Discourse Analysis of Sexual Violence: Gender, Race, and Class in Media Representations

What is Discourse Analysis?

  • Discourse Analysis: The study of how language constructs meanings, identities, and power in society.

  • Focus: Media’s portrayal of survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

  • Aim: Explore how gender, race, and class influence and interact in the construction of narratives.

Key Research Questions

  1. How do media constructions portray DV and sexual violence, and what language do people use when discussing blame, credibility, and justice?

  2. How are survivors’ experiences portrayed differently based on gender, race, and class?

  3. How do media portrayals help reinforce or challenge societal expectations and myths surrounding survivors of gendered violence?

Data Collection: Key Cases

  • Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard

  • Rihanna and Chris Brown

  • Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez

  • Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie

  • Vanessa Guillen and the Military

  • 14 Year Old Indigenous Girl Found at Pendleton Barracks

Case Study #1 & 2: Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard

  • Blame: Depp sued Heard for defamation, claiming her op-ed falsely portrayed him as an abuser and hurt his career. Heard said she was the victim, and her words were protected speech.

  • Credibility: Media and public support leaned toward Depp, highlighting possible gender bias in abuse cases.

  • Justice: The jury ruled in favor of Depp, awarding him 10M10M, and Heard 2M2M in her countersuit. The verdict sparked debate about the impact on free speech and survivors' willingness to come forward.

Case Study: Chris Brown and Rihanna

  • Blame: Public discourse is fractured. Some blame Chris Brown and others focus on the complexities of their relationship before the incident.

  • Credibility: Rihanna's portrayal as a victim is contrasted with media attention on her and Brown's past interactions, raising questions about how narratives shape perceptions.

  • Justice: The legal outcomes and societal responses highlight the ongoing issues of accountability and support for survivors in situations of violence.

Case Study: Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez

  • Blame: Public opinions diverged, with factions blaming Megan for speaking out and others supporting her as a survivor.

  • Credibility: Megan's narrative was scrutinized heavily after the incident, raising discussions about trust and victimization in media narratives.

  • Justice: The outcomes of legal proceedings reflect societal attitudes toward gender and violence, challenging assumptions about who is believed and supported.

Case Study: Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie

  • Blame: Media largely framed Gabby as a victim and questions arose regarding Laundrie's accountability.

  • Credibility: The extensive media coverage of Gabby's case showcased how white victims are often prioritized in narratives of violence.

  • Justice: Gabby's case reignited conversations surrounding missing persons cases and systemic biases in media portrayals.

Case Study: Vanessa Guillen and the Military

  • Blame: Vanessa’s family, advocates, and media highlighted systemic issues within the military that led to her death.

  • Credibility: The portrayal of Vanessa as a victim of violence raised conversations about military culture and responsiveness to allegations of abuse.

  • Justice: Calls for reform in military policies stemmed from the response to Vanessa’s case, highlighting the need for change in institutional narratives.

Case Study: 14-Year-Old Indigenous Girl Found at Pendleton Barracks

  • Blame: Discussions emerged about systemic failures in protecting Indigenous communities and the role of institutions in these narratives.

  • Credibility: The media response to this tragedy reflected the ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples to assert their narratives and seek recognition.

  • Justice: The case emphasized both the legal and societal mechanisms needed to address the violence faced by Indigenous girls and women in society.