Blog 3 - Media This Week

This week, social media blew up after the pool party incident in McKinney. It amazes me how quickly news spreads through social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. However, one side effect of the rapid transmission of a new story is that some details may not be included. This leads to people being misinformed based on a one sided story.  After the incident in McKinney was caught on video, the footage spread throughout the online world like wildfire. Without any background information on the situation or context, viewers are left angry and pointing fingers at the police.  I’m not saying that the police officer ‘s actions were appropriate, but I believe that it is dangerous for people to form opinions without any context of what was going on before the camera was recording. 

These types of videos and stories have been spreading through the media frequently this past year. People have been picking sides and using social media to argue with others about the issue of police brutality and racial violence. The attention this is getting on social media is only stirring the pot and encouraging the problem. People have been picking fights about situations for which they are largely uninformed.  Instead of using social media to combat each other, social media should be used to connect one another.  Through social media, differences in opinions and culture can be discussed providing for a better understanding for both perspectives.  A better understanding of the viewpoints of others will result in all people supporting the rights and safety of others.