Publication Date
5-2023
Abstract
This thesis looks at the ongoing media framing of the #BlackLivesMatter movement (primarily in the realm of journalism) to argue that incorporating elements of radical care and radical empathy in how we communicate stories can lead to transformative change. The paper looks at the history of the movement, with attention paid to the major cases that have sparked outrage, protests, and policy changes in the United States in the last decade. Attention is also paid to the #SayHerName movement and the role of intersectionality in whether some stories reach prominence or not. Following this, a comprehensive explanation of the concepts of radical care, radical empathy, and framing is provided while tying them back to the original topic of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Different iterations of the idea of radical care are provided while mentioning the differences between care and neoliberal care. To better understand the idea of radical empathy, furthermore, and how to enact it in day-to-day life, the six tenets of radical empathy are explored. After setting up the necessary framework for the thesis, the main two research questions are developed. First (Q1), how can the issues involving the #BlackLivesMatter movement be reframed to incorporate a praxis of radical care and radical empathy? And second (Q2), what does such reframing achieve (and why does it matter)?
While not providing universal solutions, this thesis hopes to bridge the topics of framing, care, and empathy and start the conversation about how to reframe media surrounding the #BlackLivesMatter movement in a positive way.
Recommended Citation
White, Ashley
(2023)
"Framing Radical Care And Radical Empathy In The #BlackLivesMatter Movement,"
Comm-entary: Vol. 19:
Iss.
1, Article 19.
Available at:
https://scholars.unh.edu/comm-entary/vol19/iss1/19