Critically Analyzing Civic Information

Objective

Develop skills for finding and evaluating the varied forms of evidence for civic information that exist online including author, platform, purpose, and location of the source

Think About It

As you watch the short video (1.), see the picture (2.), read the article (3.), and the tweet (4.), pay attention to these factors:

Mood and Tone: What emotional notes is the producer emphasizing?
Production Techniques: What kinds of techniques does the producer employ?
Frame of Reference: Who is telling the story? What is their relationship to the subject matter?
Intended Purpose or Audience: What is the purpose of the message? Is it to instruct, inform, sell, persuade, explain, argue, entertain, or something else? How does the purpose influence how the message is communicated?
Background Knowledge - Is there specific knowledge, cultural background, or insider information required for the audience to understand the intended message? Does this required knowledge exclude some people from understanding the message? Do you think this was intended?

After George Floyd's death at the hands of a former Minneapolis police officer, some activists are calling to "defunding the police." CNN's Brian Todd reports on what this could look like.

Police and protesters stand outside the 3rd Police Precinct station on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after a march there over the death of George Floyd.

Most Americans satisfied with police responses despite 'defunding' push Links to an external site.

DC spends over $500M on policing while the houseless population grows rapidly. DC is trying to build a new jail,the current jail is 89% Black.
We are fighting to #DivestfromMPD Links to an external site. and Invest in Black futures, Public Health and our Communities. #DefundMPD Links to an external site. https://t.co/aReSipfEHf Links to an external site. pic.twitter.com/uCnMQL9tuJ Links to an external site.
— BlackLivesMatter DC (@DMVBlackLives) June 7, 2020 Links to an external site.

Hints:

Summarize what the article/tweet is about and think if you find it convincing. Have you found other sources to back up these arguments?
Check out the background of Washington Times Links to an external site.
When it comes to statistics and data, check the source and think about what they really mean. Consult this AP News article Links to an external site. for more info.
Check out this guide for current police brutality and the current uprisings Links to an external site.
When you are ready, check out an example media analysis Links to an external site. of the four media sources and feel free to comment to leave your thoughts there.

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