The recent death of Kenneka Jenkins has resulted in dozens of conspiracy theories surrounding the mysterious circumstances in which she died. Social media has taken ahold of this story; thus, creating a multitude of theories that have permeated mainstream media and news outlets. One article in particular entitled: “Kenneka Jenkins Conspiracy Theories on Social Media Are Helping No One,”( https://newsone.com/3748976/new-kenneka-jenkins-conspiracy-theories-social-media-not-helping/) bluntly points out the negative aspects of the outside world’s speculation on the developing case. The writer goes on to list various conspiracy theories, labeling few as “plausible” while also pointing out many that “are far-fetched at best( like the one alleging a massive organ harvesting operation gone wrong”). The tone of the article is clearly informational and airs on the side of government officials who say such conspiracy theories complicate matters because “every lead must be followed up.” Based on the sentiments expressed by those involved and/or working on the case the issue of conspiracy relies mainly on rationale. Statements made within the text such as: “It’s unfortunate that some of that stuff is convoluting the investigation,” asserts this reasoning. The writer remains on topic and illustrates a straightforward objective in explaining and negating the theories the internet has come up with.
Image provided by The Chicago Tribune.
Going through the various headlines involving the tragedy, many outlined the facts and updates except for one in particular entitled: “A Thorough Investigation Of The Insane Conspiracy Theories That Kenneka Jenkins Was Set Up By Her Friends, Raped For $200 And Murdered So Her Organs Could Be Harvested,”(http://www.yourtango.com/2017306629/-conspiracy-theories-rumors-kenneka-jenkins-murdered-raped-organ-harvesting.) Not only is the title excruciatingly long, but it is sensationalized to induce shock and intrigue. The article begins in a casual tone by claiming that the case of Kenneka Jenkins “leaves a lot to the imagination.” Information from The Chicago Tribune is inserted to highlight various aspects of the events involving Jenkins’ death and then the article goes in-depth providing the “top 3” conspiracy theories as well as providing “evidence” to back up these claims in the form of tweets, YouTube videos, and Instagram posts from Jenkins’ alleged friends who were with her the night she died at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The overall disposition of the article does not appear to be one that would usually be associated with such a tragic event. By using “Top 3” in the title it demeans the entirety of the situation, reducing it to the likes of a lighthearted Buzzfeed list. The writer does not formally agree to any of the conspiracies given, but only presents them to the viewer and leaves it for them to decide.
The third article I discovered from CBS News: (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kenneka-jenkins-no-video-entering-freezer-where-she-was-found-dead-hotel-says/) is a professional, informative piece that relays many points brought up in the other two articles. This article differs from the first in that more substantial evidence and facts are provided, and it stands as a polar opposite from the second in terms of display and morale. The writer includes an incredibly detailed account of the events leading up to Jenkins’ death and the aftermath. Conspiracy theories are not the main topic of this text, though it is mentioned( not in a positive or negative light). Article 2 contains several videos of conspiracy theories, while this article(3) issues a video interview with Jenkins’ mother; obtaining an ethos of sympathy and compassion.
All three articles involved conspiracies formulated around the death of Kenneka Jenkins, with the first implementing a serious and informational outlook, the second using less conventional forms and focusing on the “insane” and shocking “revelations” made by people regarding the case, and the third providing a commentary based on statements issued by the Rosemont police and hotel staff.
Hello everyone, I’m Alex.
GoAskAlex 