I dont often get up on my soapbox, but this needs to be said:
This is why America is split. This is why we have become two sides screaming at each other without resolution. It is the news media and we must call on them to change their ways.
We rely on the news, whether in article or broadcast format. We go to them to be informed because that's all they do, 24 hrs a day, is spit out information to the world. And as we weed through the fake news to the reputable sources, we are still left adrift with partial information and vague answers. Why? Why give us only half the story? Is it because the other half is too shocking? Is it because the reporters are too lazy to find it? Or are they too rushed to be the first to announce it?
I overheard that Aunt Jemima was changing its name and replacing the illustration on the bottle. These people thought it was ridiculous that even syrup was now considered racist, so first I searched to find if what they said was true. It was. But why? The article I read stated that the syrup had racist roots, but gave no indication of what those roots might be, insinuating that it was because making syrup was a subservient role. That answer didnt sit well with me so I checked another news source. Their information was just as vague. Finally, on the third try, I found an article that actually explained! Imagine that! Being given knowledge by a news source, not just fear, annoyance and confusion.
This article described the shocking history. I was informed that "Aunt Jemima" was a slave song, sung in performances by people in black face depicting happy, dancing slaves. Knowing this, who could possibly disagree that, yes, syrup can be racist and it needs to change?
This is not the only case where the media has caused outrage and dismissive responses with their lazily researched, rushed to post news. What kind of world do we live in where the news we turn to for unbiased information is what pits us all against each other? It is time for that to change. It's time for the media to understand that they have a responsibility to print and post and broadcast the whole story, not half, not just a catchy headline, but a fully researched and informative news story.
If you would like to read the article for yourself, the link to NPR is below. Here's to being well informed!
https://www.npr.org/sections/live-updates-protests-for-racial-justice/2020/06/17/879104818/acknowledging-racial-stereotype-aunt-jemima-will-change-brand-name-and-image
