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Journalism, Belief, & Belonging
The crisis in democracy is not just about information
Jeff Jarvis
机器人 敏感内容@jeffjarvis@mastodon.social
Yes, journalists, report on this crazy shit they say about dogs & cats; he said in the debate; you have to. Fine, show the funny memes. But NEVER stop there. ALWAYS report the context: in this case of blood libel, racism, incitement, and fascism. How? Study and share history. 5/
Bouie says he avoids media criticism (wish he wouldn't but understand why). I agree the memes are hilarious. But by covering only the crazy & the memes, news media miss the real story again--fascism!--and only spread the blood libel. That's not savvy. 4/
Related: When Trumpists say they believe crazy shit--in meme or poll--they don't have to believe it. It's signaling of belonging. It is also permission: They don't have to believe in dogs for dinner when they want an excuse to attack Haitians. 3/
medium.com/whither-...
The crisis in democracy is not just about information
Here is Bouie's column about Trump and meaning. Quoting: "He may rant and he may rave, but his rantings and ravings aren’t static; they carry meaning." 2/
www.nytimes.com/202...
On the question of his political opponents, he’s clear. He will punish them, if we give him the power to do so.
As ever, Jamelle Bouie is insightful: Springfield dogs & cats is not a meme; it is blood libel: incitement to racist violence. I've been thinking about his recent column: their insane rhetoric is meaningless on the surface, but deadly meaningful underneath. Media are missing this.