In this conversation, Jeff Asher and writer Philip Bump discuss the disconnect between public perception of crime and real crime statistics. Philip explores how media narratives, political agendas, and societal fears shape these perceptions, often leading to the misconception that crime is rising even when data shows otherwise. Together, they explore the role of technology and social media in amplifying these narratives, as well as the challenges faced by policymakers and the media in addressing public concerns.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why do Americans often believe crime is rising, even when data shows otherwise?
- How media stories, political agendas, personal anecdotes, and isolated incidents amplify fear of crime beyond what the data shows.
- Can crime data and individual tragedies be presented together in a way that feels both accurate and meaningful?
- How do emerging technologies, like video surveillance apps, online neighborhood groups, and cell phone footage, shape audiences’ perceptions of crime beyond traditional media?
- How can gut sentiment about topics like immigration or trade deficits conflict with hard data, and how does this impact politics?
- Why do individuals tend to favor news that aligns with their personal views on crime, and is there a solution for traditional media to combat misinformation and personal biases?
- How understanding the motivations behind crime narratives can provide a deeper context and more balanced conversations.
Guest Bio:
Philip Bump is former columnist for The Washington Post. As one of the paper's most read writers, he focused on the data behind polls and political rhetoric. He also writes a weekly newsletter, "How To Read This Chart."
Resources & Links:
Follow the Jeff-alytics Podcast:
- Instagram: @realtimecrimeindex
- Youtube: @Aggregated_RTCI
- Website: www.ahdatalytics.com/jeff-alytics_podcast/
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com