight into this pivotal dialogue on policing and public safety in America.

Similar Posts

Rate this post

Leave a Comment

Share to...