Media Representation of the Central Park Five in New York City

• In Event: Poster Session 2

Abstract

This essay explores the impact of media representation of the Central Park Five. This unfortunate case led to the unjustified incarceration of minority youths. This archival research analyzes prior and present media representations of this case. It argues that the media had a negative impact on public opinion regarding this case and that politics and racial climate also share an impact of media narration regarding this case. It gathers that older articles criticized the youths rather than questioning the wrongdoings of the New York Police Department and court system. While most of the more recent articles discuss the injustices these children faced and the urge for criminal justice reform.

Author

• Ashli Natalya Hamilton, John Jay College of Criminal Justice