In this episode of Stay Mindful with Dr. Evelyn Davis, Dr. Davis explores racial bias, media framing, cultural humility, and how our own experiences influence the way we interpret difficult stories. Using current cases involving Karmelo Anthony, Nolan Wells, and Addison Hunnicutt, along with historical examples of racialized media coverage, she examines what research tells us about the ways Black defendants and White victims have been portrayed in American media.

This conversation isn't about choosing sides. It's about becoming more aware of the lens through which we view other people—and learning how to make room for compassion even when we disagree.

Resources / Show Notes:

Research

Research referenced in this episode on racial representation, media framing, and perceptions of news coverage:

Carr, S., & Soroka, S. (2025). Depictions of Black Americans in U.S. television news, 1990–2020. Journalism.
https://doi.org/10.1177/14648849251386724

Dixon, T. L. (2008). Who is the victim here? The psychological effects of overrepresenting White victims and Black perpetrators on television news. Journalism, 9(5), 582–605.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1464884908094160

Equal Justice Initiative & Global Strategy Group. (2021). Innocent until proven guilty? A look at media coverage of criminal defendants in the U.S.

Pew Research Center. (2023). Black Americans' experiences with news.

Current Events Discussed:

Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf — Discussed in relation to media framing, context, compassion, and assumptions about victims and defendants.

Addison Hunnicutt — Discussed as an example of how context and race may influence how we interpret someone's actions.

Nolan Wells — Discussed in relation to public attention, unanswered questions, and how we respond to stories involving race.

Mason Schermerhorn and the Apalachee High School Shooting — Discussed as an example of how imagery can influence perceptions of victims and suspects.

Concepts Discussed:

Cultural humility • Implicit bias • Racial bias • Media framing • Representation • Humanization and criminalization • Compassion • Mindfulness • Self-awareness

Reflection Questions:

What do I actually know—not what I've seen or heard from somebody else?

What am I assuming, and where did those assumptions come from?

If the identities of the people involved were reversed, would I feel differently?

Companion Mini Episode:

Practicing Cultural Humility: A Reflection Exercise

Using the **5 Rs of Cultural Humility—Reflection, Respect, Regard, Relevance, and Resiliency—we'll continue the conversation with a guided reflection on our assumptions and biases.

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Disclaimer

This episode is for educational and reflective purposes and is not a substitute for therapy or individualized mental health treatment. If you need additional support, consider connecting with a licensed mental health professional in your area.