Violence Against Transgender Women: The Unsolved Case of Lorena Escalera (2012)
摘要
This chapter examines The New York Times’ reporting of the case of Lorena Escalera, a transgender woman whose tragic murder received sensationalist media coverage. Adopting the lens of the D.A.R.V.O. (Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender) tactic, the analysis focusses on how the media’s portrayal of violence against transgender women often perpetuates harmful stereotypes and victim-blaming narratives. Through an analysis of The New York Times’ article on the case, the chapter reveals instances of denial and attack, wherein Lorena’s gender identity is subtly undermined, and blame is shifted onto her lifestyle choices. Furthermore, the article’s framing of the crime suggests a reversal of Victim and Offender roles, ultimately diminishing the severity of the violence perpetrated against the victim. The study also compares The New York Times’ article with a corpus of articles (‘NewsCor’) retrieved from other newspapers, illustrating a mix of legitimising and deligitimising practices concerning Lorena’s identity. The study concludes that while some reporting aspects are respectful, there is a pressing need for more responsible and sensitive coverage of violence against transgender women, emphasising the media’s significant role in shaping societal perceptions and attitudes towards transgender individuals.