Media representation of rape and sexual assault the sun and the times

In this regard, this study considers a rape as a key issue that has been represented in the newspapers in the UK and will seek to demystify the truths and myths present in the identified articles. Rape myths have surrounded reports of sexual assault found in the media through sources especially through newspapers and magazines which are very crucial in disseminating public information (Lykke, 2016). Many people use the media as a main source of information where they learn about social problems since the media provide them with facts and opinions that helps to shape ideologies in society (Greer, 2012). The press however, tends to highlight and cover sex crimes that have distinct class and racial biases such as sexual crimes by non-white people against the White victims and perpetrators in the lower class.

Furthermore, the stories in the newspapers about sex crimes are often not the reality feeding people with myths, fears and misconceptions misleading the public about the realities of these crimes or even how to protect themselves (Greer, 2012). Newspapers use language that is inappropriate in their reports when describing sexual violence which deflects from the true nature of sex crimes (Lykke, 2016). For example, the use of words such as ‘intercourse’, ‘touching’ and fondling could make the issue appear affectionate and yet it is unwanted in society. The use of such inappropriate language can reinforce sex crimes in society since it creates the impression that rape is a result of women provoking men and it suggests that the sex crimes are not as violent as they really are (Van Dijk, 2015).

Celebrities and high status individuals in society attract more media attention since the audience finds their lives and experiences appealing and interesting (Midtbø, 2011). The tabloids are more prone to have news dominating the headlines and a celebrity or high status person found or reported to engage in sexual deviance becomes an enduring feature. From the search results on Nexis, a tabloid and a broadsheet with the highest hits were selected to help with the study. The two newspapers convey different contents and have different readership. Among British broadsheets, “The Times” has an average daily readership of about 1,642,000 customers who access the newspaper on various platforms which include print, desktop, mobile and digital platforms (Newsworks, 2019). Majority of the readers hold conservative views.

On the other hand, the tabloid, “The Sun” has an average daily readership of about 7,159,000 customers who access the newspaper on various platforms which include print, desktop, mobile and digital platforms (Newsworks, 2019). Celebrities and sex stories are major newspaper sells and more coverage is given to celebrity stories as they are more sensational (Midtbø, 2011). During the report reviews, it was realized that the way in which the articles focused on the celebrity and the trial concealed evidence of what really transpired during that incident and the rugby stars were acquitted of all charges. “The Times” published a report that had a headline “Jackson denies forcing himself on women”. The victim in this case is given descriptions such as being a flirt and a tease.

According to the article, the victim was said to be following her alleged offender from room to room and running her fingernails all over his arm (Mc Keown, 2018). There were also major highlights in the report that the sex offender is a black male therefore confirming that the media in their publications cover cases containing distinct class and racial biases. Conclusion Both newspaper articles used in the study were realized to frame their report in a way that overlooks the victim. Moreover, the victim who is found out in the night alone is considered innocent whereas a drunk victim is considered at fault and in control of her actions. Both newspapers are found to be more focused on cases associated with celebrities and cases that are on the extreme than giving reports of actual and real cases.

References Belknap, J. In Rape (pp. Willan. Lloyd, M. , & Ramon, S. Smoke and mirrors: UK newspaper representations of intimate partner domestic violence. Scandinavian Political Studies, 34(3), 226-249. Riley, W. ‘Sex Fiend ‘Nailed’ for Rape Hell’, The Sun, 13th March, p. Smyth, S. J. Routledge. Newsworks (2019). Readership. Total newsbrand reach. Retrieved from https://www. Also, emphasis is on the race of offender Black male. The article portrays the racisms and biasness that surround the representation of black male offenders in the media. Besides, it shows various myths and misconceptions on rape. Jackson denies forcing himself on woman ‘he pushed too far’. Author: Lesley-Anne McKeown, Deborah McAleese Published in The Times The primary focus is on a 26 year old charged with raping a 19 year old woman.