Abstract
With reader comments posted to newspaper websites seemingly becoming increasingly vitriolic, newspapers across the country are weighing the pros and cons of allowing readers to post anonymous comments online. Using a content analysis of online reader comments from a random sample of U.S. newspapers, this study explores how readers discuss race in online newspaper forums, and provides insight for editors struggling to meet the objectives of the Kerner Commission. Results show that reader comments included racial terms, even when the article did not. Further, when reader comments mentioned race, they tended to be negative, reiterating stereotypes. Latinos were mentioned more often than other races/ethnicities in the comments, and comments that mentioned Latinos also were likelier to be negative. Beyond eliminating anonymous commenting, this study suggests newspapers should reconsider “color-blind” policies that ignore race and make a concerted effort to publish more articles that tackle race-related issues.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.