This video shows one of the unfortunate repercussions of the dynamics that Jori discussed in her post. While not perfect, the news segment is valuable for its highlighting of how the biased content and representations that large media corporations pass off as news and/or reliable reporting, promote racial stereotyping, fear of non-whites amongst viewers, and maintain white myths about the dangerousness of racial others and societies dismissing customs of segregation. Classen’s interviews demonstrate to us that biased representations and presentation of issues is nothing new to US news networks. Bill Monroe explained to him that “some southern stations would not use film brutality even though their own cameramen had shot it” so it was a long time coming before some southerners even saw material that let them realize that things were going on in their state.”(48) Thinking about this quote in context of the video, I wonder how long it will be before the children featured in the video realize the prevalence and hegemonic nature of subjective media representations. What if they never do? Jori called for consumers to be more demanding and conscientious, but what to do about consumer of media who are too young or sheltered to see the problematic elements of the major media networks programming.
This video of rap artist Nas’ trip to the Fox News headquarters reminded me of the powerful activism that Tugaloo students organized when they successfully convinced many popular southern entertainers to change their performance plans. Nas’ actions at the Fox headquarters also relates to Classmen’s discussion of “the ways that Mississippi activists worked, often in discreet ways, to make African American discontent and to publish or “broadcast” this dissatisfaction with segregation as widely as possible”. Nas explained to protesters “they don’t want to hear our voice. They think they have the only voice. We’re here today because we have a voice. They know what they are doing… its all about keep people scared.” Do you think Nas’ actions were effective in helping spread information about the ever-present racism in one of the nations largest news networks? How does Nas’ involvement attest to the continued power of having popular artists publicize the need for change? How do his tactics differ from activists in Mississippi during the 1960’s? Why might that be? And lastly, how can we demonstrate clear connections between FOX-like news programming, prejudiced social practices, and inequitable policies in ways that would make demands for content change seem warranted?
1 comment:
I think that often the same people hear the same stories or sides of the story and then change is impossible. We need to start crossing the lines. I think that this Nas example is a good one because although he is trying to cross the lines, generally speaking those who watch Fox don't watch MTV or if they do they aren't searching for political information on MTV. While I think that boycotting one channel is helpful it also often defeats the purpose because the best way for Nas to "spread the word" about fox is by speaking on MTV. I think of Kanye West when he said "Bush hates black people" on MTV. I would like to know what people think this did in terms of spreading a message.
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