Persuasion

Convincing people of:

• "Facts"/Narratives about the world (Lippman)
• What is the problem
• What are "solutions" to the problem
• Why they should take action

Coordination

Media conveys information to people that changes behavior:

• Media informs people of like-minded others, better able to plan violence
• Convey costliness of violence (e.g. lynching)
• Convey low cost of violence (many supporters, others willing to use violence)

framing

the assignment of meaning and interpretations to events and social conditions in ways that are designed to mobilize supporters, win new supporters, and demobilize opponents

Who does framing?

Governments, political parties, organizations, individuals

Frames and Violence

Frames about violence

• e.g., framing lynching

Frames that contribute to violence

• e.g., Babri Masjid as site of Ram Temple

diagnostic framing

frames that identify a problem and attribute blame to individuals, groups, or structural factors

prognostic framing

frames that give solutions to the "problem" and the identification of strategies, tactics, and targets for political action or violence

Note: usually corresponds with the cause or blame assigned in diagnostic frame

motivational framing

frames that give a call to action or a particular reason for individuals to take action

Note: emphasizes why individuals in the audience need to do something about the problem

• Frames more effective if they are "inclusive" or "master" frames?
• What kinds of frames actually persuade? (Resonance)