ISIS, Ebola, Ferguson, and Media Coverage

I have been at home most of the day watching the news. I have watched CNN, MSNBC, and yes, even FOX News. Noticing the discrepancies in coverage have made me a bit angry, although I can not say I am surprised.

Most of what I have personally watched has been regarding ISIS and overseas troubles. We seemed deeply interested in events in Syria, Iraq and other nations, but what about here at home?

photo courtesy of www.fergusonoctober.com
photo courtesy of www.fergusonoctober.com

 

ISIS is a huge threat to global peace and security, but it does not appear that they are still a huge threat to United States citizens within our borders. Also, Ebola coverage has been frequent and widespread. Ebola is clearly a terrible health problem and having it now on our own soil makes some coverage absolutely necessary. Again though, Ebola is not that prevalent in the States and it is not easily spread.

Now, gun violence and police killings seem to be a bigger?and clearer?threat to our people. There are over 30,000 gun-related incidences each year and more than one black man?is?killed by the police EACH?week. ?A new report also found that teenage black men are twenty-one times more likely to be killed by the police than teenage white men. TWENTY-ONE!?That is nothing short of abhorrent.

The protests and chaos in Ferguson has not stopped. Large protests have been occurring in the recent days with the hashtag #FergusonOctober spreading awareness via social media networks. Prestigious civil rights activist and professor, Dr. Cornel West, was actually arrested earlier today. However, the news has not been covering this in the same ways and frequency that they are covering some of the aforementioned issues. In the hours I have been watching, I have heard countless commentary and segments on Ebola and ISIS but only one on Ferguson.

Popular television news media may think Ferguson has died down or that the people will rest, but those on the ground are singing a different tune. While issues of terrorism, for example, seem to be covered continuously regardless of whether “breaking news” has actually taken place, issues affecting America here at home seem to have quick spurts of coverage and then subside exponentially. I have marveled at the extraordinary class and pride most of the protesters in Ferguson have possessed since the killing of Michael Brown, and the subsequent killings around that area of Kajieme Powell and?VonDerrit Myers.?Justice-seekers will not stop until Darren Wilson is arrested. In fact, we will not stop until our black and brown sisters can live in peace, free of fear and death.

 


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I was born on January 13, 1990. I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. I moved up north and attended the University of CT from 2008 to 2012. I currently also work at a law firm in Uptown Charlotte and have been helping with this organization entitled the National Independent Voter Coalition. My interests include: Politics (obviously), Basketball (playing and watching) and watching almost any sport, movies, reading, the law, human rights, entertainment, mostly Angelina Jolie and Beyonce. I am fun, caring, passionate, intelligent, and unique!