Whitewashing the news and everything else must end. When the GOP controls the White House people of color are seen less on magazines, TV shows and movies. But the obeisance in advance this time is on steroids. However, the media companies will ultimately see the results of their cowardice in reduced viewership and ticket sales. The GOP may try, but cannot erase reality. Women, people of color, folks with disabilities and LGPTQs are Americans and have the same rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as cis-gendered white men.
While I agree with the viewpoint expressed in this article, I would point to another failure of the MSM. Sanewashing the MAGA agenda, and Don the Con's depraved ridiculousness. If the MSM wishes to survive, and its billionaire owners want to turn a profit, they need to engage in a more full throated assault on the information and economic war that right wing Repugnantans have been pushing since Reagan against our Federalist government. Coddling a would be "King" only encourages him and his minions to continue their assault.
I call it Blue Washing. They present in a 'liberal framework.' We know it's not. One must go outside the country to read what is happening here. Except for the Contrarian and associates of course. Although Wired is doing a good tell on Musk. But not enough background or bigger picture. Good article, thank you.
Here is where I personally diverge from this post:
"With all of this going on, who gives the news is as important as the news itself."
I expect three things of the news - accuracy, timeliness and fairness - with the first of these three having overriding importance. I believe strongly in diversity but I note that those who observe the three objectives above tend to develop an audience eager to hear them. The news is not a personality contest. Having said all that, I do object to the loss of Joy Reid. In my opinion, she did everything right.
I really don't get all this sudden change away from showing America as it is--made of diversity. Why the last few years away from DEI or so when Trump just became prez?
Thank you for this comment. Exactly. America is “made of diversity” and we seemed to be aware on this not so long ago. Government and businesses can strike down DEI policies/ language, but the diversity remains. Striking down these policies is an attack on the people who represent diversity and those who value it.
This piece of writing saddens me. It has a “back to the drawing board” feel to it, as if diversity has gone out of style for white people and they have to be persuaded again to believe in it.
Mr. Phillips, Can you rewrite this for people—including white people like me—who don’t believe our diversity was flimsy to begin with, see it as a strength, have connected with it throughout our entire lives, and think this country is taking giant steps backward by disposing of the notion that we should be attentive to diversity, including in the press/media.
As a white person, I am uncomfortable in all-white settings. I am more comfortable when surrounded by diversity. I can’t be alone. I guess my point is that if anybody is whitewashing anything for me, they shouldn’t bother.
I’ve tuned out mainstream media for the time being. What you describe is happening is probably a piece of what I’m reacting to. As another commenter pointed out, the media will lose its audience.
Abby Phillip anchors CNN NewsNight and does a wonderful job with a diverse panel that rotates nightly. She's the only cable news show I watch. She's knowledgeable, fact checks people in a respectful manner and yet honors all voices.
Whitewashing the news and everything else must end. When the GOP controls the White House people of color are seen less on magazines, TV shows and movies. But the obeisance in advance this time is on steroids. However, the media companies will ultimately see the results of their cowardice in reduced viewership and ticket sales. The GOP may try, but cannot erase reality. Women, people of color, folks with disabilities and LGPTQs are Americans and have the same rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as cis-gendered white men.
I miss JOY, but Lawrence is the right on the button
While I agree with the viewpoint expressed in this article, I would point to another failure of the MSM. Sanewashing the MAGA agenda, and Don the Con's depraved ridiculousness. If the MSM wishes to survive, and its billionaire owners want to turn a profit, they need to engage in a more full throated assault on the information and economic war that right wing Repugnantans have been pushing since Reagan against our Federalist government. Coddling a would be "King" only encourages him and his minions to continue their assault.
I call it Blue Washing. They present in a 'liberal framework.' We know it's not. One must go outside the country to read what is happening here. Except for the Contrarian and associates of course. Although Wired is doing a good tell on Musk. But not enough background or bigger picture. Good article, thank you.
Joy is a great loss in so many ways.
Here is where I personally diverge from this post:
"With all of this going on, who gives the news is as important as the news itself."
I expect three things of the news - accuracy, timeliness and fairness - with the first of these three having overriding importance. I believe strongly in diversity but I note that those who observe the three objectives above tend to develop an audience eager to hear them. The news is not a personality contest. Having said all that, I do object to the loss of Joy Reid. In my opinion, she did everything right.
I really don't get all this sudden change away from showing America as it is--made of diversity. Why the last few years away from DEI or so when Trump just became prez?
Thank you for this comment. Exactly. America is “made of diversity” and we seemed to be aware on this not so long ago. Government and businesses can strike down DEI policies/ language, but the diversity remains. Striking down these policies is an attack on the people who represent diversity and those who value it.
This piece of writing saddens me. It has a “back to the drawing board” feel to it, as if diversity has gone out of style for white people and they have to be persuaded again to believe in it.
Mr. Phillips, Can you rewrite this for people—including white people like me—who don’t believe our diversity was flimsy to begin with, see it as a strength, have connected with it throughout our entire lives, and think this country is taking giant steps backward by disposing of the notion that we should be attentive to diversity, including in the press/media.
As a white person, I am uncomfortable in all-white settings. I am more comfortable when surrounded by diversity. I can’t be alone. I guess my point is that if anybody is whitewashing anything for me, they shouldn’t bother.
I’ve tuned out mainstream media for the time being. What you describe is happening is probably a piece of what I’m reacting to. As another commenter pointed out, the media will lose its audience.
Abby Phillip anchors CNN NewsNight and does a wonderful job with a diverse panel that rotates nightly. She's the only cable news show I watch. She's knowledgeable, fact checks people in a respectful manner and yet honors all voices.
Cable News needs to die. It’s time for something else.