Can a non-Muslim Mass Shooter be a “Terrorist”?: A Comparative Content Analysis of the Las Vegas and Orlando Shootings

Abstract

This study used the 2017 Las Vegas and 2016 Orlando mass shootings as case studies to explore alleged double standards in reporting of events featuring Muslim and non-Muslim mass perpetrators of violence. The study used framing theory and content analysis to examine Los Angeles Times and New York Times coverage of the shootings during the one week immediately following each event. Findings are consistent with previous literature and the researchers' expectations. The Orlando shooting, carried out by a Muslim, was allotted more coverage despite the fact that it produced nine fewer fatalities than the Las Vegas shooting, perpetrated by a white non-Muslim. The analysis also showed that the examined newspapers were more likely to employ a "terrorism" frame in their coverage of the Orlando shooting than in their coverage of the Las Vegas shooting; link the Orlando mass shooting with the global war on terrorism; and to humanize Stephen Paddock, the white perpetrator of the Las Vegas shooting. Framing differences found in this study may contribute to downplaying the threat of white male gun violence, and to reinforcing fears of Islam and Muslims.

How happenings do (not) turn into events: A typology and an application to the case of 9/11 in the American and Dutch public spheres

“…In both cases, the terrorist himself stated—via a note on Van Gogh's body and a 9–1–1 call—that his attack was (also) an assault on the Netherlands and the United States. More important, research indicates that both occurrences have been discussed in public debate as events with nationwide implications (Buruma, 2006 ; Elmasry & el‐Nawawy, 2020 ; Eyerman, 2008 ; Haider, 2016 ).…”

“…More important, research indicates that both occurrences have been discussed in public debate as events with nationwide implications (Buruma, 2006;Elmasry & el-Nawawy, 2020;Eyerman, 2008;Haider, 2016).…”

“This is a political movement, friend”: Why “incels” support violence

“…Violent incidents committed by Muslims receive more coverage and are often framed as “international terrorism,” whereas domestic mass violence events are framed as isolated incidents committed by troubled individuals (Kearns et al., 2019; Powell, 2018). Differential framing also serves to humanize white male perpetrators and downplay their threat (Elmasry & el‐Nawawy, 2020). This is evident, for example, in mass shootings, where white men are often presented as victims who act due to mental illness or the influence of video game consumption (Chen et al., 2015; Duxbury et al., 2018; Markey et al., 2020), as well as in cases of domestic femicides, where white non‐Muslim perpetrators are invariably perceived as suffering from psychological issues (Shier & Shor, 2016).…”

Aberration of mind or soul: the role of media in perceptions of mass violence

“…Although American media outlets have begun taking more time to investigate the backgrounds of perpetrators before ascribing labels related to Islam or terrorism in recent years, once ties to Islamic countries are confirmed, no matter how minor, media outlets focus their coverage on religion and portray a larger threat to the USA (Powell, 2018). Additionally, once these international ties are established, these incidents receive a significantly greater amount of media coverage than terrorist attacks perpetrated by individuals without apparent international ties (Elmasry and el-Nawawy, 2019; Kearns et al , 2019; Powell, 2018). This practice may cause the public to form an association between Islam and violence, which could be resistant to change even after the presentation of disconfirming evidence (Unkelbach et al , 2009).…”