Entry #3: Slanted Reporting

Slanted reporting is reporting that is done in a way that gives more attention or support to a particular person, group, or idea. It is a technique that speakers use when they only want a certain part of the story to be known. After the arrest of Sandra Bland, the officer who arrested her, Brian Encinia,   reported back to his Sergeant with lies and only part of the story. He wanted to make sure that he didn't make himself seem like the "bad" guy. While reporting back to his sergeant he down played his actions and exaggerated most of Sandra's. At first, the story he told could be very believable, but after watching the video recording of the whole situation anyone can conclude that the officer was lying. Because cops have so much authority, it is very easy for them to get away with false stories. Officer 

Encinia wanted to portray Sandra Bland as a citizen who was not cooperating and resisting an arrest. What he reported to his Sergeant could of successfully made Ms. Bland seem like a problem. As shown in the beginning of the video, Sandra Bland was not doing anything to harm the officer, but he took the situation to an unnecessary level. Officer Encinia told his sergeant this, this, and this about Sandra, but failed to mention his extra comments that initiated the escalation of the arrest. So was Sandra really causing problems or was Officer Encinia making things extra difficult? According to his report back to his sergeant, Sandra Bland was the one turned the situation into a bigger ordeal. Officers who lie in order to protect themselves from looking bad can not be considered credible sources. Instead of telling the complete truth they will make the civilian look defiant. 

Slanted reporting is used very often. It is our job, as citizens to make sure we have a story with all the facts before jumping to conclusions. Recognizing slanted reporting will keep us aware of what is actually going on, rather than just believing little lies or incomplete stories. This is just one example, but pay attention to different news channels and how they all report about the same situation, but with a bias spin on the story. I hope this was helpful!