Ruth DeFoster discusses her research
As we see mass tragedies happen more and more frequently, it is important to understand the role that the media play in portraying these acts. To learn more about this, we sat down with Ruth DeFoster, a Teaching Assistant Professor at the Hubbard School. DeFoster teaches courses on advertising, visual communication, popular culture, writing, and media. Her research focuses on media coverage of crime, mass shootings, terrorism, and identity. DeFoster also authored the book, Terrorizing the Masses: Identity, Mass Shootings and the Media Construction of ‘Terror.’
What led you to research in this field?
It began on September 11, 2001. DeFoster was in New York City at the time of the terrorist attack and it had a great impact on her. From then on, she became increasingly interested in how the media portray stories of danger and fear. She discussed how 9/11 led to a complete change in how news was being reported. She said, “I saw not only how the news media, but also the entertainment media shifted.” From that point on, DeFoster paid close attention to how the media was covering tragic events and how they often led to negative coverage that caused further harm.
What role does the media play in mass tragedies?
DeFoster explained that the media often play significant roles especially when discussing mass shootings. DeFoster studied how European media outlets covered shootings versus how American outlets covered them. She noticed that European outlets never named the shooter, however, American reporting highlighted the shooters entirely. “This kind of reporting can raise the likelihood of another mass shooting happening,” she said. By focusing on the shooter instead of the victims, the media creates harmful narratives that often lead to even more tragedies. “We lose a lot when we glamorize or sensationalize these men," she said. Instead, she said, it is important that the media centers the victims and what effects the tragedy had on them.
“What we need to focus on is creating passionate coverage that does not increase the likelihood of copycat events," she said. “That does not look like airing a minute and a half of a manifesto on the local news.” DeFoster also emphasized the importance of centrality when news outlets are reporting about mass tragedies. “We are seeing [fear] as a tool used to divide.” Because of this, DeFoster said it's important for people to understand what they are seeing being reported and that “media literacy has never been as important as it is now.”
What challenges have you faced?
When researching such devastating events, DeFoster explained the hardship that can come with knowledge of mass tragedies. She said, “My biggest challenge for my research on mass shootings is that I burn out,” she said. “I have to take frequent breaks.”
Because mass shootings in America are becoming so common, it is important to understand the role that the media play in their coverage and how it often causes more harm by highlighting the shooter rather than the victims. DeFoster’s research is important because it gives an in-depth look at the portrayals of tragedies in American media.
Learn more about Ruth DeFoster’s research and books.
By Kate Henning, Backpack student
