"Suspecting Palestinians, Israeli Forces Search for Killers of 5 West Bank Settlers." This was the title the New York Times chose to summarize what took place in the Israeli community of Itamar last night. By looking only at the headline, what immediate conclusions would you come to?
Here's what I think the NY Times wants us to think:
1. "Suspecting Palestinians" - It's still uncertain as to who is the culprit of this attack. Since Palestinians are often connected to terror-like attacks in the region, let's assume it's them again.
2. "Israeli Forces" - Oh, those violent Israeli soldiers are at it again. We don't even know who's responsible, yet they've sent out the big guys to investigate the scene.
3. "Killers" - Obviously not terrorists.
4. "5 West Bank Settlers" - Nameless individuals, antagonists for all we know. Maybe they got what they deserved. They are, after all, "settlers."
At this point, what more do you need to know? The title gives plenty of insight into the columnist's attitude on the issue.
This is the problem with framing. Rhetoric is used way too liberally in order to sway the opinions of readers. Here we are, being introduced to global issues in an article, completely unaware of the facts on the ground, and before we're even given the details, we're told how to think and feel about them. How are we expected to be well-informed citizens? How are we supposed to know what to advocate for or against to our representatives? This is a prime example of how the media is trying to control the way we think in order to support its own interests and goals!
I couldn't have put it better myself and unfortunately people have become so desensitized to media bias that they are not aware to what extent their minds and opinions are being manipulated.
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