Media Bias: Same Sex Marriage Articles

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Portfolio Essay Same sex marriage has been a controversial issue since homosexual couples started to petition for their civil and marital rights. Even though homosexuality existed long before our society labeled it, it is still not socially accepted by many groups as well as individuals. As a result, people tend to be biased when reporting facts concerning homosexual marriage. Biases can be hidden in many literature works like books, journals, magazines, and articles. Through these documents writers try to provoke an emotional response from their readers in order to influence their view of a usually highly debated matter. An example of this would be three articles through which the rhetors dissimilarly influence the opinion of their audience by omitting or emphasizing certain facts about the legalization of gay marriage in New York State. The article from NBC New York titled “NY Legalizes Gay Marriage” discusses the process by which same sex marriage was legalized, and the reactions that followed this event. In the beginning the text has an exciting tone since the authors describe the overwhelming emotions of individuals as well as the celebrations that took place after the law allowing same sex marriage was approved. By starting the article in this manner the writers are trying to provoke feelings of excitement from their readers in order to make them think that this event is a positive aspect of our society. Also, by mentioning the gay movement’s multiple efforts over the past “forty-two years to ensure the marital as well as civil rights of homosexuals” (Virtanen, Hill, and Zraick 1), the writers motivate their audience to be sympathetic towards these individuals. Moreover, the authors try to make people become more suppo... ... middle of paper ... ...d independent opinion about a highly controversial issue. Works Cited Virtanen, Michael, Mike Hill, and Karen Zraick. "NY Legalizes Gay Marriage." (2011): 3. Web. 26 June 2011. Gay-Marriage-124411594.html>. Associated Press, . "New York Becomes the Sixth State to Legalize Gay Marriage." (2011): 4. Web. 25 June 2011. headed-to-vote-on-ny-senate-floor/>. Confessore, Nicholas, and Michael Barbaro. "New York Allows Same-Sex Marriage, Becoming Largest State to Pass Law." New York Times 24 June 2011, Web. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/25/nyregion/gay-marriage-approved-by-new-york- senate.html?r=1&pagewanted=all

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