By Jamila Jacob
A week ago, social media and news outlets were buzzing with matters surrounding U.S. treatment of illegal immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees. My news feed was overflowing with pictures and statuses about the current Trump administration and how draconian their immigration policies are. Yet, only a couple days have passed, and I guess there is nothing to discuss anymore. The executive order was signed, we all criticized the U.S. government for the strategies employed, or lack thereof, and most eventually fell silent. See you when the next big story breaks!
Right now must be Neymar’s, and his ridiculous acting skills on the green carpet, time to shine. We’d come back to public policy issues later when the story would trap more attention and gather millions of clicks again. Besides, it’s bad news. Everyone deserves a break from the sad stuff every now and then, no?
Well, I’d tell you who is not getting a break; the Guatemalan victims of the recent volcanic eruption who are trying to piece their lives together in the midst of their pain. The El Salvadorian and Mexican migrants seeking relief from poverty, persecution and violence are ALSO not getting a break. The African refugees who are on the receiving end of horrible treatment in Europe do not get a break either. [Bet it slipped mainstream media’s mind to give this one a bit more coverage.] I would give more statistics so I can do a better job of gaining your empathy, but the last time a major news outlet covered some of the aforementioned was the first week in June. [Shame]
However, I assume that is what should be expected when many news outlets function to generate revenue and not to expand public capacity. Do not get me wrong, journalists need to eat, but it has become increasingly evident that sensationalism is the primary element that influences which narrative media outlets decide to promote. So, do not expect globally influential outlets like CNN to ask important questions such as, “What is being done to alleviate the situations in the home countries of these migrants?” or “Should we apprise the public of what legal roles world leaders play with regard to others’ welfare?” [Short answer is yes.]
In effect, media outlets decide if you care. As my grandmother always says, “What d eye doh see, d heart doh grieve.” In other words, out of sight, out of mind. In essence, before you type a long, sappy caption about how evil an administrator is or how there’s no hope for humanity, ask yourself; “Would my emotions ACTUALLY help to bring about solution? Or am I just flipping another coin per click into the hands of another outlet owner who is not going to give as much time to the same matter in about a week?”
And they say “the pen is mightier than sword.” Well, the latter might have won by default, because no one REALLY writes anymore.