News as a Cultural Mirror: Historically Black Newspapers Reflecting Public Views of Loving v. Virginia (1967)

Abstract

This study examined seven historically Black newspapers’ coverage of the landmark Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia (1967), which overturned anti‐miscegenation laws that prevented non‐White individuals from marrying White individuals. A content analysis of frames and source usage within 31 news stories about the case indicated that about half of the stories (N = 14) advocated for the Lovings and a small number (N = 1) advocated for the State of Virginia; the remaining stories were either informational (N = 7) or objectivist (N = 9). Because the media is said to be a cultural mirror of public opinion, the results of this study may indicate the public's views on the issue of intermarriage laws. This study's findings also showed that historically Black newspapers agreed with their mainstream counterparts more than they disagreed.

Concluding Thoughts: Interethnic Marriage through the Lens of Interdependence Theory

“…The research by Scheuths () suggests that despite the many problems caused by immigration policy, there may be some logistical immigration benefits to both individuals when one is and the other is not a U.S. citizen. Ware, Zeldes, and Hoewe () found that many Black newspapers were supportive of the Loving decision that helped to validate persons in interethnic marriages, decreasing social disapproval and possibly increasing relationship satisfaction, especially at a time when they were still rare and controversial. Relatedly, media portrayals of interethnic couples are more positive and more frequent than at the time of the Loving decision (Humphrey & Schuman, ).…”

“…While Ware et al. () provided us with insight into how Black newspapers portrayed the Loving decision, additional research is needed on current media portrayals of interethnic couples and their influence, beneficial or harmful, on current interethnic couples. Just as Ware et al.…”

“…While Ware et al (2015) provided us with insight into how Black newspapers portrayed the Loving decision, additional research is needed on current media portrayals of interethnic couples and their influence, beneficial or harmful, on current interethnic couples. Just as Ware et al gleaned insight from the content of Black newspapers, it would also be interesting to investigate how interethnic couples are portrayed not only in mainstream television programming and films, but also those by ethnic writers, directors, and producers.…”

“…The type and quality of available information on interethnic marriages is also important to policy development. Ware et al (2015) discuss how those who develop policy can be influenced by how information on interethnic marriagerelated court decisions is presented in the news (e.g., informational, advocating for one side). Craig-Henderson and Lewis (2015) suggest that well-designed research that comprehensively examines interethnic marriages is necessary to effectively inform and influence policy makers.…”

White Fathers' Concerns for Their Biological Black and White Biracial Sons

“…Additionally, in 2013 the largest group of identified multiracial babies being born were of Black and White racial background (36%; Parker et al, 2015). The landmark Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia (1967), which overturned antimiscegenation laws that prevented non‐White individuals from marrying White individuals, has led to an increase in interracial marriages (Ware et al, 2015). Until this ruling, interracial marriages were forbidden in many states (Livingston & Brown, 2017).…”