By
Andrew Doughman
December 7, 2009
For the past two years, journalists from around the world have spawned story after story about one woman now convicted of murdering British student Meredith Kercher. Some dubbed her a devil with an angel’s face; others called her a victim of character assassination. Following Friday’s verdict, the differences in European and American media portrayals of Knox have provoked disagreement.
In the United States, national media outlets like CBS have aired stories raising questions about the Italian judicial process. Members of local groups such as Friends of Amanda Knox still insist she’s innocent.
The conviction has even become an issue of state concern.
Sen. Maria Cantwell released a statement following Friday’s verdict in which she raised doubts about the Italian justice system and an Italian judicial procedure that allows jury members to see media reports about the trial.
Across the Atlantic, British and Italian journalists have not raised the same concerns. Rather than critiquing the court’s decision, British journalists have printed more stories about Kercher’s family, who are British.
“The press in each of these countries is backed by scores of people and networks of people who are taking particular positions related to where they’re from,” said Roger Simpson, a UW communication professor.
Some journalists in all three countries, however, have noticed the evolving split between Knox as a “she-devil” and the “Amélie of Seattle,” as a Guardian reporter wrote prior to the conviction.
For all of the commotion in Italy, many Seattleites have a vested interest in Knox’s welfare: Knox’s family and friends live here — some of them still attend classes at this university — and some Knox support groups and writers who proclaim her innocence call Seattle home.
“They’ve been keeping the media from her,” said David Johnsrud, Knox’s friend. “They don’t want her to be on camera because as soon as you put Amanda on camera, the entire world is going to see how lovely a human being she is.”
Beyond the forensics and facts, anecdotes published in U.S. and international media have lent themselves to reporters seeking to explore or reveal portions of Knox’s personality that might indicate guilt or innocence. Alternatively painted as a normal, innocent American caught up in a foreign legal debacle and a wild, sex-crazed, drug user, Knox has evolved into a character onto which an international audience has projected their judgments.
“There are people who are emotionally involved,” Simpson said. “A lot of people who are investing in a response to this do have a bias.”
With the trial headed for an appeal, these two versions of Knox given to an international audience by the media will likely play a role once again.
Reach reporter Andrew Doughman at news@dailyuw.com.
16 Comments
#1 Sean
on December 7, 2009 at 9:08 a.m.Whatever "the truth" is about what exactly took place in Perugia that night we probably will never have a clear view of it due to a variety of factors.
It is unfortunate though that the Knox family here and their supporters have generated such a media circus about the case believing that it would help Amanda. Peggy Say learned the hard way about the pitfalls of keeping her hostage brother Terry Anderson in the news.
For reasons of distance, media clouding the dynamics, a different legal system, finger pointing across oceans, speculation and counter speculation acted out through the press, it is beyond many of us to arrive at a view that smacks of any legitimate accuracy. I can only say that the situation is a huge mess. I hope UW is being proactive in what it tells students going abroad after this.
#2 Darren
on December 7, 2009 at 1:20 p.m.A local perspective on the issue: http://www.the-spearhead.com/2009/12/...
#3 Anna
on December 7, 2009 at 2:07 p.m.Not that I'm taking sides or anything, but what does her past as a lovely human being have to do with her innocence NOW? People change. Having said that, all this forensic reliability and inconsistencies make it a tougher case. If "10 skin cells" of Amanda Knox found on the knife (supposedly used in the crime) is good enough for Italy to find her guilty, it doesn't matter if its not substantial evidence here in America. The crime was committed in Italy.
I hope the truth does come out.
#4 The Truth
on December 7, 2009 at 2:27 p.m.Personally, I don't give a shit whether Knox actually committed the crime. I could also care less about what her fate ultimately becomes.
#5 Scott A.
on December 7, 2009 at 3:18 p.m.There's so many conflicting stories. While I do NOT trust the Italian court system, I'm sure there's something about this case that we don't know. Extradite her to the US!
#6 The Truth
on December 7, 2009 at 5:26 p.m.Knox should have just fled the country right after she killed Kercher. Start running, try to get to the middle east, maybe southeast asia, contact her parents, and then gtfo.
#7 paul stanney
on December 9, 2009 at 2:26 p.m.we keep hearing how foxy has been misjudged how this how that is wrong what about miss kercher and what that evil trio did to her and all the yanks say is bring her home well im from the uk and i wouldnt let crafty foxy knoxy and her band of killers ever see the outside of the walls of the prison again good work italian courts and as for foxy babys parents you now have a killer to support my prayers are with miss kerchers family god bless them see you in 26 years foxy lovely dont get to board
#8 The Truth
on December 9, 2009 at 5:09 p.m.It's bored, Paul, bored. But then again, you are a Brit.
-The Truth
#9 paul stanney
on December 10, 2009 at 10:05 a.m.hi truth yes mate you are right i did spell it wrong i thought it was funny when you said well you are a brit made me smile anyway no offence taken and thanks for having sharp eyes hope we can be friends and chat now and then regards paul
#10 The Truth
on December 10, 2009 at 6:42 p.m.We can't be friends.
-The Truth
#11 Stacy L.
on December 11, 2009 at 12:55 a.m.I believe the correct verdict was reached, but with all the media attention not sure if the trial was completly fair.
#12 paul stanney
on December 11, 2009 at 12:50 p.m.your choice truth have a happy christmas anyway
#13 peter pan
on December 12, 2009 at 4:14 p.m.bye bye foxy knoxy you wont be so cocky now and also you have 26 years to see the horror of what you have done it goes to show what was lurking beneath that pretty exterior evil in itself i suppose some sick person will want to make a film of how it all began typical yanks im pleased i dont live in the usa im a brit also i dont need any lessons in english on how to spell brits are the leaders thats why the world over speakes english because we are the only ones anyone can understand happy xmas and to you foxy oh and to all the demented people who think you did not do it bye bye partner
#14 The Truth
on December 12, 2009 at 4:25 p.m.Paul, there's no need to make another alias if you feel too intimidated to face The Truth. However, you do need a refresher course in basic grammar. Your run-on sentences hurt my eyes.
#15 Santa
on December 13, 2009 at 7:04 a.m.Hello Truth,
My grammar is ok and i dont need lessons from you thankyou I have a degree in fine art,a portion of my course involved writing essays .By the way i dont see a name for you , is it because you like to hide behind the truth ,and you dont want people to see you slide in and out of the night . A good pair of glasses from father christmas would be a remedy for your sore eyes . I hope the grammar you are reading at this moment in time is ok .
Regards Paul.
#16 The Truth
on December 14, 2009 at 1:07 a.m.The Truth wonders if Paul realizes that Paul made a terrible comeback. Hiding behind the truth...
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