1. Choose two news articles from a reputable source that were published within the past year; one about white collar/corporate crime, and the other about lower level violent or property crime. Write an essay (5-6 pages) comparing the two news stories from a sociological perspective, including:
How the media framed the offender and the offenses (i.e.; Were photos used to help create a particular view? Was the language or urgency of the piece different? Is there a clear discrepancy between the two cases?) Explain this, using a sociological lens.
OR
2. Choose two news articles from a reputable source that were published within the past year; one about a powerful man accused of a crime or public disgrace and the other about a powerful woman accused of a similar crime or public disgrace. Write an essay (5-6 pages) comparing the two news stories from a sociological perspective, including: How the media framed the male and the female accused (i.e.; Were photos used to help create a particular view? Was the language or urgency of the piece different? Is there a clear discrepancy between the two cases?) Explain this, using a sociological lens.
OR
3. Choose two news articles from a reputable source that were published within the past year; one about a protest by Black Lives Matter (BLM) or Indigenous groups such as #IdleNoMore and one about a protest by groups that call themselves Patriots or Yellow Vests or Proud Boys. Write an essay (5-6 pages) comparing the two news stories from a sociological perspective, including:
How the media framed each of the political sides and their actions (i.e.; Were photos used to help create a particular view? Was the language or urgency of the piece different? Is there a clear discrepancy between the two cases?) Explain this, using a sociological lens.Instructions:
Drawing on what you’ve learned in this course, give an account for why the two comparative articles are presented the way they are. You are to draw on any material from the textbook, to substantiate your main points of discussion, and demonstrate the sociological reasons for such discrepancies. You may use a particular theory to frame your paper or you may instead choose to discuss different sociological concepts operating beneath the reporting and the incidents. This is not a purely subjective essay based on your own thoughts or experiences. Your arguments must be supported by the course material and properly cited.
