Full Picture

Article analysis:

The article titled "Defeatism and inevitability: the metaphors of black deaths in custody" by ABC Radio National discusses the issue of Aboriginal deaths in custody and questions whether they are inevitable. The author highlights the case of Miss Dhu, a 22-year-old Aboriginal woman who died in police custody due to sepsis from untreated pneumonia. The coroner found that her death was preventable, and she received inhumane treatment from police and medical staff.

While the article sheds light on an important issue, it has several biases and one-sided reporting. Firstly, the author assumes that readers have a pre-existing knowledge of the issue without providing any background information or statistics on Aboriginal deaths in custody. This can be problematic as it may lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations by readers who are not familiar with the topic.

Secondly, the article presents a biased view by only focusing on cases where Aboriginal people have died in custody due to neglect or mistreatment by police and medical staff. While these cases are undoubtedly tragic, there are also instances where Aboriginal people have died in custody due to natural causes or self-harm. By not acknowledging these cases, the article presents a one-sided view that may not accurately reflect the reality of deaths in custody.

Thirdly, the article makes unsupported claims such as "Is police custody a de facto death penalty?" without providing any evidence to support this statement. This claim is particularly problematic as it implies that all Aboriginal people who enter police custody are at risk of dying, which is not true.

Fourthly, the article misses points of consideration such as the fact that many Aboriginal people who enter police custody suffer from underlying health conditions or substance abuse issues that put them at higher risk of death. While this does not excuse neglect or mistreatment by police and medical staff, it is an important factor to consider when discussing deaths in custody.

Finally, while the article acknowledges that Alison Whittaker is both a poet and lawyer, it fails to note any potential biases she may have towards this issue. As someone who has spent time studying law and poetry, Whittaker may have a particular perspective on this issue that is not shared by others.

In conclusion, while the article raises important issues surrounding Aboriginal deaths in custody, it has several biases and one-sided reporting that may lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations by readers. It is important for journalists to present both sides of an issue fairly and objectively to ensure that readers can make informed decisions based on accurate information.