Media Representation of the Central Park Five in New York City

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 focuses on analyzing prior and present media representations of this case. This essay argues that the media had an impact on public opinion regarding this case and that politics and racial climate also share an impact of media narration regarding this case. It is gathered 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.