The role of media in the public perception of The People vs. OJ Simpson case Essay

While watching The People vs. OJ Simpson American Crime Story I became aware of the major role that media coverage had on the effect of public perception on this case. Throughout the series, certain aspects of media coverage were highlighted to signify the importance of the role that media played, and as a result I believe that the audiences perception was greatly impacted. During this trial, important ideologies such as race were large topics that were presented. During the series, the constant and excessive media coverage of this case brought some very important topics into question such as the constant notion that the LAPD was being racist towards the African American community. During the series, along with the ideology of racism, another important ideologies, crime & punishment were also presented. Certain questions came into play because of this such as can an African American man receive a fair trial? as well as will he get away with it because he's a celebrity? The racial ideology that came into question throughout this trial gained the attention of many African American audiences, amongst others, who had the same negative interactions with the LAPD could sympathize with Simpson. According to an article on nypost.com by Michael Starr, there had been numerous interviews on the outcome of this trial from various infamous defense attorneys which held a great significance in the publics perception as well. During the series many different clips were shown from interviews that talk show host Larry King had with various criminal defense attorneys who were speaking on the believed outcome of this trial. Interviewees included famous defense attorney Alan Dershowitz (who soon became part of Simpsons Dream Team) who predicted that all the evidence was substantial and Simpson would be found guilty (nypost.com, 2016, NP). I believe that this impacted the perception of the audience significantly because it allowed those who did not have an opinion to have one made for them, or to pushed them towards agreeing. I believe this was because there were interviewees who had high credibility giving their input which allowed them to somewhat mold the minds of those watching into agreeing with what they are saying, even if it was unintentional. During The People vs. OJ Simpson, as I watched this trial unfold, I observed a great deal of misrepresentation as well. I observed a signifiant form of representation when, according to an article by Jack O'Keefe on bustle.com, the "Dream Team" redecorated Simpsons house during the trial to make it seem more appealing to the mostly African American jurors. According to O'Keefe, as well as The People vs. OJ Simpson series, Simpsons lead attorney Johnnie Cochran and his team removed all photos that showed Simpson with his caucasian friends and replaced them with photos of Simpson with African Americans, added African American artwork, etc. This was a strong form of representation on the defenses part, making Simpson seem as if he was someone who in reality, he was not. (Jack O'Keefe, 2016, NP).