Essay
The Mirror - Capitol Hill Riot and its bias
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- WJEC
Essay question: How does The Mirror display bias in its reporting of the riots on Capitol Hill?
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How does The Mirror display bias in its reporting of the riots on Capitol Hill?In the report of the Capitol Riot in January 2021, the Mirror displays bias through various
uses of media language. Its biased inclination particularly focuses on the impact of Trump
and the rioters by depicting them negatively.
Biased behaviour can be revealed through the different depictions of the rioters and the
police. The Mirror does not agree with the riot and shows their disapproval through the use
of literary techniques. On the front cover is the headline, 'MOB RULE', to describe the
situation. 'MOB' is defined as a large crowd of people who are particularly disordered and
intent on causing trouble and violence. The connotations of this word also involves the
imagery of gangs, people who are not pleasant, and so suggests some kind of danger. To
describe the rioters as a 'MOB' insinuates that they are the ones who are responsible for the
calamity. The word 'RULE' in the headline hints at the idea that rioters are attempting to take
over Capitol Hill. This idea can be supported by the anchorage accompanying the image of
the many rioters, which consists of the carefully selected words 'Shots & tear gas' and
'storm'. The inclusion of weaponry suggests that the rioters are the ones who are in
possession of it, and therefore they must be violent people who are looking for a rough fight.
The specific verb 'storm' suggests that they began the battle-like conflict, as they are the
ones who entered Capitol Hill without permission. This shows biased behaviour as The
Mirror makes it clear that they do not support the actions taken from the riot, and so will not
glorify the rioters but rather have chosen to depict them antagonistically. In addition,
alliteration is also used describe the rioters. To refer to them as a ‘rabble’ indicates that they
are the lowest class of people, which can be considered greatly offensive as it continues to
suggest that rioters are disordered. To have them be ‘roused’ explains that they have been
angered. When put together, the alliterative title can be read with a mocking tone as rioters
are treated as low class people whose reaction are seemingly amusing. ‘Shameful scenes’
hints at the foolish behaviour of rioters and the particular adjective shows the need The
Mirror feels to humiliate them. It may show bias because of how The Mirror looks down on
the rioters.
In comparison, the depiction of the police is completely different. On the inside of the
newspaper is the image of Trump supporters clashing with 'police and security'. The way the
image is taken presents the view with an overwhelming number of rioters compared to the
police. The fact that there are fewer policemen implies that they have been outnumbered,
and are unable to help fight back or protect themselves, because of the unfair quantity. It is
notable to mention that the police-wear consists of protective clothing, bullet-proof vests and
helmets that cover their faces. This indicates the extent of the violence and the damage that
the rioters can cause, and proves that the rioters are the ones in possession of shots and
tear gas, which further supports the rioters' mob-like nature. The verb 'clash' further proves
that the rioters are the ones who began the fight. This then portrays the police as almost
helpless as they try to resolve the conflict and disperse the area. However, the fact that
'security' is also mentioned and not just 'police' can suggest that their role is to protect
people and bring them to safety. This therefore portrays the police in a good light as they are
simply trying to do their jobs as best as they can. Through the use of binary opposition, it is
easy to tell that The Mirror has displayed bias. If the camera had been turned around, it may
reveal that there are more policemen. If the positioning of words were different, it may even
insinuate that the police were the ones who clashed with the rioters or that they were
responsible for the shots and tear gas. It could even be possible that they are wearing
protective clothing because they were prepared for the violence.
On the inside of the newspaper is the image of ‘Trump fans’ who have entered the Capitol
building. This image has been deliberately selected to represent the rioters and may show
bias as it clearly portrays them with negative connotations. To dress as a buffalo may
associate the rioters with actual animals, specifically wild and dangerous creatures, who are
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