The media landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade, and it’s crucial to examine how this has influenced public discourse around race in America. A recent discussion highlighted that in 2010, the terms “white supremacy” and “racism” were barely mentioned in major publications like the Washington Post and the New York Times. Fast forward to 2020, and those terms exploded in their usage, with substantial mentions across major media outlets. This uptick raises important questions about why these terms have become so prevalent in our national conversation.
Critics of this media obsession argue that it does not reflect a genuine increase in racial issues but rather a manipulated narrative aimed at creating division. They point out that many of the people discussing race today, particularly white liberals, have opinions more extreme than those of actual Black or Hispanic Americans. This so-called “Great Awokening” appears to be fueled not by reality but by a drive for social justice that distorts historical truths. The assertion is that the intense focus on words like “racism” and “white supremacy” serves a political agenda rather than a pursuit of understanding or reconciliation.
It’s not just the terms being used that matter; it’s the context and frequency of their use. The media suggests that racial tensions are higher now than in decades past. However, looking back at the mid-20th century, the level of overt racism during the Jim Crow era was evident in the everyday lives of Americans. Segregation, while inherently unjust, did not erase the achievements of Black individuals or their thriving institutions. Figures like Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver emerged from challenging circumstances to contribute significantly to American society, providing a counter-narrative to the bleak portrayal often presented in modern discussions.
The current media frenzy can obscure the progress that has been made. There’s a tendency to emphasize past injustices at the expense of recognizing how far the nation has come. While it’s important to acknowledge the wrongs of slavery and segregation, it is equally vital to reflect on the resilience and success of Black Americans since those dark chapters, highlighting their contributions rather than solely focusing on victimhood.
One must question the motives behind perpetuating discussions of race as a divisive issue. If the goal is unity, why do so many voices insist on reopening old wounds instead of celebrating the strides made toward equality? The insistence on viewing America through a lens of past injustices can lead to a narrative that seems intent on fostering division rather than healing. The true test of our society lies not in how much we talk about racism but in how we choose to move forward together, focusing on shared values and aspirations for all citizens.
In an age where sensationalism reigns in media, those who choose to discuss race must do so with a focus on constructive dialogue and real solutions. It’s time to stop reliving the past and start working towards a future where every American’s story, including the triumphs over adversity, is told with pride and honesty. The path forward should hinge not on the division sown by aggressive rhetoric but on our shared commitment to creating a better society for everyone.
