The use of Language in the Media

Sometimes it isn't about what is said but how it is said. The language used when shaping a story is consequently shapes our world view. We often refer to this as how a media source spins a story. The four documents in the 7th chapter of Dawson's text are exemplary of how the media's spin on an event/story can radically change people's perception of said event/story. The first document threads in conspiracy theories and critiques of the authenticity of Argentine's democratic government under peronistas. The New York Times subtly tacks on the following statements at the end of their report, "Two members of the council were forced out a few days ago for having advocated the placing of Col. Domingo Mercante, Governor of Buenos Aires Province, in second place on the ticket. Colonel Mercante started an official trip through the province on Monday that would keep him out of the city through today"(179). These statements appear to be objective in their claims, however their purpose is to paint Peron and Evita as having conspired to be the only party present during this important day to ensure their reinstatement and public support. The New York Times strategically placed this at the end of the article so it is the last impression Evita and Peron have on their reader, thus shaping their perception of the two, at least leaving them with doubt of their support, if they had any.

Conversely, the second document spins the speech to look like Evita Peron is devoting herself to a life of servitude for the people, to raise them from poverty and aid them in their struggles against those who have put them there. It is thoughtfully phrased as to rule Peron and herself out of the group of elites who created the state of poverty in Argentina. The readers are left with an image of the Peron duo as political Robin Hoods, as the saviors of the people. The language in the Peronista report is such that all that is said is read as if it were common sense. For example, "They fully understand that prior to the arrival of General Perón, they lived in slavery, and above all, they had lost all hope for a better future. They know it was General Perón who gave them social, moral, and spiritual dignity" (179). So it is blatantly obvious that before General Perón the people were enslaved and it is also common knowledge that they are free now because of him. The language used in this document is very different to that used in the first document. Despite common assumption, reporting is not an objective act meant to only spew out the facts. These two documents comes to show that the way the media uses language is political, it has an agenda, and its purpose is to persuade the reader to take a specific perception of a person, party, or event.