In addition to tensions being high in the aftermath of the Dallas shooting that resulted in the loss of five officers, there is another issue coming to the forefront. Many are struggling with finding an appropriate way to express their emotions. On both sides of the issue people are choosing social media as that platform.
Tomi Lahren, who is no stranger to social media controversy, once again spoke out of turn. This time, the commentator on Glenn Beck’s TheBlaze is coming under fire for an irresponsible comment regarding the Black Lives Matter movement.
Not surprisingly, on Friday July 8, Tomi Lahren can once again be seen taking to Twitter. Lahren is connecting the Black Lives Matter movement to the terrorist group the KKK. You can view the elusive tweet here:
A panel discussion on CNN between Lahren, David Zurawik, and Jami Wilson, shows Lahren as she defends her irresponsible tweet. Without panel moderation, one might wonder if anyone else would have had the opportunity to speak. Lahren seemed to make an attempt to dominate the conversation.
As a result, Zurawik addressed the issue of social media (and Lahren’s own recklessness no doubt) by saying:
“Social media, you have people putting some of the worst stuff out there. They publish it in the midst of these, heightened warfare almost, and then they take it down because, ‘Oh duh, I was wrong.’ That’s so reckless. And Brian, it’s people in the media working on legitimate media platforms who are doing this”.
He is referring to those who use social media “recklessly” to negatively marginalize groups . The Baltimore Sun critic identifies the value of panel discussion. He sees value in its ability to “contextualize” negative comments in order to bring on understanding, not give those irresponsible a platform.
Finally, in the last moments, Lahren jumps at the chance for a rebuttal. She expresses disagreement with the idea of a panel discussion to decode statements. TheBlaze commentator then cites personal experience, stating the speaker should be given the opportunity to directly clarify for themselves. As a result of her comments of disagreement, Zurawik steps in to condemn.
In conclusion, I am standing with Zurawik on his position in regards to increased responsibility for those with media platforms. We are seeing the effects of uninformed social media posts on a daily basis. What do you think is the role of those with a platform in social issues? Should they take the effects of their words into larger consideration?
The panel exchange between David Zurawik and Tomi Lahren video can be see below.
