You're Dead—So What?: Media, Police, and the Invisibility of Black Women as Victims of Homicide - Softcover

Neely, Cheryl L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1611861780 ISBN 13: 9781611861785

Publisher: Michigan State University Press, 2015

Synopsis

Though numerous studies have been conducted regarding perceived racial bias in newspaper reporting of violent crimes, few studies have focused on the intersections of race and gender in determining the extent and prominence of this coverage, and more specifically how the lack of attention to violence against women of color reinforces their invisibility in the social structure. This book provides an empirical study of media and law enforcement bias in reporting and investigating homicides of African American women compared with their white counterparts. The author discusses the symbiotic relationship between media coverage and the response from law enforcement to victims of color, particularly when these victims are reported missing and presumed to be in danger by their loved ones. Just as the media are effective in helping to increase police response, law enforcement officials reach out to news outlets to solicit help from the public in locating a missing person or solving a murder. However, a deeply troubling disparity in reporting the disappearance and homicides of female victims reflects racial inequality and institutionalized racism in the social structure that need to be addressed. It is this disparity this important study seeks to solve.

About this title

About the Author

Cheryl L. Neely is Professor of Sociology at Oakland Community College where she teaches courses in Sociology and Criminology.

Edition details

• Publisher: Michigan State University Press
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1611861780
• ISBN 13: 9781611861785
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 126