Fake News: USA Crime
Trump Retweets Bogus Crime Graphic
INTRUDUCTION
During the 2016 Presidential campaign, Donald Trump tweeted a graphic that aimed to provoke fear and perpetuate a racist narrative about violent young black men. This incident highlights the importance of fact-checking and critical thinking in the age of social media and demonstrates the potential impact of false information on public discourse. It serves as a reminder that responsible and informed communication is essential for fostering a fair and inclusive society. Extensive research has revealed compelling evidence that the story is merely another example of the widespread problem of fake news circulating on the internet today. However, it is essential to examine the accuracy of these claims and consider the potential consequences of spreading false information.
SUMMARY OF GOOGLE RESEACH
After conducting research and analysis on multiple fact-checking websites, it has been widely established that the graphic contains false and misleading data. Detailed articles highlighting the inaccuracies within the graphic have been circulating on the internet since November 2015. It is important to note that the crime report data referred to in the graphic was not publicly released until the fall of 2016. In fact, when the FBI analyzed the available data, they found no evidence supporting the information presented in the graphic. Thus, the FBI, to dispel fears and prevent further dissemination of inaccuracies, clarified that the graphic was based on false information.
REFUTING THE CLAIM
Expert opinions and data analysis strongly refute the claims made in the fake crime graphic. According to PolitiFact, the graphic began circulating on the internet following an incident at a Trump rally where an innocent African American man was brutally attacked. Subsequently, Trump tweeted false statistics, with every number displayed on the graphic being completely inconsistent with the FBI data reports. The analysis revealed that all the numbers were either exaggerated or underestimated. In fact, the article highlights that Trump’s numbers were almost double the accurate figures, greatly deviating from the truth.
The discrepancies between Trump’s graphic and the FBI’s data are significant. For example, Trump’s graphic stated that 81% of white homicide victims are killed by black people, while the FBI data shows this number to be only 15%. Similarly, the graphic claimed that 97% of black homicide victims are killed by black people, whereas the FBI data shows the actual number to be around 90%. These inaccurate statistics fuel racial biases and perpetuate stereotypes. By promoting false information, it can have a detrimental effect on perceptions of crime rates, racial dynamics, and community relationships.
Furthermore, a video released by President Trump in 2019 regarding violent crime rates contradicts the claims made in the graphic. The video highlighted their administration’s efforts to reduce violent crime and emphasized their success in decreasing murder rates in major cities. These achievements were attributed to their strategy of collaboration between law enforcement, community groups, and local leaders. The video’s content contradicts the false narrative presented in the graphic, further discrediting its claims.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the fake crime graphic shared by Donald Trump during the 2016 Presidential campaign exemplifies the widespread issue of fake news and misinformation on the internet. Extensive research and expert analysis have thoroughly debunked the claims made in the graphic, highlighting its inaccuracies and distortions of data. This incident emphasizes the importance of fact-checking information before believing or sharing it, particularly in the era of widespread misinformation. It also underscores the significance of responsible and informed communication, which plays a crucial role in fostering a fair and inclusive society. By critically evaluating the authenticity and accuracy of information, we can combat the spread of false narratives and work towards a more informed and united society.
REFERENCES
“Trump Retweets Bogus Crime Graphic.” FactCheck.Org, Robert Farley, 23 Nov. 2015, www.factcheck.org/2015/11/trump-retweets-bogus-crime-graphic/.
“Trump’s Pants on Fire Tweet That Blacks Killed 81% of White Homicide Victims.” POLITIFACT, Jon Greenberg, 23 Nov. 2015, www.politifact.com/factchecks/2015/nov/23/donald-trump/trump-tweet-blacks-white-homicide-victims/.
“Expanded Homicide Data Table 6.” 2014 CRIME IN THE UNITED STATES, ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2014/crime-in-the-u.s.-2014/tables/expanded-homicidedata/expanded_homicide_data_table_6_murder_race_and_sex_of_vicitm_by_race_and_sex_of_offender_2014.xls.
