Adpulp covers media and marketing—two sides of one coin. As such, it’s important to shine a light on the continued abuse of American journalists by the White House, by the police, and by our fellow Americans.
More than 250 violations of the freedom of the press have been lodged since May 26.
Minnesota police arrest CNN reporter and camera crew as they report from protests in Minneapolis https://t.co/oZdqBti776 pic.twitter.com/3QbeTjD5ed
— CNN (@CNN) May 29, 2020
The President of the United States has repeatedly said that the news media is the enemy of the people. It looks like the idea, as dumb and wrong as it is, is catching on, especially among the body armored.
Police just raided the gas station we were sheltering at. After shouting press multiple times and raising my press card in the air, I was thrown to the ground. Then another cop came up and peppered sprayed me in the face while I was being held down. pic.twitter.com/23EkZIMAFC
— Michael Anthony Adams (@MichaelAdams317) May 31, 2020
“Targeted attacks on journalists, media crews, and news organizations covering the demonstrations show a complete disregard for their critical role in documenting issues of public interest and are an unacceptable attempt to intimidate them,” said Carlos Martínez de la Serna, program director of the Committee to Protect Journalists.
A complete disregard for their critical role in documenting issues of public interest. That is correct. And here lies the heart of the problem. Journalists ask hard questions and speak truth to power. Anyone who does these things becomes an instant pariah in today’s soft as room temperature butter culture. To do so in the face of an authoritarian takeover of the American government and our public streets and spaces turns the dial on pariah. Now, the reporter is a menace to the state.
Desperate Times and Defensive Measures
Pepper spray can cause chest tightness, swelling, and burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat. It’ll also make your eyelids involuntarily latch shut, making it dangerous to run. For this reason, it’s best to sit down or take shelter once you’re sprayed, advises journalist and former Marine, Sara Sneath.
Pepper spray is one of the relatively benign forms of police control—it neutralizes you, but temporarily, and you can wear a gas mask for preventive protection. Journos are now being gassed, arrested, verbally abused, punched, kicked, and shot with rubber bullets.
It’s not a pretty picture, but it is a realistic portrayal.
Australian PM Scott Morrison has demanded an investigation into the assault of an Australian journalist and cameraman at the hands of US Police, that was broadcast live on one of the country’s biggest morning shows https://t.co/JUGzEfCWZT
— Hadas Gold (@Hadas_Gold) June 2, 2020
The pen is mightier than the sword, sayeth the wise ones. But is this true today? Media companies are losing money and credibility faster than a drunk gambler at the Trump Casino. And when the GOP sees a “kick ’em when they’re down” opportunity (to silence opposition and reshape the daily news narrative via intimidation and bald-faced lies), they take it.
To Protect the Industry People, Pubs Must Be Smarter and More Tactical
Publishers, editors, and reporters must be smarter, right now. While it goes against their business model to look away, it is high time to do just that. When Don and his pissant posse had the streets outside of the White House cleared for a sacrilegious publicity stunt, the press sadly played an unwilling part in the process and the problem.
There is a better way. Starve the beast. When Faux News is the only network that carries Don’s messaging, America will be on the road to recovery.
The press loves to cast itself as a servant of the public interest. Terrific! Serve the public interest by silencing the dick tater.
