The trial of the accused murderer of (almost) three year old Caylee Anthony is now underway in Orlando, Florida. The accused is her mother, Casey, who allegedly killed her own daughter and then was seen out partying regularly.
Data from 2008 show there were 14,180 murders in the US that year.
So the obvious question is, why does this one case deserve so much media attention?
For example, the Orlando Sentinel has an entire website devoted just to the case. The Today Show featured a long segment on the case and featured two "legal experts" commenting on the case. And every news network and major newspaper is discussing the case.
Recall that certain types of crimes and certain types of offenders and victims are more likely to appeal to the news media.
Violent street crime like murder.
Young, innocent (and white) victims.
Cold-hearted, evil offenders.
This case has all of those elements. It fits perfectly with the major narratives used to describe crime in the news. And that is why it is all over the news.
The problem with the coverage is that it creates major misconceptions about crime and takes up valuable time that could be devoted to more serious issues.
Personally, I think they are putting the most ridiculously boring thing on TV to see if people will still watch the thing, no matter what is on it! People are so brainwashed, they will watch anything!
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